We have two focus areas for R&D and innovation:

Systems integrity, leak detection and damage prevention, which takes place primarily in our Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, and Utilities business segments.  We’re focused on researching, testing and assessing the best new technologies including advanced pipeline-monitoring systems; new tools to prevent, monitor or mitigate corrosion, cracks and deformation; and real-time leak detection technologies. We work in partnership with vendors and industry consortiums to develop new technologies, conduct in-house field-trial investigations and evaluate emerging technologies.

We apply advanced technologies and are looking at innovative processes and techniques across specialized areas on our system, such as Line 5 at the Straits Makinac and on newly constructed pipelines. As we focus on an innovative culture we are also making improvements on how we operate our system, which positively impacts our customers and stakeholders.

Renewable and alternative energy, supported primarily by our Power Operations groups, continues to support innovative pre-commercial energy generation technologies including geothermal, renewable natural gas and power-to-gas conversion as a means of energy storage. We also invest in technology development programs to enhance the efficiency and capacity of our green power assets.

Enbridge continues to be an active supporter of advancing and incorporating new technology through industry associations such as the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada and Pipeline Research Council International, and consortiums including Operations Technology Development (OTD); and NYSEARCH.

In 2017, our Operations team successfully continued its push to improve our capabilities in condition-based monitoring and advanced analytics through investments in monitoring systems. These improvements have allowed our assets to leverage data provided by the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. The initiative has allowed us to optimize our fleet availability and also begin to detect potential component failures undetectable through ordinary visual inspections. Optimization efforts have contributed to higher levels of asset performance and reduction in lost revenue due to downtime.