News Releases and Backgrounders
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New advisory body to coordinate transportation planning in oil sands region (January 4, 2012)
Fort McMurray... A new advisory committee will review and will make recommendations to the Alberta government on the current and future transportation needs of the Athabasca oil sands region. The committee of municipal, industry and provincial representatives will take into account the region’s unique economic and infrastructure needs and the importance of the oil sands to the province’s economy.
Use of new technologies spurs province to record land revenues (December 14, 2011)
Edmonton…Capping a record year which saw renewed confidence in Alberta’s oil patch, for the first time in provincial history, Alberta has exceeded $3 billion in land sales for a calendar year. Revenues for the final calendar year sale of provincial petroleum and natural gas mineral leases and licenses, also known as land sales, were $145,621,531.32. This brings the total revenue collected to $3.54 billion for the 2011 calendar year.
Edmonton... Canada’s three western-most Premiers agreed on developing a joint mission to Ottawa in 2012 to engage the federal government on several key issues including a Canadian Energy Strategy, immigration, labour market development and greenhouse gas regulations.
Expert committee to review north-south transmission plans (December 6, 2011)
Report to be delivered by mid-February
Edmonton... The Alberta government has appointed an independent panel of experts to review plans for two high-voltage transmission lines between the Edmonton and Calgary regions. The committee will review the Alberta Electric System Operator’s (AESO) assessment of the electricity transmission requirements in this part of the province, the selection of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, and the timing of the planned north-south lines.
Edmonton... Energy Minister Ted Morton will promote Alberta’s work in responsible energy development at The Energy Council’s 2011 Global Energy and Environmental Issues Conference December 8 - 11 in Austin, Texas. “Maintaining a strong relationship with our American neighbours is extremely important,” said Morton.
Site makes Alberta industry information more transparent
Edmonton... A new, one-stop web portal makes it easy to find detailed information on the environmental performance of Alberta’s oil sands facilities. Searchable data highlighting such things as facility-specific water use, greenhouse gas emissions, tailings pond size and land disturbance and reclamation is part of Alberta’s ongoing work to make oil sands information more open and transparent. Government releases report into allegations concerning ethane program (November 3, 2011)
Edmonton... A review into the consultation process that led to changes to Alberta Energy’s Incremental Ethane Extraction Program refutes allegations that two Alberta companies unfairly benefited from inside government information. The report
outlines a lengthy and inclusive stakeholder consultation process that establishes that all industry players had the same access to the same information at the same time.
Calgary... Alberta’s independent utilities regulator has approved, with conditions, an application for the Heartland Transmission Project, including its preferred east route option. In Decision 2011-436, issued today, the Alberta Utilities Commission found the application from AltaLink Management Ltd. and EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. to build the Edmonton-area Heartland line was in the public interest and met the need specified in law by the provincial government.
Calgary... The AUC has today suspended its review process and suspended hearings for three critical transmission projects before it. This was at the request of the Alberta government to allow the government to consider its overall approach to critical transmission infrastructure.
Unprecedented AUC initiative coordinates energy companies, social agencies and privacy commissioner
Calgary... As winter approaches, the Alberta Utilities Commission has put procedures in place to identify customers with disconnected utility services, determine those who are vulnerable and refer them to support agencies. Procedures are also now in place to ensure extensive attempts are made by utility retailers to contact and reconnect any customers identified as vulnerable.
Shorter front bench features new talent and proven performers
Edmonton... Premier Alison Redford has named a new cabinet team that will get to work immediately on Albertans’ priorities. “This cabinet reflects what change looks like. It’s a team that’s committed to listening to Albertans, and getting to work right away on bringing the change Albertans want and expect,” Redford said.
Edmonton... Public service veteran Peter Watson will serve as Deputy Minister of Executive Council under Premier Alison Redford. Watson formerly served as Deputy Minister of Energy and Deputy Minister of Environment. He replaces Brian Manning. “Peter is known for working with stakeholders and taking a collaborative approach. He also brings extensive experience in two key files: energy and environment. I look forward to working with Peter to advance Albertans’ priorities,” said Premier Redford.
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board has issued Bulletin 2011-29, which advises of regulation amendments to change its well-spacing framework for conventional and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. The changes allow for enhanced conservation of Alberta’s oil and gas resources by enabling companies to optimize resource recovery, in a safe, efficient, and responsible manner that maximizes the benefit of the resources for all Albertans.
