Proposal to evaluate potential carbon capture hub near Pincher Creek

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on May 7, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

A Calgary-based energy company has submitted a proposal to the provincial government for a permit to evaluate the potential for a carbon capture sequestration hub near Pincher Creek.
West Lake Energy Corp believes the hub will provide an immediate solution to the need for carbon capture, storage and utilization in Southern Alberta and the north-western United States.
A press release says if approved the hub is expected to have the capacity to sequester 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year over an estimated 30-year lifespan. This is estimated to be roughly equal to taking 580,000 cars off the road per year.
The hub will be situated about 50 kilometres north of the U.S. border within metres of highways, rail lines and gas lines which the release says will allow for ease of transportation, access to markets and the security of the Canadian gas supply while providing competitive pricing for stakeholders.
If approved the hub will be built around three sources of carbon including a proposed on-site self-contained blue ammonia plant that will be used to produce for fertilizer for agricultural uses. Another source will be BowArk Energy’s approved gas-fired power generation station and other industrial emitters in the surrounding area.
“There are no other facilities in southern Alberta that are currently able to provide carbon sequestration to existing and future emitters, baseload green power generation and a ready, cost-effective source of for fertilizer to Western Canada and the northwestern United States in addition to providing carbon sequestration solutions,” says the release.
“This is a monumental project for southern Alberta and Canada,” said Bruce McDonald, CEO of West Lake in the release. “We’re extremely excited about the potential of the Pincher Creek Hub project. Unique to the area, this venture represents a clean energy solution for not only West Lake but for the broader growth of the power, industrial and agricultural sector in Southern Alberta through the reduction and storage of carbon emissions. We can’t wait to see this new venture take off and the new industries that will be attracted to the area.”
The project is expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue for southern Alberta while providing employment and training during construction and operation. It will also provide support for local businesses and generate tax revenue.
“It will be an important asset to the infrastructure and economy of southern Alberta as the transition to low-carbon energy becomes more essential,” says the release.
Roland Milligan, director of Development and Community Services for the MD of Pincher Creek, is squeezed as saying the MD sees the project as an important initiative for the area’s future.
West Lake has operated in the MD since 2010. The privately-held company focus on development and exploration in western Canada and is focused on new ventures that support its transition into the clean energy sector.

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