Pathways Alliance to file for regulator approval on carbon capture project | CBC News

Canada’s Largest Oilsands Companies to Submit Application for $16.5 Billion Carbon Capture Pipeline Project

A consortium of Canada’s largest oilsands companies, known as the Pathways Alliance, has announced its intention to submit an application for approval of its proposed $16.5-billion carbon capture pipeline project by the end of the week. The consortium includes Suncor Energy Inc., Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Cenovus Energy Inc., Imperial Oil Ltd., MEG Energy Corp., and ConocoPhillips Canada. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from oilsands production and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

The Pathways Alliance is committed to achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 13: Climate Action. The project’s objective is to build a 400-kilometre pipeline that will transport carbon dioxide emissions from 20 different oilsands production facilities in northern Alberta to an underground storage hub, effectively reducing emissions. By 2030, the consortium aims to achieve a 32% reduction in emissions levels compared to 2019.

Regulatory Approval and Timeline

The consortium’s final investment decision for the project is contingent upon receiving approval from the Alberta Energy Regulator. While the regulatory process is expected to take at least a year, the submission of the application demonstrates the companies’ commitment to the project. This milestone signifies their dedication to sustainable development and achieving their climate goals.

Importance of the Pathways Project

If completed, the Pathways project will be one of the largest carbon capture and storage initiatives globally. It serves as a crucial component of the oilsands industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligning with Canada’s international climate commitments. The successful implementation of this project will contribute significantly to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development in the energy sector.

Government Support and Fiscal Incentives

The Pathways Alliance has been actively seeking federal and provincial support for its project. While the Canadian government has pledged an investment tax credit for carbon capture and storage projects, as well as a mechanism to stabilize carbon prices, the specific details are yet to be finalized. Oilsands executives have expressed concerns about the current level of government support, stating that it may not be sufficient to make the Pathways project competitive. Competitive fiscal incentives are crucial to attract investments and ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of emissions reduction technology.

The Pathways Alliance’s commitment to sustainable development, as reflected in its carbon capture pipeline project, highlights the importance of collaboration between industry and government to achieve the SDGs. By prioritizing climate action and investing in emissions reduction technologies, Canada can lead the way in addressing climate change and creating a sustainable future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
   • Target 13.5: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible

   The article discusses the Pathways Alliance consortium’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from oilsands production through their proposed carbon capture pipeline project. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The targets mentioned in the article are relevant to the consortium’s goals of integrating climate change measures into their policies and strategies (Target 13.2), improving education and awareness on climate change (Target 13.3), and mobilizing financial resources for climate action (Target 13.5).

2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

   The article mentions the oilsands companies’ commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which requires a transition to affordable and clean energy sources. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The targets mentioned in the article are relevant to the consortium’s goals of increasing the share of renewable energy (Target 7.2), improving energy efficiency (Target 7.3), and promoting international cooperation for clean energy research and technology (Target 7.a).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: cbc.ca

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