Alberta invests $28M in technology to boost energy production
Alberta’s government is investing $28 million in new technologies aimed at increasing energy production while reducing environmental impacts.
Funded through the industry-supported Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program, the investment will support six projects under Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Industrial Transformation Challenge. The projects are designed to help companies lower costs, reduce emissions and remain competitive as the province works toward doubling energy production by 2035.
The initiatives span Alberta’s energy and agri-food sectors and include efforts to strengthen carbon capture infrastructure, convert agricultural waste into renewable natural gas, restore legacy well sites and reduce methane emissions.
“We’re increasing energy production and protecting the environment at the same time,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “The world wants our energy, and these technologies can help us deliver while lowering emissions and keeping our industries competitive.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals, said innovation continues to underpin Alberta’s economic growth.
“Alberta was built by and continues to be built by innovators,” Jean said. “Global demand continues to grow for our responsibly produced energy.”
Projects are located across the province. In Suffield, a new technology will be tested to improve the safety and reliability of carbon capture pipelines. In Coaldale, a first-of-its-kind system will convert cattle farm waste into renewable natural gas, reducing emissions while creating new energy supplies.
In Calgary, technology designed to increase recovery from existing wells is expected to help keep energy affordable and support jobs. A project in Yellowhead County will reduce emissions from natural gas operations, improving air quality and supporting market access.
In Leduc, advanced in-situ remediation technology will restore inactive oil and gas sites so the land can be reused. Anne Benneker, an associate professor at the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, said the technology will remove hydrocarbons and salts from soils impacted by industrial activity, helping address orphan well sites across Alberta.
In Edmonton, researchers are developing methods to reduce methane emissions from cattle, helping lower agricultural emissions while maintaining competitiveness in the food sector.
“These investments reflect the momentum of clean technology innovation across Alberta,” said Justin Riemer, CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta. “They show how Alberta-made innovation is delivering environmental results and economic opportunity.”
The province estimates the six projects will create about 1,000 jobs and contribute nearly $167 million to Alberta’s economy by 2027. By 2030, they are expected to reduce emissions by approximately 260,000 tonnes.
Individual project investments range from $625,000 to $12 million. A full list of funded projects is available on Emissions Reduction Alberta’s website.