Alberta announced it is investing into technologies to reduce oilsands mine water and reclaim tailings ponds.
The region’s oilsands produce some of the most responsible energy in the world, according to the government, which is investing $46 million through the TIER fund to develop innovative cleantech.
“The world is looking for responsibly produced energy, and Alberta is delivering,” remarked Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.
“With industry leadership and TIER investment, we’re deploying technologies that clean up mine water, protect land and water, and deliver the jobs and competitiveness Alberta needs,” he stated.
Delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta, this funding will support nine real-world projects, including technologies to remove bitumen and chemicals from mine water, dry and settle tailings faster, and use wetlands to naturally and safely clean water.
“Alberta is the most responsible energy producer in the world, and we are committed to the protection of our water and environment in every project,” commented Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
“This funding backs up our commitment as a province of innovators and solving challenges in the energy sector for the betterment of our future,” he said.
CNRL will use $18 million in provincial funding to reduce liquid waste and energy-intensive equipment in Wood Buffalo, while Imperial will use $12.8 million to test a new way to treat tailings that reuses more water and speeds up land reclamation north of Fort McMurray.
“This funding support by the Government of Alberta through Emissions Reduction Alberta will enhance thickener technology designed to reduce tailings volumes and speed up settling time,” says Cheryl Gomez-Smith, senior vice-president, Upstream, Imperial.
“This work supports our shared goal of responsible resource development through our commitment to research and innovation, delivering continued improvements to our operations,” she added.
Suncor will use $7.5 million for two pilot projects, including demonstrating established technologies to treat oilsands mine water, helping manage growing volumes of stored water and advancing the reclamation and closure of tailings facilities.
“Through collaboration and innovation, we’re advancing projects that directly support our reclamation, water management, and environmental goals,” noted Peter Zebedee, executive vice-president, Upstream, Suncor.
“These investments will further advance technologies that enable us to safely treat oilsands mine water, reclaim our mine sites and return the land to self-sustaining boreal forest ecosystems,” he said.
Combined, the nine projects are estimated to create 1,400 jobs and add $220 million to Alberta’s economy by 2027.
“These projects will advance cutting-edge solutions, from water treatment and recycling technologies to enhanced tailings stabilization,” believes Justin Riemer, CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta. “This significant investment will help reduce environmental impact, accelerate reclamation and improve operational efficiency across Alberta’s oilsands.”