Transforming Utility Challenges into Environmental Solutions

Emmanuel Quagraine, Manager of Chemical Initiatives and Services at SaskPower, brings over two decades of multidisciplinary expertise to one of Canada’s leading utility companies. With a career deeply rooted in chemical services and environmental management, Quagraine has been pivotal in advancing carbon capture technologies and optimizing chemical processes across SaskPower’s operations. His contributions have driven innovation at the intersection of power generation, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

At the forefront of Quagraine’s work is SaskPower’s groundbreaking Boundary Dam Power Station—home to the world’s first fully integrated commercial carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility. Under his leadership, the company has made significant strides in optimizing amine-based CCS processes, a foundational technology in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from thermal power plants. His work has provided mechanistic insights into critical operational challenges, such as amine degradation, foaming, and fouling of heat exchangers. These insights have led to developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies that enhance performance and cost efficiency under real-world CCS operating conditions.

In addition to his work on carbon capture, Quagraine has been central to optimizing Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems and water treatment strategies at SaskPower’s new generation combinedcycle natural gas plants. His expertise has been critical in managing corrosion, scaling, and biofouling in water treatment plants and steam-water cycle loops, ensuring reliability, longevity, and environmental compliance in these advanced energy systems. His advisory role in water and wastewater treatment has also extended to pioneering solutions involving reclaimed municipal wastewater, transforming it into industrial-grade water for power plant cooling applications. This initiative has reduced freshwater dependency and set a new benchmark in sustainable utility practices.

Quagraine’s leadership extends beyond operations into research and development, where his scientific background and academic experience have greatly enriched SaskPower’s innovation capacity. Completing postdoctoral research in Thiomolybdate Chemistry  with applications in cancer treatment at the University of Michigan and addressing copper deficiency in ruminants at the University of Saskatchewan, Quagraine brings a rigorous analytical mindset to industrial problem-solving. His previous research with the National Water Research Institute and the Water Research Corporation further complements his industrial focus, enabling him to address complex technical challenges precisely.

His impact is also reflected in his published work. Quagraine has contributed significantly to technical journals such as Power Plant Chemistry and the Journal of Water Sustainability, providing deep insights into the application of constructed wetlands for municipal wastewater treatment, cycle chemistry optimization, and industrial cooling system efficiency. These publications underscore his commitment to knowledge sharing and industry advancement, aligning with broader decarbonization and environmental stewardship goals.

Before assuming his current role, Quagraine managed multiple laboratories across SaskPower’s facilities, including those at Shand and Boundary Dam power stations. He led efforts in fuel quality monitoring, chemical cleaning protocol development for heat exchangers, and performance evaluations of environmental mitigation systems. His oversight of operations using reclaimed water and biological treatment systems, including constructed wetlands and biologically active carbon filters, has been pivotal in advancing closed-loop water reuse and reducing the environmental footprint of fossil-fuel-based power generation.

Quagraine’s academic foundation, bolstered by teaching and lecturing roles at institutions such as the University of Cape Coast, the University of Saskatchewan, and Brandon University, has enriched his leadership style with a focus on continuous learning and mentorship. His career combines applied research, operational excellence, and commitment to environmental health and community service.

As utilities worldwide face mounting pressure to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability, Quagraine’s work at SaskPower stands as a compelling model for how scientific expertise and strategic leadership can drive transformative change in the energy sector.