EDMONTON — The Province of Alberta is investigating how carbon storage hubs near Edmonton could help the region combat harmful emissions.
The province announced six new proposals to explore how to develop environmentally safe carbon storage hubs to reduce emissions from the industrial heartland around the city.
Officials noted their research shows carbon capture and storage can be a safe way to store carbons deep underground to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Carbon capture and storage is proven, safe and effective,” said Sonya Savage, energy minister, in a statement. “We are ensuring that carbon capture and sequestration will be deployed responsibly and strategically over the long-term in the best interest of Albertans. This will help meet the increasing demand from industry and help significantly reduce emissions.”
The list of proposals and companies includes:
- Meadowbrook Hub Project, Bison Low Carbon Ventures Inc. for a potential sequestration hub north of Edmonton.
- The Open Access Wabamun Carbon Hub, Enbridge Inc. for a potential sequestration hub west of Edmonton.
- The Origins Project, Enhance Energy Inc. for a potential sequestration hub south of Edmonton.
- Alberta Carbon Grid, Pembina Pipeline Corporation and TC Energy for a potential sequestration hub north and northeast of Edmonton.
- Atlas Carbon Sequestration Hub (Atlas Hub), Shell Canada Limited, ATCO Energy Solutions Ltd. Suncor Energy Inc., for a potential sequestration hub east of Edmonton.
- Wolf Midstream and partners for a potential sequestration hub east of Edmonton.
The province explained companies will be invited to work with government to further evaluate the suitability of each location for safely storing carbon from industrial emissions.
If the evaluation demonstrates the proposed projects can provide permanent storage, companies can work with the government on an agreement that provides them with the right to inject captured carbon dioxide.
This agreement will also ensure they will provide open access to all emitters and affordable use of the hub.
Ultimate approval will fall to the Alberta Energy Regulator which be assessing if they meet the province’s safety and environmental standards.
A second request for full project proposals to provide carbon storage services to regions across the rest of the province is now open. Applications will be accepted from April 25 to May 2.
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