Edmonton... Fred Lindsay, MLA for Stony Plain, will promote Alberta’s work in responsible energy development at the Energy Council Annual Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, September 27 to October 2. The Energy Council is a legislative organization of 11 energy-producing U.S. states, along with Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Venezuela.
Edmonton... Energy Minister Ron Liepert will continue to promote Alberta as a leading source of secure energy in New York September 6 to 8. Liepert is a keynote speaker at Barclays Capital Energy dinner and will address both Canadian and U.S. energy portfolio managers and analysts. He will also meet with other major investment houses.
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has issued final approval to Plains Midstream Canada (Plains) to resume operations of the NPS 20 Rainbow Pipeline. The approval follows a comprehensive review and assessment, a third-party engineering review of the incident, and a number of conditions Plains was required to complete following the pipeline failure on April 28, 2011.Plains is responsible for ensuring that the pipeline can be safely operated within all regulatory requirements.
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta and Swan Hills Synfuels have signed a final funding agreement for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project that will capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from a deep coal gasification process. The in-situ coal gasification project will tap into a deep, unmineable coalbed near Swan Hills and turn the coal into a synthetic gas or “syngas” while underground. The syngas will then be used to generate electricity.
Calgary...The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is responding to a Pembina Pipelines Ltd. crude-oil pipeline release that occurred Tuesday. The location of the pipeline release is approximately five kilometres north of Swan Hills, the release is estimated at 1,300 barrels of crude oil.
Edmonton... Energy, the environment, innovation and regional collaboration will be key areas of discussion for an Alberta delegation participating in the 21st Annual Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Summit in Portland, Oregon, July 19-22. The annual summit brings together approximately 550 key business leaders.
Calls for another round of applications
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta is funding six innovative energy projects through the ground-breaking Innovative Energy Technologies Program (IETP) as part of its commitment to establish the province as a world-class centre for responsible energy development.
Alberta's fiscal results improve in 2010-11 (June 29, 2011)
Province posts lower deficit as economy grows
Edmonton... Global economic recovery, increased demand for oil, and continued careful spending improved Alberta’s 2010-11 fiscal results, with a reduced deficit of $3.4 billion—$1.3 billion lower than estimated in Budget 2010. Alberta Energy 2010-2011 Annual Report
Province, feds partner with industry to move CCS technology forward
Fort Saskatchewan... The Government of Alberta has taken another step toward realizing its climate change goals by signing a final agreement with Shell Canada Energy for the Shell Quest carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.
ERCB reports drilling doubled in 2010 (June 8, 2011)
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has released its annual report Alberta's Reserves 2010 and Supply/Demand Outlook 2011-2020. The ERCB report is a source of information on the state of reserves and the supply and demand outlook for Alberta's diverse energy resources: crude bitumen (up 8% from 2009), crude oil (down 0.4% from 2009), natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal, and sulphur.
Edmonton... Today’s petroleum and natural gas land sale netted over $841 million and is the highest ever total from a land sale in the history of Alberta. This nearly doubles the previous high of $474 million set in December 2005. The sale also set a record for average price hectare of $3,110.85, surpassing the previous high of $2,185.03 set in July 2010.
The ERCB’s Customer Contact Centre addresses close to 20,000 inquiries each year in an effective and streamlined manner. Call-centre professionals are trained to assist callers on a variety of matters pertaining to oil and gas development in Alberta.
Will promote province's secure, responsible energy sector in U.S.
Edmonton... Energy Minister Ron Liepert will continue to promote Alberta as a leading source of secure energy in New York and Washington, D.C., from May 15 to 22. “Canada exports approximately 1.4 million barrels of oil a day to the United States, much of it from the Alberta oil sands. It’s important our best customer knows about the technological advancements that are making oil sands extraction increasingly efficient and sustainable,” Liepert said.
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) continues to work with Plains Midstream Canada, Alberta Environment and other appropriate agencies during cleanup efforts following a crude oil pipeline leak about 100 km northeast of Peace River on April 29. The break point of the pipeline has been isolated and there is no further flow of crude oil. An estimated 4,500 m3 (28,000 barrels) of crude oil leaked and has collected along the pipeline’s 30-metre right-of-way and spread into nearby stands of stagnant water, where it is contained.
