CALGARY - The chief executive of a U.S.-based carbon capture startup has expressed enthusiasm about Canada's potential to lead in carbon capture technology, specifically citing Alberta's favorable conditions. Cameron Halliday, co-founder of Mantel Capture based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, noted that Alberta embodies a convergence of elements necessary for the widespread implementation of emissions-reducing technologies. Halliday emphasized the province's robust policy support, describing it as embodying both the "carrot and the stick" approach needed to encourage investment in this sector.
Mantel Capture recently announced the initiation of an early engineering and design study for a commercial-scale carbon capture project within Alberta's oilsands. While the company has yet to identify its project partner, Halliday confirmed that it is a producer utilizing steam-assisted gravity drainage techniques to extract bitumen from deep underground. This particular project aims to capture 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, distinguishing itself by harnessing the energy from the 150,000 tonnes of high-pressure steam it produces, rather than consuming additional energy resources.
The cost of the project remains undisclosed, although Mantel Capture is receiving support from Alberta Innovates, a provincial Crown corporation. This venture builds on prior efforts, notably a demonstration project at Kruger Inc.'s Wayagamack pulp and paper mill in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, which aims to capture 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide while also generating steam for the mill's operations.
Halliday indicated that Mantel's modular equipment can be adapted to a variety of industrial facilities, including those in cement, steel, chemicals, and power generation. He referred to the initiative as a "value-additive exercise," asserting that financial viability is crucial for attracting further investment in carbon capture initiatives. "We need a way to do this that makes money for the investors putting their neck out," he stated, underscoring the importance of efficiency in their approach to carbon capture technology.
According to Halliday, Alberta stands out as a "sophisticated" player in the carbon capture arena, with appropriate policy support that includes a price on carbon and lucrative tax incentives. An additional advantage for the province lies in its skilled workforce; individuals in the oil and gas industry possess many of the competencies required for advancements in carbon capture technology. Halliday pointed out that the expertise in subsurface sequestration and a familiarity with chemical-processing equipment are beneficial to the development of carbon capture solutions.
Interestingly, Mantel Capture is not currently part of the Pathways Alliance, a collaborative effort among some of Canada's largest oilsands companies aimed at creating one of the world's most significant carbon capture projects. This ambitious initiative, projected to cost around $16.5 billion, seeks to capture carbon dioxide emissions from over 20 oilsands facilities in northern Alberta and transport them via pipeline to a storage terminal in the Cold Lake area, located approximately 400 kilometers away.
Halliday expressed support for the Pathways project, recognizing it as a critical piece of infrastructure that could enable further advancements in carbon capture technology. He envisions a future where carbon capture systems are standard features in all new industrial plants, similar to how equipment used to remove harmful emissions like sulfur dioxide has already become commonplace. "Our vision is for our carbon capture technology to integrate seamlessly into industrial operations," he stated.
In summary, the efforts and aspirations of Mantel Capture reflect a broader commitment to reducing emissions through innovative technology, with Alberta positioned as a pivotal region for such initiatives. As the province continues to develop its carbon capture capabilities, the potential for industry-wide adoption remains a significant focus for Halliday and his team.
