The Canadian government commits $82 million to CCS and clean energy research

Prime Minister Harper said: “Our Government is positioning Canada as a global leader in the clean energy sector by supporting innovative projects across the country aimed at producing and using energy in a cleaner and more efficient way,” as he was meeting the CEO of CO2 Solutions, one of the research companies that will receive funding.

The funding comes from Canada's ecoENERGY Innovation Initative, which was introduced in 2011 to support energy technology innovation.  

Of the 55 projects receiving support, 15 will be pre-commercialisation demonstration projects to test the feasibility of various technologies, and 40 will be research and development projects to address knowledge gaps and bring technologies from the conceptual stage to the ready-to-be-tested stage of development. The projects will be undertaken in seven provinces and two territories and will focus on research in the following areas: energy efficiency; clean electricity and renewables; bioenergy; electrification of transportation; and, unconventional oil and gas. 

CO2 Solutions, which will receive $4.7 million of the grant, is currently developing CCS technology to be used in oil sands production.

“The Alberta oil sands industry is a vital economic engine for Canada, but also represents approximately 20 per cent of our country’s carbon emissions,” said Glenn Kelly, President and CEO of CO2 Solutions. “We are developing a cost-effective technology to address this critical environmental challenge facing the oil sands. We are honoured that the Prime Minister would take the time to tour our facilities and are pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting advanced clean energy technologies that will contribute to the responsible development of Canada’s energy resources.”