Oilsands emissions growth could outpace Pathways carbon capture reductions says economist

A new analysis from the Canadian Climate Institute warns that rising oilsands emissions from planned pipeline expansions could overwhelm the emissions reductions expected from the Pathways carbon storage project. Economist Dave Sawyer estimates new pipeline capacity could add 20 megatonnes of CO2 per year, while Pathways currently targets storing only 6 megatonnes annually starting in 2035, with an additional 10 megatonnes by 2045. The Pathways project, led by five major oilsands companies, involves a pipeline network to carry captured CO2 to an underground storage hub near Cold Lake, Alberta. However, the project's ambition has been scaled back from an earlier goal of 22 megatonnes per year by 2030. The Alberta and federal governments have tied approval of a new West Coast oil pipeline to the construction of Pathways, with both projects relying heavily on public funding and tax credits. Sawyer argues that stronger industrial carbon pricing would be more effective than relying on carbon capture, which he calls a 'wild card technology' with high costs and uncertainty. The article also notes growing opposition from landowners and Indigenous communities concerned about the safety of CO2 pipelines running through their land.