“Alberta continues to show leadership by using technology in practical ways to reduce emissions and combat climate change. These investments will help us grow our economy and pave the way to an even brighter future for all Albertans by building on Alberta’s strong foundation as a responsible and innovative energy leader.”
Jason Kenney, Premier
Funding is supporting lower carbon industrial processes, cleaner oil and gas, and low-emitting electricity. Project examples include:
- Capital Power will use innovative technology to turn carbon dioxide emissions from its Genesee facility into valuable carbon nanotubes, preventing those emissions from entering the atmosphere.
- Canadian Pacific’s Hydrogen Locomotive Program will feature three diesel locomotives retrofitted to operate using low-carbon hydrogen. The only emissions these locomotives will produce is water vapour, showing the potential for nearly emissions-free freight rail transport.
- Calgary Aggregate Recycling, an Indigenous-owned concrete, asphalt and recycling company, is building Canada’s first soil reuse facility. Contaminated soil from construction sites will be processed into stone and sand products. This turns waste that would normally go to the landfill into valuable products, and the facility’s central Calgary location reduces emissions by shortening the distance required to transport the waste for disposal.
Shovel-Ready Challenge projects are supported by $126 million from the TIER system and $50 million from the LCELF. The term “shovel-ready” means projects are at a mature stage of development, with the potential to create jobs and cut emissions quickly.
“With Government of Alberta funding through ERA and innovation driven by industry, together, we can become leaders in environmental sustainability. Shovel-Ready Challenge funding is critical to implementing leading-edge technologies that will facilitate the transformation to a low-carbon future.”
Brian Vaasjo, president and CEO, Capital Power
“These investments are unlocking innovation and mobilizing private spending to create economic opportunities and improve environmental performance. They build on Alberta’s strengths across sectors and turn emission reduction ambitions into action.”
Steve MacDonald, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
“We sincerely appreciate the Government of Alberta and ERA’s belief in our work and our people. As a sustainably driven organization, we share their goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through advanced technology. CP will combine the grant with our own funds to expand our research and development of real-world hydrogen technology in Alberta.”
Keith Creel, president and CEO, Canadian Pacific Railway
“Thanks to the funding and support of the Government of Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta, Calgary will be home to Canada’s first Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Plant. This technology will have an immediate impact on emissions reductions, boost the economy, and create a variety of jobs for Calgarians. Calgary Aggregate Recycling and our partners are committed to creating a sustainable future and we now have the support required to take meaningful steps towards that goal.”
Travis Powell, president, Calgary Aggregate Recycling Inc.
TIER funding
The TIER system is funded by large industry that pay into the fund when they do not meet emissions targets. Alberta is using up to $750 million from the TIER fund for a range of programs that are reducing emissions, boosting the economy and getting Albertans back to work. This investment supports Alberta’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and low oil prices.
Quick facts
- TIER helps industrial facilities, which account for more than 60 per cent of Alberta’s total emissions, find innovative ways to reduce emissions and invest in clean technology to save money and stay competitive.
- The TIER fund is being directed into programs that will bring investment to Alberta and continue to build on Alberta’s strong record on environmental, social and governance performance.
- ERA invests revenues from TIER to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative clean technology solutions.
- Since 2009, ERA has committed $821 million toward 221 projects worth $6.6 billion that are reducing emissions, creating competitive industries and leading to new business opportunities in Alberta. These projects are estimated to deliver cumulative reductions of almost 43 million tonnes of emissions reductions by 2030.
Related information
- Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction System
- Shovel-Ready Challenge Projects
- Low Carbon Economy Fund
Related news
- Creating jobs with green tech (Nov. 2, 2020)
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