Alberta's Energy Evolution

Alberta is shaping its energy future through strategic initiatives to transition towards a more sustainable and diversified energy sector, focusing on emissions reduction and critical mineral development. Alberta's Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan is central to this vision, which outlines comprehensive strategies across various sectors, including oil and gas, electricity, geothermal, and hydrogen. A vital aspect of the plan is the commitment to significantly reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, alongside fostering innovation in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) to support environmental responsibility in energy production. Additionally, the plan emphasises the development of a diverse and resilient electricity grid, incorporating low-emitting technologies and supporting the hydrogen economy to enhance energy security and market competitiveness​.

The Alberta Energy Transition Study highlights the economic potential of this shift, highlighting the creation of 170,000 cleantech sector jobs and a contribution of $61 billion to GDP by 2050. This study points to Alberta's unique position to lead in the net-zero race, thanks to its cleantech ecosystem, innovation in emissions reduction technologies, and initiatives like hydrogen production. To capitalise on these opportunities, Alberta aims to significantly increase annual investment in cleantech, focusing on subsectors such as agricultural technology (to enhance yield, efficiency and profitability), CCUS, and hydrogen production and utilisation, underlining the province's ambitious roadmap towards a lower carbon economy​.

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals is crucial in stewarding Alberta's transition and is responsible for developing the province's vast energy and mineral resources. Alberta boasts the fourth-largest proven oil reserves globally, with a significant portion in the oil sands, which have seen a notable decrease in emission intensity over recent years. The ministry's responsibilities include advocating for market access, developing policies, and fostering investment to create jobs and economic prosperity. Moreover, Alberta's commitment to leveraging its competitive advantages, such as its substantial natural gas reserves and potential to develop a hydrogen economy, positions the province as a leader in clean energy solutions and ethical resource development​.

Together, these strategies and initiatives illustrate Alberta's comprehensive approach to its energy transition, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and innovation in the global shift towards a lower carbon future.

Metallic and Industrial Minerals of Alberta