The Ontario government is taking steps to encourage innovation and reduce emissions by enabling industries to begin testing and demonstrating small-scale underground carbon storage projects on private land.
Carbon storage involves capturing carbon dioxide from large emission sources like power generation or industrial facilities and directly from the atmosphere. It can be compressed and transported to be injected into underground rock formations.
"There is growing interest and acceptance of the role that carbon capture and storage will play in achieving net-zero emissions in a global economy," said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "I'm incredibly proud of the work we are doing to advance carbon storage in Ontario and ensure we are a leader when it comes to emissions reductions efforts."
Ontario is taking a measured and phased approach to enabling and regulating geologic carbon storage to provide clarity for businesses to plan and invest in Ontario, while ensuring safe and responsible development. This will include looking at other Canadian jurisdictions where carbon storage projects already exist and exploring options to access underground space that is used for carbon storage.
Work is underway on a framework to allow for the development of large commercial projects. Public consultations are scheduled to begin in the new year.
"Carbon storage plays an important role in Ontario's Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy, which sets out a vision for a low-carbon hydrogen economy in our province," said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. "This will help develop a self-sustaining sector in Ontario, evolve our energy system, create local jobs and attract investment while reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Quick Facts
- Geologic carbon storage is the permanent storage of carbon dioxide in deep underground geologic formations. Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) involves many activities that capture, transport, use and store carbon dioxide. Geologic carbon storage is one part of CCUS activities.
- Ontario's geologic resource potential will need further assessment and confirmation, however most of Ontario's geologic storage potential is expected to be in southwestern Ontario.
- According to the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute - an international think tank seeking to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture and storage - there are almost 400 carbon capture and storage projects at various stages of development worldwide in 2023.
Quotes
"Our government continues to unlock the benefits of carbon capture and storage for Ontario's sustainable energy future. Investing in carbon storage technology will play an important role in decarbonizing our economy and support green jobs."
- Andrea Khanjin
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
"Enbridge Gas supports Ontario's efforts to enable carbon capture and storage opportunities, which are essential to reducing emissions from energy-intensive industries like steel, cement and fertilizers. Government must continue engaging with industry leaders and communities to introduce world-class safety, financial and technical expertise requirements, and undertake a competitive process to maximize economies of scale."
- Jim Redford
VP Energy Services, Enbridge Gas Inc.
"Stelco applauds the Ontario government's work and their continued support of business and industry by making the necessary tools available to allow reductions in carbon emissions while protecting and generating jobs and encouraging investment in Ontario. The government's ongoing work to support decarbonizing the economy, including efforts around carbon capture, utilization and sequestration, are critical steps in achieving our goals."
- Trevor Harris
Vice President Corporate Affairs, Stelco
"This announcement is an important step in decarbonizing Ontario's fuels sector and building up the green economy. Carbon Capture technology is already being safely deployed around the world to reduce GHG emissions. This government has shown a strong commitment to supporting Ontario's manufacturing sector in implementing environmentally responsible emissions reduction solutions."
- Landon Tresise
Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Canadian Fuels Association
"The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada applauds the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on the continued progress of Ontario's Carbon Storage Roadmap. The chemistry sector is transforming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and carbon storage is an essential element. Carbon storage is recognized and supported by the federal government and is operational elsewhere in Canada."
- Don Fusco
Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations - Ontario and Corporate Secretary, Chemistry Association of Canada
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