By Greentech Lead America: Canada will invest $14 million
in Aquistore, a carbon capture and storage demonstration project near Estevan,
Saskatchewan. The project will further enhance the government’s plan to advance
clean energy technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government of Canada is contributing $9 million
through its ecoENERGY Technology Initiative and $5 million through Sustainable
Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to the Project.
The learning from Aquistore research project will
be transferable to industry and governments globally and will help inform the
creation of industry-wide CO2 capture and storage regulations and policies.
“The Government of Canada is strengthening its
support for carbon capture and storage. said Minister Oliver. The Aquistore
Project is an example of governments, academia and industry working together to
advance clean energy technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,”
said Joe Oliver, minister of Natural Resources.
The Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) in
collaboration with partners in the private sector and academia will manage the
project. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment is also investing $5 million
through its Go Green Fund.
“The Government of Saskatchewan’s investment in the
Aquistore Project will help the province in meeting its commitment to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Designed to safely sequester 2,000 tonnes of GHG
emissions per day deep underground, the project is indicative of the innovative
technologies that are currently being demonstrated here in Saskatchewan for the
world to see,” said Oliver, Saskatchewan minister.
“The Aquistore Project represents a first in the
world: the first time carbon dioxide is sequestered safely at this scale in the
ground from a coal-burning plant. It is clean tech innovation like this that
will help drive the Canadian economy, creating jobs and economic growth, and a
source of innovative solutions,” said Vicky Sharpe, SDTC president and CEO.