Edmonton... A new regulation establishes the process for companies to seek tenure rights to evaluate potential deep carbon storage sites for storing carbon dioxide. The regulation for this greenhouse gas reduction technology will guide how large-scale carbon capture and storage projects will proceed in Alberta.
Vancouver... The premiers of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan are working to create new opportunities through the year-old New West Partnership agreement
. Premier Stelmach said “Collectively we are working together to improve access to emerging markets in India, Asia and the Middle East that will contribute to our economic growth and help pay for Canada’s health care and other social programs.”
Energy and Trade - All participated in a joint consultation with the petroleum and natural gas industry to identify barriers and opportunities. Ten major industry associations participated. A joint strategy to promote energy trade and improved access to Asian markets is being developed. The three provinces make up about 90 per cent of Canada’s total oil production.
Edmonton... Premier Ed Stelmach will aim to advance western priorities and strengthen co-operation on energy, agriculture and transportation at the New West Partnership meeting in Vancouver, April 20-21. “I look forward to meeting with Premiers Clark and Wall to further discuss the progress of the New West Partnership and the importance of economic growth to pay for Canada’s health care and other social programs,” said Premier Stelmach. “The amazing opportunities that lie before us in emerging markets such as Asia, India and the Middle East through the New West Partnership will enhance Alberta’s continued economic contribution to Canada.”
Edmonton... The draft Lower Athabasca Regional Plan provides a blueprint for vigorous economic growth, vibrant communities and a healthy environment in northeast Alberta for decades to come. With oil sands production expected to double within the decade, the draft regional plan will conserve more than two-million hectares of habitat for native species. It will increase recreation and tourism opportunities, plan for infrastructure and put strict environmental limits in place for air, land disturbance and water. It is the first regional plan developed under Alberta’s Land-use Framework.
Plan will inform work already underway by Alberta
Edmonton... Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner issued the following statement in response to the release on March 24 of a water monitoring plan for the oil sands region, led by Environment Canada.
Ethane extraction during bitumen upgrading to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost value-added production
Edmonton... A program to increase extraction of ethane to support continued growth of Alberta’s petrochemical sector is being expanded. Initially designed to encourage extraction of ethane from natural gas, the revisions will help encourage more ethane extraction from off-gases that result from bitumen refining or upgrading.
Edmonton... Experts from around the globe will help guide Alberta’s carbon capture and storage Regulatory Framework Assessment. This process will examine in detail the environmental, safety and assurance processes for carbon capture and storage (CCS) that exist and determine what, if any, new processes need to be put in place for commercial scale deployment of this technology.
More work required before conclusions can be drawn about impacts, says committee
Edmonton... Alberta’s water monitoring data review committee recommends comprehensive monitoring, more rigorous scientific analysis and new monitoring objectives in order to gain a better understanding of environmental impacts in the oil sands region. A committee of six independent scientists from across North America was asked by the Premier in September 2010 to examine the data, the committee suggests that more work is needed.
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has issued Decision 2011-007, which approves, with conditions, Shell Canada applications to drill a sour gas well in the Waterton area and amend its licence to add a fuel-gas compressor. The ERCB has denied applications for a fuel gas pipeline, a production pipeline, and a gas battery.
Heartland project supports carbon capture for enhanced conventional oil recovery
Edmonton… The Alberta government has successfully negotiated contracts for two projects that will advance upgrading and refining of bitumen in Alberta, increase supplies of diesel fuel and enhance Alberta’s position as a secure supplier of clean energy. The first project with the North West Upgrading / Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) Partnership will lead to construction of a new bitumen refinery in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, northeast of Edmonton, as part of the government’s bitumen royalty-in-kind (BRIK) initiative.
The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is concerned that a report on pipeline safety issued this morning by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) contains misleading statements on pipeline safety in Alberta and on the characteristics of diluted bitumen. The report implies that the Alberta pipelines have had a higher pipeline failure rate than the U.S. due to leaks caused by internal corrosion from transportation of diluted bitumen (DilBit). The NRDC’s analysis of published ERCB pipeline data is flawed, leading to misleading and incorrect conclusions.
Commission schedules public information sessions along possible routes
Calgary... Alberta’s independent utilities regulator has launched enhanced procedural steps and opportunities for participation in the expected Eastern Alberta Transmission Line (EATL) project application. The EATL project application, which the Alberta Utilities Commission expects to receive in the spring of 2011, will be subject to a full public hearing to determine if the proposed transmission line route is in the public interest.
