(Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Energy

Alberta government aims to take carbon capture to new heights

Jun 25, 2025 | 2:15 PM

Alberta’s government says it is investing $5 million from the TIER fund to help launch the world’s first direct air capture centre.

According to provincial officials, most of the current technologies used around the world focus on facilities and worksites. The government says direct air capture offers a potential new way of removing greenhouse gas emissions straight from the air. If successful, the potential is huge, say government officials.

Through Emissions Reduction Alberta, the province says $5 million is being invested from the industry-led TIER program to help Deep Sky in the design, build and operation of the world’s first direct air capture innovation and commercialization centre in Innisfail. This funding is expected to help Alberta keep showing the world how to reduce emissions while creating jobs and increasing responsible energy production.

“We don’t need punitive taxes, anti-energy regulations or nonsensical production caps to reduce emissions,” says Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “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.”

“Alberta companies are leaders in developing carbon capture and storage technology,” adds Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals. “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.”

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“Investing in Deep Sky supports Alberta’s global leadership in emissions reduction,” states Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta. “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.”

“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,” exclaims Alex Petre, CEO, Deep Sky. “This funding will be instrumental in scaling direct air capture and creating an entirely new economic opportunity for Alberta, Canada and the world.”

Government officials say 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. According to the province, the new centre is located on a five-acre site and will feature up to 10 direct air capture units, allowing multiple technologies and concepts to be tested at once. Starting this summer, the government says Deep Sky Alpha’s units will begin pulling in air, trapping carbon dioxide, transporting it by truck, and safely storing it underground at an approved site in Legal, AB.

This new technology is expected to 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.

Alberta government 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 10 years, including regional development in rural communities.
• Research shows that carbon capture technology is safe and effective. Careful site selection and rigorous monitoring serve to ensure the injected carbon dioxide remains sequestered thousands of metres below the surface, with no impact on fresh water, plants or the soil.
• Provincial funding for this project is delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Continuous Intake Program, funded by Alberta’s industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system.

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