Alberta sets C$15mn investment in reducing emissions
The Government of Alberta said July 3 it would invest C$15mn (US$11mn) over the next five years to support the NGIF Accelerator’s Emissions Testing Centre (ETC) programme.
“We are a global leader in reducing methane emissions, and Alberta technologies are being used around the world,” said Rebecca Schulz, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “We are removing barriers so our talented startup companies can grow their good ideas, create jobs and support a sustainable oil and gas sector for generations to come.”
The ETC, established in 2021, provides innovators with free, simulated testing space at the University of Calgary and live testing space at the West Wolf Lake gas processing plant near Edson, owned by Tourmaline Oil and Perpetual Energy. There, companies can validate technologies to measure, monitor or reduce methane emissions.
“Tourmaline is committed to helping develop emerging cleantech companies while providing real solutions to reduce methane emissions,” Tourmaline CEO Mike Rose said. “Not only are these companies pioneering innovative technologies, but they're also creating tangible benefits, from helping our industry mitigate emissions and reduce operating costs to generating high-quality jobs and opportunities for Albertans.”
To date, 74 startup companies have enrolled in the ETC programme; 32 have completed their methane testing and reduction technology trials and 27 projects are currently underway.
The new funding from the Alberta government – in the form of C$3mn/year in grants for five years with an option to extend for up to another five years – will ensure the programme continues to help companies de-risk and commercialise their innovative technology solutions.
“This funding will allow us to further expand the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre’s testing capabilities and support the development of innovative methane management technologies,” NGIF Accelerator CEO John Adams said. “We are confident that this partnership will help NGIF continue to accelerate technology and innovation in the natural gas sector and maintain Alberta’s leadership in methane emissions management.”
The West Wolf Lake gas processing facility is equipped with significantly more sensors and instrumentation than a typical gas processing facility, giving innovators access to data that is not often available at a typical live operation. Along with the gas processing plant, companies also have access to a network of upstream well sites, midstream facilities and operations.