Regulatory Enhancement Task Force delivers report to government
Calgary... Coordinated policy development and an integrated regulatory system for upstream oil and gas highlight a report from the task force established to review Alberta’s regulatory system. “I would like to thank Diana McQueen, Cal Dallas, and Evan Berger for their excellent work,” said Energy Minister Ron Liepert. (January 28, 2011)
The Government of Canada is supporting the capacity of small and medium-sized businesses to commercialize new technologies that will reduce costs, maximize recovery, and bring forth efficiencies in the natural gas industry. The federal government will fund $750,000 towards a project facilitated by the not-for-profit industry and stakeholder association, Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC). Alberta Energy is also contributing $250,000 towards the total project costs.
The Joint Review Panel (Panel) established to review the Joslyn North Mine Project (the project) has released Decision 2011-005, which grants conditional approval to Total E&P Joslyn Ltd. (Total) to construct and operate the project. The project would include construction, operation, and reclamation of an oil sands surface mine and bitumen extraction facility to be located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray with initial operations planned for 2017. The project would increase Alberta’s approved mineable project area by about seven per cent.
Will also share province’s clean energy story in the United States
Edmonton... Energy Minister Ron Liepert will promote Alberta as a leading source of secure energy in the United Kingdom and Belgium, January 28 to February 5. “Alberta continues to be a leader in responsible energy development and it is important to get an accurate oil sands story out to an international audience,” Liepert said. “This is an opportunity to share our expertise and learn from other countries pursuing clean energy solutions.”(January 26, 2011)
Alberta’s capacity and ability to convert biomass into market- ready products is expanding with the establishment of a bio-energy applied research facility and industrial cluster at Hairy Hill, near Vegreville. A combined federal-provincial investment of $8.4 million under the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) is supporting the BioWaste to Energy for Canada Integration Initiative (BECii) Corporation, an industry driven not-for-profit organization, to establish the BECii Clean Energy Centre.
Fort McMurray... A new advisory committee will review and will make recommendations to the Alberta government on the current and future transportation needs of the Athabasca oil sands region. The committee of municipal, industry and provincial representatives will take into account the region’s unique economic and infrastructure needs and the importance of the oil sands to the province’s economy.
Use of new technologies spurs province to record land revenues (December 14, 2011)
Edmonton…Capping a record year which saw renewed confidence in Alberta’s oil patch, for the first time in provincial history, Alberta has exceeded $3 billion in land sales for a calendar year. Revenues for the final calendar year sale of provincial petroleum and natural gas mineral leases and licenses, also known as land sales, were $145,621,531.32. This brings the total revenue collected to $3.54 billion for the 2011 calendar year.
New West Partnership Premiers commit to Ottawa Mission (December 13, 2011)
Edmonton... Canada’s three western-most Premiers agreed on developing a joint mission to Ottawa in 2012 to engage the federal government on several key issues including a Canadian Energy Strategy, immigration, labour market development and greenhouse gas regulations.
Expert committee to review north-south transmission plans (December 6, 2011)
Report to be delivered by mid-February
Edmonton... The Alberta government has appointed an independent panel of experts to review plans for two high-voltage transmission lines between the Edmonton and Calgary regions. The committee will review the Alberta Electric System Operator’s (AESO) assessment of the electricity transmission requirements in this part of the province, the selection of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, and the timing of the planned north-south lines.
Morton promotes responsible development at Texas conference December 1, 2011
Edmonton... Energy Minister Ted Morton will promote Alberta’s work in responsible energy development at The Energy Council’s 2011 Global Energy and Environmental Issues Conference December 8 - 11 in Austin, Texas. “Maintaining a strong relationship with our American neighbours is extremely important,” said Morton.
New portal allows easy extraction of oil sands data (November 10, 2011)
Site makes Alberta industry information more transparent
Edmonton... A new, one-stop web portal makes it easy to find detailed information on the environmental performance of Alberta’s oil sands facilities. Searchable data highlighting such things as facility-specific water use, greenhouse gas emissions, tailings pond size and land disturbance and reclamation is part of Alberta’s ongoing work to make oil sands information more open and transparent. Government releases report into allegations concerning ethane program (November 3, 2011)
Edmonton... A review into the consultation process that led to changes to Alberta Energy’s Incremental Ethane Extraction Program refutes allegations that two Alberta companies unfairly benefited from inside government information. The report
outlines a lengthy and inclusive stakeholder consultation process that establishes that all industry players had the same access to the same information at the same time.
