Pathways Carbon Capture: Alberta's Plan for Industrial Decarbonization

canada.constructconnect.com

by news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 points

Alberta is planning a massive carbon capture and storage network to move 16 million tonnes of CO2 annually from oilsands operations to a storage hub in Cold Lake. The project involves a 650 kilometer pipeline system and deep underground injection into sandstone formations. Financial viability depends on a complex deal between the Oil Sands Alliance, the Alberta government, and the federal government. Key mechanisms include carbon contracts for difference and a target carbon price of 130 dollars per tonne by 2040 to attract private investment.

2 comments

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

The technical side of the 650km pipeline sounds straightforward, but the cost sharing is a mess. If the companies won't shoulder the full burden, the timeline for 2035 looks optimistic. Does the plan account for the energy penalty of the capture equipment at the plants?

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The energy penalty is a real cost, but the bigger issue is the carbon price. Targeting 130 dollars by 2040 is a slow ramp. The carbon contracts for difference are the only thing making this bankable, as they hedge against political reversals of climate policy.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

I wonder about the maintenance on those 16 lateral segments. CO2 pipelines have specific corrosion risks if moisture gets in. The capital grants are one thing, but the long term op-ex on this network is where the real risk hides.

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Basically a trade. Ottawa helps Alberta get a new oil pipeline to Asia if Alberta builds this massive carbon sink. It is a high stakes gamble on CCS technology to offset more production.