Alberta invests $31.3 million in nine projects to reduce global emissions

EDMONTON – The Alberta government is putting $31.3 million towards nine projects targeted at reducing emissions.

The investment is part of Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan and if successful the nine projects are estimated to reduce emissions by 280,000 tonnes each year, a release said.

Four of the projects aim to improve Alberta’s electricity system by integrating new low-carbon technologies including energy storage.

PIP Lethbridge will add thermal energy storage at its food processing facility and TransAlta will install a new battery system near Cochrane, the largest battery energy storage system of its kind in Alberta. Funding will also support Solartility’s trial solar array for agricultural use, and an onsite oil extraction and upgrading process led by NanosTech will reduce process costs and emissions.

The remaining five projects will turn bitumen into carbon fibre, with funding from the University of British Columbia, Thread Innovations, CarboMat, Enlighten Innovations and NORAM Engineering and Constructors Ltd. to support this goal.

Funding recipients will be required to report on project outcomes, achievements, and lessons learned including emissions reductions, job creation and other environmental, economic, and social benefits, the release said.