Alberta Utilities Commission approves Heartland Transmission Project (November 1, 2011)
Calgary... Alberta’s independent utilities regulator has approved, with conditions, an application for the Heartland Transmission Project, including its preferred east route option. In Decision 2011-436, issued today, the Alberta Utilities Commission found the application from AltaLink Management Ltd. and EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. to build the Edmonton-area Heartland line was in the public interest and met the need specified in law by the provincial government.
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) suspends critical transmission infrastructure applications at government request (October 21, 2011)
Calgary... The AUC has today suspended its review process and suspended hearings for three critical transmission projects before it. This was at the request of the Alberta government to allow the government to consider its overall approach to critical transmission infrastructure.
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) introduces changes to utility disconnection and reconnection practices to protect vulnerable customers (October 14, 2011)
Unprecedented AUC initiative coordinates energy companies, social agencies and privacy commissioner
Calgary... As winter approaches, the Alberta Utilities Commission has put procedures in place to identify customers with disconnected utility services, determine those who are vulnerable and refer them to support agencies. Procedures are also now in place to ensure extensive attempts are made by utility retailers to contact and reconnect any customers identified as vulnerable.
New Cabinet team focused on Albertans' priorities (October 12, 2011)
Shorter front bench features new talent and proven performers
Edmonton... Premier Alison Redford has named a new cabinet team that will get to work immediately on Albertans’ priorities. “This cabinet reflects what change looks like. It’s a team that’s committed to listening to Albertans, and getting to work right away on bringing the change Albertans want and expect,” Redford said.
Peter Watson named Deputy Minister of Executive Council (October 11, 2011)
Edmonton... Public service veteran Peter Watson will serve as Deputy Minister of Executive Council under Premier Alison Redford. Watson formerly served as Deputy Minister of Energy and Deputy Minister of Environment. He replaces Brian Manning. “Peter is known for working with stakeholders and taking a collaborative approach. He also brings extensive experience in two key files: energy and environment. I look forward to working with Peter to advance Albertans’ priorities,” said Premier Redford.
ERCB announces changes to well spacing framework (October 6, 2011)
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board has issued Bulletin 2011-29, which advises of regulation amendments to change its well-spacing framework for conventional and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. The changes allow for enhanced conservation of Alberta’s oil and gas resources by enabling companies to optimize resource recovery, in a safe, efficient, and responsible manner that maximizes the benefit of the resources for all Albertans.
Lindsay shares Alberta’s story at Energy Council annual meeting in Alaska (September 22, 2010)
Edmonton... Fred Lindsay, MLA for Stony Plain, will promote Alberta’s work in responsible energy development at the Energy Council Annual Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, September 27 to October 2. The Energy Council is a legislative organization of 11 energy-producing U.S. states, along with Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Venezuela.
Liepert to promote Alberta responsible energy sector in U.S. (August 29, 2011)
Edmonton... Energy Minister Ron Liepert will continue to promote Alberta as a leading source of secure energy in New York September 6 to 8. Liepert is a keynote speaker at Barclays Capital Energy dinner and will address both Canadian and U.S. energy portfolio managers and analysts. He will also meet with other major investment houses.
ERCB issues approval for the resumption of pipeline operations to Plains Midstream Canada (August 26, 2011)
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has issued final approval to Plains Midstream Canada (Plains) to resume operations of the NPS 20 Rainbow Pipeline. The approval follows a comprehensive review and assessment, a third-party engineering review of the incident, and a number of conditions Plains was required to complete following the pipeline failure on April 28, 2011.Plains is responsible for ensuring that the pipeline can be safely operated within all regulatory requirements.
Clean energy project agreement in place (July 27, 2011)
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta and Swan Hills Synfuels have signed a final funding agreement for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project that will capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from a deep coal gasification process. The in-situ coal gasification project will tap into a deep, unmineable coalbed near Swan Hills and turn the coal into a synthetic gas or “syngas” while underground. The syngas will then be used to generate electricity.
ERCB Responding to Pembina Pipelines Incident near Swan Hills (July 20, 2011)
Calgary...The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is responding to a Pembina Pipelines Ltd. crude-oil pipeline release that occurred Tuesday. The location of the pipeline release is approximately five kilometres north of Swan Hills, the release is estimated at 1,300 barrels of crude oil.
