Alberta is recognized as a global leader in reducing emissions, with two of the largest carbon capture, utilization and storage facilities operating in North America and emissions declining across the economy. However, most of these technologies focus on facilities and worksites. Direct air capture offers a promising potential new way of removing emissions straight from the air.
Alberta’s government is investing $5 million from the industry-led TIER fund to help Deep Sky design, build and operate the world’s first direct air capture innovation and commercialization centre in Innisfail. Delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta, this will help Alberta keep showing the world how to reduce emissions while creating jobs and growing the economy.
“We don’t need punitive taxes, anti-energy regulations or nonsensical production caps to reduce emissions. Our approach is to support industry, Alberta expertise and innovation by helping to de-risk new technology. Direct air capture has some potential and is being looked at in other jurisdictions, so it’s great to see companies choosing Alberta as a place to invest and do business in.”
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
“Alberta companies are leaders in developing carbon capture and storage technology. Deep Sky has the potential to take the next major step in decarbonization through direct air capture. These advancements and investments through the TIER fund are a major reason why global demand is increasing for our responsibly produced energy products.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals
“Investing in Deep Sky supports Alberta’s global leadership in emissions reduction. This project accelerates cutting-edge carbon removal technologies, creates jobs, and builds a platform for innovation. By capturing legacy emissions, it complements other climate solutions and positions Alberta at the forefront of a growing carbon removal economy.”
Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
“We are thrilled to be supported by the Government of Alberta through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s investment to help deliver a world first in carbon removals right here in Alberta. This funding will be instrumental in scaling direct air capture and creating an entirely new economic opportunity for Alberta, Canada and the world.”
Alex Petre, CEO, Deep Sky
Deep Sky is helping establish Alberta as a global leader in carbon removal – an emerging field that is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade. With $40 million in funding from Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Fund and commitments from major companies like Microsoft and the Royal Bank of Canada to purchase carbon removal credits, this project is growing rapidly.
Starting this summer, Deep Sky Alpha’s units will begin pulling in air, liquefying carbon dioxide, transporting it by truck, and safely storing it underground at an approved site in Legal. Provincial funding is delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta.
This new technology will give Alberta’s oil and gas, energy and utilities, cement and heavy industry, and agriculture and agri-tech sectors new technologies to reduce emissions, while creating local jobs and reinforcing Alberta’s position as a global leader in responsible energy development.
Quick facts
- Deep Sky aims to capture 3,000 tonnes of emissions each year and estimates creating 80 construction jobs, 15 permanent jobs, and more than $100 million in local economic benefit over the next ten years, including regional development in rural communities.
- The total project value is more than $58 million.
- Provincial funding for this project is delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Continuous Intake Program, supported by Alberta’s industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system.
Related information
Media inquiries
Ryan Fournier
Press Secretary, Environment and Protected Areas
780-232-2213
Ryan.Fournier@gov.ab.ca
Brooks Wallace
VP Communications, Deep Sky
Brooks@deepskyclimate.com