NEWS RELEASE

(from the Government of Alberta website)

Alberta's government is spending $50 million from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system to create jobs, grow our clean-tech industry and cut emissions.

The funding, being delivered by Alberta Innovates, will be given to technologies that help reduce methane emissions and improve industrial energy efficiency. The $50 million in funding over three years is expected to support about 230 jobs. With additional dollars invested from industry, this support will total almost $200 million and create an estimated 910 jobs.

Alberta's government recently announced up to $750 million for projects across the province through the TIER system and other public funding, supporting almost 9,000 jobs and injecting $1.9 billion into the province's economy.

"This money will help Alberta become an even stronger competitor in clean energy technologies. These projects will reduce GHG emissions over the near and long term while creating jobs for Albertans. I look forward to seeing the ideas and innovations of our job creators come to life."

Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation

To be eligible for the funding, projects must meet the requirements of TIER and be shovel-ready.

Clean energy technology projects already submitted through Alberta Innovates' ongoing funding application process may be considered for the TIER funding. New project applications can also be submitted to the Alberta Innovates Application Portal until Nov. 30 to be reviewed for the first intake of TIER funding.

Since September, Alberta's government has announced TIER funding for methane programs, carbon capture, utilization and storage programs, flood resilience programs, and the construction of a renewable natural gas and clean fertilizer facility in Lacombe. This innovative new facility will transform agricultural and plant waste into organic fertilizer, cutting the equivalent of 8,500 cars in emissions while supporting 80 construction jobs.

"Technology and innovation create economic and environmental opportunities for all sectors in the province, and are key to our economic recovery. That's why Alberta's government is using the industry-supported TIER fund to advance a wide range of pioneering projects that reduce emissions, cut costs and create much-needed jobs now and into the future."

Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks

 

"There is a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that drives solutions in Alberta. This investment will accelerate the deployment of new technology to improve industry competitiveness, environmental performance and to diversify energy products."

Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates

 

"This announcement is another critical step by the Government of Alberta to invest in projects that will have a significant and immediate impact on advancing clean-tech development in Canada's oil and gas sector, which is vital for the health of our economy and key to meeting our country's Paris climate commitments."

Ginny Flood, chair, Clean Resources Innovation Network board of directors

Alberta Innovates

Alberta Innovates invests in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive provincial economic growth and diversity. It collaborates with researchers, industry and entrepreneurs to sustain and grow Alberta's oil and gas, agriculture, forestry, and clean-tech sectors, enhance the responsible use of land and water, and contribute to the improved health and well-being of Albertans.

Alberta Innovates provides technical expertise, entrepreneurial advice and support, opportunities for partnerships, and funding to advance the best ideas. It supports a broad range of research and innovation activity - from discovery to use. Collaboration is at the heart of what Alberta Innovates does - bringing together bright minds and great ideas to drive innovation.

Alberta Innovates is a provincial corporation that reports to the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.

TIER funding

The TIER system is funded by large industry which pay into the fund when they do not meet emissions targets. This investment will help industry reduce emissions and support Alberta's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and low oil prices. It will be more than doubled by additional dollars from industry and other sectors, leading to more than $1.9 billion in total project funding.

Alberta's Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada's most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.

Quick facts

  • TIER helps industrial facilities, which account for more than 65 per cent of Alberta's total emissions, find innovative ways to reduce their emissions and invest in clean technology to save money and stay competitive.
  • The TIER fund is being reinvested into programs that will bring investment to Alberta and continue to build on Alberta's strong record on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG).

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Media contact

Justin Brattinga

Press Secretary, Jobs, Economy and Innovation