Alberta's government is investing $29 million to help energy companies lower their methane emissions and develop new technologies needed to keep reducing emissions in the future. Supported by the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system, two new programs will help Alberta keep reducing emissions while doubling oil and gas production by 2035.

"The world needs more responsibly produced energy, and Alberta is answering that call. When it comes to methane emissions, our industry continues to deliver results by developing and testing new industrial technologies and retrofitting existing sites. Solutions developed in Alberta are being deployed here and around the world. These new investments and programs will continue to help lower costs, protect jobs and attract investment to maintain Alberta's leadership in this space."

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

Delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), the new $22-million Methane Reduction Deployment Program will help Alberta oil and gas companies invest in more methane reduction technologies by providing up to $1 million for each project, covering up to 50 per cent of the eligible project costs.

"The Methane Reduction Deployment Program will make it easier for energy producers to deploy innovative technologies that are already in market. With access to capital, oil and gas companies can cut methane emissions and expand internationally."

Justin Riemer, chief executive officer, Emissions Reduction Alberta

Working with the NGIF Accelerator, the new $7-million Methane Reduction Demonstration Program will help startups and small businesses test new methane reduction technologies at energy sites across Alberta to get projects closer to commercialization.    

"The Methane Reduction Demonstration Program will make it easier for energy technology startups to develop, validate and refine their methane reduction solutions through pilot demonstrations within energy company operations. By providing a unified access point for industry and Alberta government funding, these startups can fast-track their methane solutions from development to market impact."

John Adams, president and chief executive officer, NGIF Accelerator

Alberta is a global leader in monitoring, managing and reducing methane emissions. The province has cut methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas sector by 52 per cent since 2014 while saving industry about $600 million thanks to a province-led approach.

As energy demand soars and Canadians seek a stronger, more independent economy, Alberta's energy sector and common-sense methane emissions reduction approach will keep the economy growing and Albertans working.

"Today's technology has been deployed in the field, supporting the achievement of Alberta's 45 per cent methane emissions reduction goal early. Spartan Controls has been an important partner to industry in this success, having executed hundreds of emissions reduction projects. Continued investment in these programs will help keep us competitive while enabling industry to deploy low cost per-tonne technologies. We have proven we can deliver emission reductions and responsibly develop our energy opportunity. There is more we can do." 

Doug Ndegwa, president and chief executive officer, Spartan Controls Ltd. 

"ERA and NGIF's new methane reduction programs will support the oil and gas industry's collective goal of producing energy responsibly and efficiently. Access to capital is essential for companies to invest and deploy in leading-edge technology that improves environmental performance and enhances our market competitiveness."

Blake Wickland, executive director, Methane Emissions Leadership Alliance

Quick facts

• Alberta has reduced methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas sector by 52 per cent since 2014. Over the same time, oil production rose by more than 54 per cent.  
• Alberta has now invested about $129 million since 2019 into technology testing centres, retrofitting equipment and developing new industrial methane technologies. 
• The Methane Reduction Deployment Program will cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs and is open to owners and operators of upstream and midstream oil and gas facilities located in Alberta. More information is available on ERA's website. 
• Successful applicants to the Methane Reduction Demonstration Program may receive up to $750,000 per project, covering up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs. More information is available on the NGIF Accelerator's website.  

Related information

• ERA: Methane Reduction Deployment Program 

• NGIF Accelerator: Methane Reduction Demonstration Program 

• Methane Engagement What We HeardAlberta's methane emissions performance