Calgary-based energy company Wolf Midstream has announced the extension of its carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline in the province of Alberta, Western Canada, into the Edmonton Region, a move aimed at facilitating substantial reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The Alberta Carbon Trunk Line (ACTL)—a 240-km (149-mi) pipeline worth $1.2 billion CAD (approx. $889 million USD)—has been in operation since 2020.
With approvals from the Alberta Energy Regulator and other relevant authorities secured, ACTL’s developer Wolf has reached final investment decision and has started construction on the new extension, referred to as the ACTL Edmonton Connector.
The primary purpose of the ACTL Edmonton Connector is to gather CO2 emissions from local industrial facilities and transport them through the ACTL network to be permanently stored underground.
A crucial partnership with Air Products Canada will facilitate the transportation of CO2 originating from their net-zero hydrogen energy complex, which is currently under construction, according to a company statement published by Wolf earlier this month.
Relevant: Emissions Reduction Alberta Invests $2.2M In Three Carbon Capture Projects
With a capacity to compress and store up to 14.6 million tons of CO2 per year to be injected into depleted oil reservoirs, the ACTL is already recognized as one of the world’s largest CO2 pipelines.
When operating at full capacity, the new extension is expected to handle around 7 million tons of CO2 annually.
Several existing and proposed carbon storage sites are situated in close proximity to ACTL, with Wolf securing two large sites through agreements with the Province of Alberta.
“Wolf is leveraging the excess capacity of ACTL with the new ACTL Edmonton Connector to further support key net-zero projects which are critical to the future of our province and country,” Jeff Pearson, President of Wolf’s Carbon division, said in a comment to the announcement of the extension.
Brian Jean, Alberta Minister of Energy and Minerals, lauded Alberta’s leadership in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon tech, saying, “This extension of the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line is another example of innovation in action with several companies working together to reach a carbon neutral future.”
Read more: Emissions Reduction Alberta Invests $2.2M In Three Carbon Capture Projects
