Alberta can only become preferred energy source with commitment to net-zero emissions

Pembina Institute reacts to Government of Alberta’s new natural gas vision and strategy

CALGARY — Chris Severson-Baker, Alberta regional director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Government of Alberta’s release of its Natural Gas Vision and Strategy on Tuesday:

"As the source of a third of Canada’s emissions, Alberta must acknowledge the need to decarbonize in alignment with the country’s net-zero emissions commitment by 2050. Ignoring the climate imperative works against Alberta’s ambition to be an energy supplier of choice in a world committed to a safe climate.

"Low- and zero-carbon hydrogen can play an important role in decarbonizing Canada’s energy systems and Alberta has many of the necessary building blocks for a robust hydrogen market. We fully support the plan to develop a hydrogen roadmap for Alberta. Missing from the announced strategy is recognition for the need to increase the proportion of zero-carbon hydrogen over time.

"To achieve its vision of becoming the ‘preferred source of clean, secure and responsibly sourced natural gas,’ Alberta needs a plan to decarbonize the production of natural gas in line with Canada’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050, starting with deeper methane emissions reductions in the natural gas sector.

"Many signposts indicate demand for natural gas might not increase in the power and oilsands sectors as much as this strategy suggests. Renewables are already a cost-effective source of electricity in Alberta, and most projections indicate that global demand for oil — touted as the largest client for natural gas — will likely start declining in the coming decade.

"Without confirming that it wants to be part of the net-zero emissions solution, Alberta risks undermining its own competitiveness."

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Contact

Michelle Bartleman (English / français) 
Communications Lead, Alberta
Pembina Institute
587-588-5744

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