COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
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COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
New emissions reduction investments are creating jobs, diversifying the economy and supporting Alberta’s economic recovery.
Alberta’s government is using up to $176 million from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system and federal Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (LCELF) for 16 projects that will cut almost seven million tonnes of emissions by 2030. This is the same as eliminating emissions from the electricity used by 4.5 million homes.
Funding is being delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Shovel-Ready Challenge, and will support about 5,600 jobs while injecting $2 billion into Alberta’s economy. This is the largest investment announcement in ERA’s history.
“Alberta continues to show leadership by using technology in practical ways to reduce emissions and combat climate change. These investments will help us grow our economy and pave the way to an even brighter future for all Albertans by building on Alberta’s strong foundation as a responsible and innovative energy leader.”
Large operations across sectors in Alberta are benefiting from the funding, including oil and gas, chemicals and fertilizers, cement and concrete, forestry and agriculture, electricity and manufacturing.
“Shovel-Ready funding expands groundbreaking technologies that are helping industries cut emissions, employ more Albertans and grow our economy. The TIER program continues to demonstrate Alberta’s global leadership on innovation and technology, which are the key pathways to protecting our shared environment while getting Alberta’s economy back on track.”
Funding is supporting lower carbon industrial processes, cleaner oil and gas, and low-emitting electricity. Project examples include:
Shovel-Ready Challenge projects are supported by $126 million from the TIER system and $50 million from the LCELF. The term “shovel-ready” means projects are at a mature stage of development, with the potential to create jobs and cut emissions quickly.
“With Government of Alberta funding through ERA and innovation driven by industry, together, we can become leaders in environmental sustainability. Shovel-Ready Challenge funding is critical to implementing leading-edge technologies that will facilitate the transformation to a low-carbon future.”
“These investments are unlocking innovation and mobilizing private spending to create economic opportunities and improve environmental performance. They build on Alberta’s strengths across sectors and turn emission reduction ambitions into action.”
“We sincerely appreciate the Government of Alberta and ERA’s belief in our work and our people. As a sustainably driven organization, we share their goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through advanced technology. CP will combine the grant with our own funds to expand our research and development of real-world hydrogen technology in Alberta.”
“Thanks to the funding and support of the Government of Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta, Calgary will be home to Canada’s first Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Plant. This technology will have an immediate impact on emissions reductions, boost the economy, and create a variety of jobs for Calgarians. Calgary Aggregate Recycling and our partners are committed to creating a sustainable future and we now have the support required to take meaningful steps towards that goal.”
The TIER system is funded by large industry that pay into the fund when they do not meet emissions targets. Alberta is using up to $750 million from the TIER fund for a range of programs that are reducing emissions, boosting the economy and getting Albertans back to work. This investment supports Alberta’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and low oil prices.