Alberta Technology Leadership in Europe: Alberta Innovates and Denmark sign MOU on CCUS cooperation

NEWS RELEASE

EDMONTON, ALBERTA, May 22, 2025 – Alberta Innovates, and the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the advancement of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology.

The MOU will provide a four-year framework for cooperation between Alberta and Denmark to advance bilateral relations and support CCUS development and deployment, including cost reductions and facilitating CCUS solutions.

“Demand for CCUS technology is increasing with Alberta’s expertise being a cornerstone of building new partnerships across the world and creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation,” says Mike Mahon, CEO of Alberta Innovates. “Alberta Innovates is proud to be forging this new partnership with Denmark that will be mutually beneficial by sharing technical knowledge, advice, skills and expertise.”

This relationship will support Alberta Innovates’ broader work to advance the adoption of CCUS through the diversification of available technologies.

“Finding ways to decrease the cost of emissions reduction technology is essential to Canada’s energy industry remaining globally competitive,” says Bryan Helfenbaum, VP Clean Energy at Alberta Innovates. “CCUS technology is a big part of that conversation.”
Denmark is a leader in CCUS technology and sees it as a critical part of its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“CCUS is a substantial instrument in supporting Denmark’s ambition of achieving 70 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 and ultimately net-zero by 2050, says Danish Ambassador to Canada Nikolaj Harris. “Therefore, we are excited to team up with a strong and likeminded partner in Alberta Innovates to cooperate on advancing technology and bringing down costs. I am certain that this MOU will initiate a long and fruitful energy partnership between Alberta and Denmark.”

The MOU states that representatives from Alberta and Denmark will meet two to three times per year to bring together experts from industry, government and academia to discuss ways to advance this work.

The signing took place in Calgary during the Inventures 2025 Conference, and included Danish Ambassador to Canada Nikolaj Harris, Alberta Innovates CEO, Mike Mahon and Alberta Innovates VP Clean Energy, Bryan Helfenbaum.

Quick Facts:
The MOU will encourage cooperation and knowledge transfer in the following areas:

• Exchange and training programs for students and professionals
• Usage of facilities, test centers and research labs
• Joint research, innovation and demonstration projects
• Exchange of knowledge on emerging technologies, storage, transportation and infrastructure
• Exchange of information, documentation and data about the benefit and impact of CCUS technology

BACKGROUND

Alberta Innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, we are Alberta’s innovation engine. We foster and accelerate research and innovation to benefit citizens and drive economic growth.

Alberta Innovates works across sectors to fund, partner and enable entrepreneurship throughout the province. The corporation operates in 11 locations with more than one million square feet of industrial testing and lab facilities and 600 acres of farmland. Alberta Innovates employs 589 highly skilled scientists, business and technical professionals and has an annual operating budget of over $250 million.

Embassy of Denmark in Ottawa
The Embassy of Denmark in Ottawa represents Denmark's interests in Canada. The Embassy provides consular services, assists Danish citizens, fosters cultural exchanges, and works to advance shared Canadian and Danish values and trade. Along with the Danish Trade Council in Toronto and a network of Honorary Consulates across Canada, the Embassy dedicated to create new opportunities for collaboration between Denmark and Canada.