Meet Bryan Donnelly
A senior development engineer at Heartland Generation with a rich background in mechanical engineering and over a decade of experience in oil and gas.
With a diverse career path that includes competitive rowing and a PhD specializing in prosthetics, Bryan now plays a key role in advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
We spoke with him about his career journey, the challenges he encounters, and the impactful work he’s doing to drive innovation in the energy sector.
What’s your story – education, career, and how you got to where you are today?
“My family emigrated from Ireland when I was five years old, initially settling in Edmonton and then Calgary just before I started university. I earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary, which included a co-op year in Ireland at an aluminum production facility. After university, I took a break to focus on competitive rowing and had the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. I then went on to complete a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in predicting the failure of prosthetic knees and hips. After finishing my studies, I worked in a bike shop for a year to reflect on my next steps, before joining the oil and gas sector for 13 years. The skills I developed in reservoir engineering, field development planning, and business strategy have been incredibly valuable in my current role in CCS.
I moved into CCS because I believe it to be a critical part of the future of energy. The principles of physics, equipment, and the workforce are like those in oil and gas, and with Alberta’s world-class subsurface, it was a natural transition. Now, as a Senior Development Engineer at Heartland Generation, I focus on the CCS component of our Battle River Carbon Hub project (BRCH), where we’re converting a natural gas power plant to hydrogen fuel with CCS to capture the emissions. It’s a challenging and exciting space to work in, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
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What drew you to the CCS sector?
“The opportunity to step out of my comfort zone was what initially drew me to the CCS sector. I’m naturally a risk-averse person, but when I look back on my career, the experiences I cherished the most were the ones that pushed me to take on new and sometimes more daunting challenges. Despite my natural inclinations, I knew I wanted to take on a job that scared me. I was drawn to the idea of building something fresh and undefined. I will admit there is still a part of me that gets excited about big, innovative projects, like when I was a kid seeing a large truck or an intricate structure for the first time. I can also see the future of energy becoming more complex, and I believe that CCS will play a key role in ensuring energy security. The challenges it brings are inspiring, and I’m eager to contribute to a sector that’s driving progress and innovation.”
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What do you love most about your job?
“What I love most about my job is the constant variety and challenge. Being part of a small team means I get to wear many hats, which keeps the work dynamic and engaging. I’ve worked on everything from regulatory submissions to providing feedback to government to help shape policies in the CCS space, even crafting legal contracts for operating agreements—all while diving into the technical aspects of field design. The complexity of CCS projects is what makes them truly exciting as they bring together multiple technologies, creating space for innovation and creative problem-solving. New ideas can thrive here, pushing me to think outside the box. It’s incredibly rewarding to tackle these multifaceted challenges, knowing that every day brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.”
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What’s the toughest part of your job?
“One of the biggest challenges I face in my job is the reality that solutions in CCS take time. I’m someone who likes to see things move quickly, but with so many moving parts—technical, regulatory, and input from various stakeholders—things often take longer than I would normally like. The process is rarely smooth, and it requires a lot of patience and iteration, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. The challenges push me to grow, and while it can be testing at times, I know the work we’re doing is important, and that makes it all worth it in the end.”
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What does the future hold for you?
“The future feels both uncertain and exciting. The projects I’m working on are complex and require significant investment, and they’re deeply connected to overall policy development. I see uncertainty in our industry, but I’m optimistic that the work will continue to move forward, and I very much want to be part of that journey. The energy transition is going to be messy, and honestly, I am okay with that. It will require a mix of solutions, and I’m excited to be part of that process. I’ve learned to embrace the challenges it brings and am looking forward to contributing to shaping a more sustainable future, even if the journey is a bit bumpy along the way.”
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What’s your top advice for newcomers to the industry?
“If you’re considering a career in the industry, my advice would be to embrace diverse opportunities and say “yes” to adventure! Don’t be put off by a meandering career path. Further, one of the most fundamental things to focus on is building your energy literacy. Whether it’s oil, gas, solar, wind, or electricity, all these components will need to work together. The more you understand them, the more valuable you become in this field. Competency can also be developed in both non-technical and technical areas. On the policy side, it is very important to try and identify opportunities that benefit both the public interest and the industry partners developing them. Risk management is another important area, especially since projects like CCS can span decades, requiring long-term risk management strategies. Technically, the days of simple projects are behind us. The future will be full of complex integrated projects, so building strong technical skills will help you find prospects and create innovative solutions.”
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What’s a typical day in your role like?
“Every day in my role feels a little different, which is one of the things I enjoy most. Because the project is so dynamic, there hasn’t been a “typical” day for me in the past few years. Depending on what stage we’re at, I might be reviewing technical designs with contractors, collaborating with my team to ensure all the project components work together, or managing timelines and budgets—essential but not always glamorous, especially when working with new technologies where there’s more uncertainty. At one point, I was deeply involved in developing an appraisal well program, which meant meeting with landowners to negotiate leases and handling regulatory applications for wells and subsurface testing. I also spend time researching the latest technologies—like new materials for CO2 pipelines—and attending industry seminars. It’s a mix of problem-solving, technical work, and coordination, and it keeps me on my toes. No two days are the same, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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What do you get up to when you’re not working?
“When I’m not at work, I’m usually outside with my family, making the most of the mountains. We love skiing, biking, and hiking—any excuse to be active and enjoy nature. Lately, we’ve also been travelling more with our son, giving him the chance to see and experience different parts of the world. Whether we’re exploring trails or new destinations, we always try to say “yes” to adventure.”
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What makes you proud to work in the CCS sector?
“I’m proud to work in the CCS sector because I believe it’s a vital piece of the puzzle in future energy development. Being part of one of the earliest large-scale projects is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing it’s helping to pave the way for more sustainable solutions. What makes it even more meaningful is the team I get to work with—collaborating with such dedicated and talented people is a constant source of pride and motivation.”
Alberta’s CCUS sector is evolving and growing every day.
CCUS presents a significant opportunity to help Canada reach its net-zero emissions goals – and it is happening right here, in western Canada. With a variety of roles and skills in demand, there is something for everyone is Alberta’s CCUS sector.
Check out all of our CCUS worker profiles here: