Overview
We are well-positioned as a province to help meet the global need for ethical, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy while being a leader in energy production and emissions reduction investments.
A robust climate and energy policy framework has resulted in significant emissions reductions from implementing innovative technology that benefits Alberta and other jurisdictions.
Our environmental leadership, investments in clean technology and innovation, and carbon-neutral targets have us on track towards a responsible energy future.
Accomplishments
Key facts
Alberta’s approach is working to reduce emissions and sustainably manage the environment.
- The Quest and Alberta Carbon Trunk Line projects have already captured and permanently stored 11.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to date
- ~44% reduction in electricity emissions from 2005 to 2020, even as electricity demand has increased by ~30% in the past 2 decades
- 45% reduction in methane emissions from the oil and gas sector from 2014 to 2022
- In April 2023, Alberta released its Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan, which charts the province’s course to reduce emissions, attract investment, and grow the economy
- Alberta’s annual emissions are decreasing, from 281 million tonnes in 2015 to 256 million tonnes in 2021
- The Government of Alberta has invested or committed $1.9 billion in carbon capture, utilization and storage projects, regulatory enhancements and knowledge sharing
- Alberta continues to make significant investments in lowering emissions. More than $2.5 billion has been invested in emissions reduction programs. In Budget 2023, Alberta is investing $800 million through Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction funds across multiple sectors over the next 3 years
Key targets
The province is also on track to meet or exceed several key targets.
- Alberta’s goal to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 45% by 2025 was achieved as of 2022 – 3 years ahead of schedule
- Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan includes a commitment to engage stakeholders, Albertans, and Indigenous organizations to assess potential pathways to achieve a 75% to 80% methane emission reduction target from the conventional oil and gas sector by 2030, compared to 2014 levels
- 100% phase out from coal-fired electricity generation by 2024, years ahead of provincial and federal targets. Transitioning off of coal early, from 2017 to 2030, has had the cumulative effect of saving 175 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions so far
- Alberta has set a goal to achieve a carbon neutral economy by 2050
Team Alberta
Alberta’s government is joined by industry and partners across the province who are working to reduce emissions and support a sustainable future. Please contact organizations directly for more information.
Learn more about some of the many strategies and work that are underway:
- Air Products
- Alberta Beef Producers
- ATCO Ltd.
- Banff
- Beaver County
- Big Lakes County
- Brazeau County
- Bruderheim
- Canmore
- Capital Power Inc.
- Canadian National Railway Company
- Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
- CPKC
- Cenovus Energy Inc.
- Enbridge Inc.
- EPCOR
- Fortis Inc.
- Imperial Oil Limited
- City of Calgary
- City of Edmonton
- ConocoPhillips
- Diamond Valley
- Dow Canada
- Keyera
- Lacombe County
- Leduc
- Lethbridge
- Mackenzie County
- Nutrien Ltd.
- Okotoks
- Pathways Alliance
- Pembina Pipeline Corporation
- Pincher Creek
- Red Deer
- Spruce Grove
- St. Albert
- Strathcona County
- Sturgeon County
- Suncor Energy Inc.
- Summer Village of Bondiss
- Summer Village of Ghost Lake
- Sylvan Lake
- TC Energy
- Teck Resources Ltd.
- Tourmaline Oil Corp.
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- May 16, 2024
Alberta is investing more than $50 million in the Designated Industrial Zone to help boost investment, create jobs and attract major petrochemical projects to the province.
- May 15, 2024
Alberta’s government is launching a new task force to defend the province from zebra and quagga mussels, and other aquatic invasive species.
- May 10, 2024
The Alberta government is investing $50 million to help the province’s major industries use new technology to reduce emissions and create jobs.
- May 8, 2024
Alberta’s government is seeking input on regulations to help the Bistcho Lake and Cold Lake sub-regional plans support caribou recovery and create jobs.
- May 7, 2024
Alberta’s new Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee will look at options to speed up oil sands mine water management and tailings ponds reclamation.
- May 6, 2024
Alberta’s new Drought and Flood Protection Program is now accepting applications for projects to help protect homes, businesses and lives.
- May 3, 2024
Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz issued the following statement on the federal National Inventory Report on greenhouse gas emissions:
- May 2, 2024
Alberta’s government is releasing its 2024 Drought Response Plan to help support Albertans through any drought conditions this year.
- Apr 30, 2024
Alberta is creating Canada’s first geothermal test site to advance drilling innovation, reduce emissions and create jobs.
- Apr 29, 2024
Alberta’s new $6-million program will help municipalities make energy-saving upgrades, reducing costs and emissions.
- Apr 26, 2024
Alberta’s government is helping kids and teens study environmental issues in their own backyards and explore innovative solutions.
- Apr 25, 2024
Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz issued the following statement: