Capital Power Abandons $2.4 Billion Carbon Capture Project at Genesee Power Plant
Edmonton-based Capital Power Corp. has announced that it will no longer pursue its proposed $2.4 billion carbon capture and storage project at its Genesee natural gas-fired power plant. The company cited the project’s lack of economic feasibility despite being technically viable.
Although Capital Power will not proceed with carbon capture and storage at this time, it remains open to exploring these technologies in the future as economics improve. The company has set a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Alberta’s Transition to Sustainable Energy Sources
Alberta’s electricity grid heavily relies on natural gas, and experts believe that offsetting emissions from this sector will require a combination of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, hydrogen, nuclear power (specifically small modular reactors), and carbon capture and storage.
Partnership for Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
In January, Capital Power announced a partnership with Ontario Power Generation to assess the feasibility of developing small modular nuclear reactors to support Alberta’s electricity grid. This two-year feasibility assessment will explore ownership and operating structures for a potential fleet of grid-scale SMRs in Alberta.
Environmental Defence’s Perspective
Environmental Defence, an activist group, views Capital Power’s decision to abandon the carbon capture project as another failure in the track record of this technology. The organization emphasizes the need for governments to invest more in renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which have become increasingly cost-effective compared to fossil fuel-generated power equipped with carbon capture.
Last month, the Alberta Court of Appeal dismissed a request for compensation from Altius Royalty Corp., which owns the Genesee coal mine that supplies the Genesee power plant. Altius Royalty Corp. sought $190 million in compensation due to government policies phasing out coal power over climate and health concerns, arguing that it constituted expropriation.
— With files from Karen Bartko, Global News
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators could include the percentage increase in renewable energy generation, the number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits for sustainability, and the extent of integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Potential indicators: Percentage increase in renewable energy generation |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Potential indicators: Number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits for sustainability |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Potential indicators: Extent of integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning |
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Fuente: globalnews.ca
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