Canada is pushing forward with significant strides toward achieving its net-zero emissions targets, focusing particularly on innovative carbon capture technologies and substantial funding for research initiatives.
One of the cornerstones of this effort is the development of protocols for Direct Air Carbon Dioxide Capture and Geological Storage (DACCS). This initiative, which aims to create federally tradable offset credits for companies engaged in extracting CO2 directly from the atmosphere and storing it underground, was outlined by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The proposed protocol is currently open for public review until March 28, 2025, allowing stakeholders the opportunity to provide valuable feedback.
Rafael Barker, managing director at Breakthrough Energy, which was founded by Bill Gates, emphasized the necessity of investment and collaboration for success, stating, "Scaling direct air capture requires significant investment and collaboration." Breakthrough Energy recently committed $40 million to Deep Sky for the establishment of a testing facility for DAC technologies in Alberta. This facility will serve as a platform for various companies to refine and advance their carbon removal technologies, significantly speeding up their readiness for commercial application.
Meanwhile, the Pathways Alliance, which brings together major oil sands producers such as Canadian Natural Resources and Suncor Energy, is backing its own substantial carbon capture and storage project amounting to C$16 billion. Though focused primarily on industrial CO2 emissions, this project shares technological similarities with DACCS, highlighting the growing momentum surrounding large-scale CO2 sequestration.
The consultation period for the DACCS protocol will allow industry stakeholders to pose questions and seek clarifications during a scheduled webinar on February 19, 2025. The outcome of this feedback will shape the final version of the protocol, potentially leading to significant regulatory changes and ensuring alignment with overall environmental goals.
Further to this proactive approach, researchers at the University of Alberta have secured nearly $2 million from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to facilitate the country’s transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This funding, amounting to $1.8 million, is earmarked for two key projects led by Amit Kumar, the Canada Research Chair focused on energy systems assessment and deputy director of Future Energy Systems.
Kumar's work will tackle the complex question of integrating renewable energy technologies, weighing the environmental, economic viability, and societal acceptability of available energy pathways. He explained, "The key question in this transition is how to choose the environmentally friendly, economically viable and socially acceptable energy pathways."
One of the funded projects will broadly analyze short- to long-term energy forecasts using advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence and data mining. This modeling will examine the potential growth of renewable energy sources, like solar, wind, and geothermal, alongside non-renewable resources as Canada seeks to transition away from fossil fuels.
“We are looking at a complex combination of all the different types of energy to assess overall decarbonization pathways for Canada,” Kumar stated. His second project focuses on assessing various carbon removal technologies (CDR) with the collaboration of Mission Innovation, which encompasses 23 countries and the European Union advocating for clean energy solutions.
Kumar noted the significance of the research, saying, "Carbon dioxide removal technologies are still at early stages," as he aims to determine which strategies will be most effective for local industries and what their overall environmental impacts may be.
The research will explore three key CDR technologies: direct air carbon capture, biomass-based carbon dioxide removal, and enhanced mineralization. Each of these methods brings distinct properties; for example, direct air capture aims to extract CO2 from the atmosphere regardless of its location, enabling storage underground or transformation to sustainable fuels. Bioenergy with carbon removal leverages plants’ natural processes to sequester carbon, which can also aid hydrogen production. Enhanced mineralization utilizes minerals like olivine or basalt to absorb CO2, resulting in stable materials for storage.
Kumar’s multiple research initiatives signify just one part of the concerted effort needed for Alberta and Canada to achieve climate targets. He has also contributed significantly to Alberta’s Hydrogen Roadmap and has been recognized as among the world’s most influential climate scientists.
Over the years, Kumar's analytical skills have proven valuable to both energy companies and governments striving to establish effective and sustainable energy policies. He has frequently advised stakeholders on energy-efficient strategies and greenhouse gas mitigation, demonstrating how investments could yield significant returns.
Clearly, the gathered insights and methodologies derived from these projects will not only impact Canada’s energy strategy but could also be applicable to global energy policy formulation, fostering comprehensive approaches to climate action.
Through the synergistic efforts such as DACCS and university-led research initiatives, Canada is positioning itself as a leader committed to the advancement of technologies and strategies fundamental to reaching its net-zero emissions goal.