A $15 million dollar investment is being made over five years by the provincial government for the Natural Gas Innovation Fund (NGIF) Accelerator’s Emissions Testing Centre (ETC) program.
Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas points out that the program has supported companies like Spartan Controls in developing vital methane detection and measurement equipment, plus it is also driving advancements in pneumatic equipment and fuel efficiency.
Rebecca Schulz says the funding for the ETC program will allow it to test new technologies, reduce methane emissions, and create jobs.
Unlike the federal government, she highlights the fact that Alberta’s government is getting results by collaborating with industry – not attacking it. She says “Over 70 companies have already benefited from this program and today we’re building on that by investing another $15 million dollars to make sure that emissions reduction technologies can continue to be tested and refined, right here in the amazing province of Alberta. This program and this funding will help accelerate the next wave of companies, test their technology, of course free of charge, attract investors and get these technologies then to market even faster.”
Martin Long, the MLA for West Yellowhead, says this week’s announcement is about celebrating Alberta’s continued global leadership in reducing methane emissions. He adds, it is rooted in the province’s world class energy sector – which is the envy of the world – and it also highlights Alberta’s continuous investments in innovation and new technologies. He says “By working with industry we are making major progress in reducing methane emissions while supporting our energy sector, creating jobs, and keeping the economy strong. This is a great announcement for my community and the hard working people of West Yellowhead. We’re bringing jobs, innovation, economic growth, and so much more. Of course there is a lot of work left to do, we’re just getting started.”
The announcement was made on Wednesday, July 3rd at the West Wolf East Gas Plant in Edson, west of Edmonton.