Pathways Alliance begins filing regulatory applications for proposed CCS transportation network ­and storage hub

Pathways Alliance (Pathways) announced today that it has begun filing regulatory applications to the Alberta Energy Regulator for the proposed Pathways CO₂ Transportation Network and Storage Hub Project (the Project).

“The start of submissions for key regulatory applications is an important step for Pathways,” said Kendall Dilling, president at Pathways. “Over the past two years, we have been working together to develop and prepare these applications while discussing the Project with Indigenous groups, local communities, landowners and governments. We are committed to continuing to work together to move the proposed Project forward and to provide more details on this ambitious and important project.”

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a tested and reliable technology used around the world to capture CO₂ from industrial facilities before it is released into the atmosphere. It is then liquified, transported, and stored in a geologic formation more than one kilometre underground. CCS is a key part of Pathways’ plan to reduce CO₂ emissions from oil sands operations.

Pathways’ proposed project is expected to achieve net reductions from oil sands operations of approximately 10-12 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per year, working towards Pathways’ goal of net-zero emissions from oil sands operations by 2050. In Alberta, construction alone on the proposed project would support $13.3 billion in GDP, $10.3 billion in labour income, and over 100,000 full time jobs in Alberta. That would equate to between 15,000 to 35,000 jobs annually during construction.

Highlights of the regulatory filing include:

• Details on the right-of-way proposed for the CO₂ Transportation Network required under the Public Lands Act, including the need for temporary workspace.
• Information regarding proposed watercourse crossings, including location, crossing methods and commitment to adhere to applicable provincial and federal requirements.     
• Environmental mitigation, management plans, in relation to wildlife, wetlands and environmental features and contingency plans for the construction of sections of the Pathways CO₂ transportation network, consisting of a 400+ kilometre CO₂ transportation pipeline.
• Commitment to regulatory compliance and stakeholder transparency.

Through the regulatory process, consultation and engagement will be occurring for Pathways to understand potential concerns and impacts potentially arising from the Project. There will be an ongoing exchange of information through appropriate forums such as workshops, technical sessions, and site visits to address concerns and/or develop suitable mitigation measures.

Not included in this initial regulatory submission are applications related to the Pathways storage hub. Regulatory applications for this part of the Project are anticipated to be filed in Q2 2024.

For more information on Pathways’ regulatory applications, visit pathwaysalliance.ca/regulatory

If you have questions about the proposed Project, please reach out to ccsproject@pathwaysalliance.ca