Alberta Pathways deal: 8 key questions on oilsands carbon capture, pipeline, and emissions targets

The Alberta Pathways deal between Ottawa, Alberta, and the Oil Sands Alliance links oilsands expansion to a carbon capture project and a new West Coast pipeline. The initial phase targets net emissions reductions of 6 million tonnes per year by 2035, far below the original vision of 40 million tonnes. The deal combines investment tax credits, provincial incentives, and carbon market revenue to fund the project. Key questions remain about how 'net emissions' will be calculated, how much taxpayers will pay, and whether the scaled-back targets will still attract investment. The article explores the shift to a staged buildout of the carbon capture network and the role of efficiency gains in reducing emissions intensity. It is a practical look at the trade-offs in Canada's largest energy and climate agreement.