| ENVIRONMENT: Alberta to cut projected emissions by 50 per cent under new climate change plan |
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(AlbertaIndex, January 25, Friday) --- The Alberta government has pledged to cut the province’s projected greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050 as part of a $500 million long-term climate change plan that focuses on carbon capture and storage, consumer incentives and greener energy production. Experts agree carbon capture and storage holds great promise for Alberta. Research indicates new and next generation technologies will deliver the majority of the new plan’s reductions – about 70 per cent of the 200 megatonne-reduction by 2050. A government-industry council will be set up to determine a go-forward plan for implementing technologies, which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing air emissions from industrial sources and locking them permanently underground in deep rock formations. The council will develop a made-in-Alberta plan for carbon capture and storage. It will respond to a federal-provincial task force report on carbon capture and storage and will deliver a strategy for implementing the technology that will include consultations with industry. “Leading Canadian experts, economists and policy analysts support carbon capture and storage as the most promising means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Environment Minister Rob Renner. “Alberta has three Nobel Prize-winning scientists already working in this area, which shows we have the capacity to be a world leader.” Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, said: “This technology will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands production. This will help us continue to green our growth in that sector.” About 12 per cent of Alberta’s reductions will be achieved through conservation and energy efficiency. Offering consumer incentives to become more energy efficient is a key action under this theme. A detailed implementation plan will be completed this spring. “Albertans have told us they want to do their part in reducing emissions,” said Energy Minister Mel Knight. “Through the development of conservation and energy efficiency programs, we will invest in ways to inform and support Albertans in becoming more energy efficient.” The plan calls for increased investment in clean energy technologies and incentives for expanding the use of renewable and alternative energy sources such as bioenergy, wind, solar power, hydrogen and geothermal energy. Initiatives under this theme will account for 18 per cent of Alberta’s reductions. A detailed implementation plan will be developed and released this spring. “With this plan, Alberta will achieve real reductions within a realistic timeline,” said Renner. “Alberta did its research before setting reduction targets, then put a solid plan in place to achieve them. Cutting our greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2050, will result in real reductions of 14 per cent below 2005 levels.” “Alberta’s strong economy and beautiful wilderness areas contribute to our high quality of life,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “Like others around the globe, we’re working to find the right balance between development and conservation. Our climate change plan ensures environmental protection while allowing for continued economic growth. It is practical and achievable. It encourages innovation, and sets realistic goals for industry.” Premier Stelmach will update provincial and territorial leaders on the climate change action plan at a Council of the Federation meeting in Vancouver on January 28. The annual winter meeting is a working session for Premiers on a number of key issues, including climate change, interprovincial trade and the economy, in advance of their July 2008 meeting in Québec City. Did you enjoy this article? Please share it!         |
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