Alberta highlights energy and environment with Pacific Northwest neighbours (July14, 2011)
Edmonton... Energy, the environment, innovation and regional collaboration will be key areas of discussion for an Alberta delegation participating in the 21st Annual Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Summit in Portland, Oregon, July 19-22. The annual summit brings together approximately 550 key business leaders.
Province supports six innovative energy projects (July 14, 2011)
Calls for another round of applications
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta is funding six innovative energy projects through the ground-breaking Innovative Energy Technologies Program (IETP) as part of its commitment to establish the province as a world-class centre for responsible energy development.
Alberta's fiscal results improve in 2010-11 (June 29, 2011)
Province posts lower deficit as economy grows
Edmonton... Global economic recovery, increased demand for oil, and continued careful spending improved Alberta’s 2010-11 fiscal results, with a reduced deficit of $3.4 billion—$1.3 billion lower than estimated in Budget 2010. Alberta Energy 2010-2011 Annual Report
Alberta inks deal for Shell Quest CCS project (June 24, 2011)
Province, feds partner with industry to move CCS technology forward
Fort Saskatchewan... The Government of Alberta has taken another step toward realizing its climate change goals by signing a final agreement with Shell Canada Energy for the Shell Quest carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.
ERCB reports drilling doubled in 2010 (June 8, 2011)
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has released its annual report Alberta's Reserves 2010 and Supply/Demand Outlook 2011-2020. The ERCB report is a source of information on the state of reserves and the supply and demand outlook for Alberta's diverse energy resources: crude bitumen (up 8% from 2009), crude oil (down 0.4% from 2009), natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal, and sulphur.
Alberta sets single day land sale record (June 1, 2011)
Edmonton... Today’s petroleum and natural gas land sale netted over $841 million and is the highest ever total from a land sale in the history of Alberta. This nearly doubles the previous high of $474 million set in December 2005. The sale also set a record for average price hectare of $3,110.85, surpassing the previous high of $2,185.03 set in July 2010.
New ERCB toll-free energy information line, 1-855-297-8311 (May 19, 2011)
The ERCB’s Customer Contact Centre addresses close to 20,000 inquiries each year in an effective and streamlined manner. Call-centre professionals are trained to assist callers on a variety of matters pertaining to oil and gas development in Alberta.
Liepert continues to share Alberta's clean energy story (May 11, 2011)
Will promote province's secure, responsible energy sector in U.S.
Edmonton... Energy Minister Ron Liepert will continue to promote Alberta as a leading source of secure energy in New York and Washington, D.C., from May 15 to 22. “Canada exports approximately 1.4 million barrels of oil a day to the United States, much of it from the Alberta oil sands. It’s important our best customer knows about the technological advancements that are making oil sands extraction increasingly efficient and sustainable,” Liepert said.
Cleanup ongoing at pipeline leak northeast of Peace River (May 3, 2011)
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) continues to work with Plains Midstream Canada, Alberta Environment and other appropriate agencies during cleanup efforts following a crude oil pipeline leak about 100 km northeast of Peace River on April 29. The break point of the pipeline has been isolated and there is no further flow of crude oil. An estimated 4,500 m3 (28,000 barrels) of crude oil leaked and has collected along the pipeline’s 30-metre right-of-way and spread into nearby stands of stagnant water, where it is contained.
New regulation helps enable carbon storage (April 28, 2011)
Edmonton... A new regulation establishes the process for companies to seek tenure rights to evaluate potential deep carbon storage sites for storing carbon dioxide. The regulation for this greenhouse gas reduction technology will guide how large-scale carbon capture and storage projects will proceed in Alberta.
New West Partnership Success Spurs Further Cooperation (April 20, 2011)
Vancouver... The premiers of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan are working to create new opportunities through the year-old
New West Partnership agreement. Premier Stelmach said “Collectively we are working together to improve access to emerging markets in India, Asia and the Middle East that will contribute to our economic growth and help pay for Canada’s health care and other social programs.”Energy and Trade - All participated in a joint consultation with the petroleum and natural gas industry to identify barriers and opportunities. Ten major industry associations participated. A joint strategy to promote energy trade and improved access to Asian markets is being developed. The three provinces make up about 90 per cent of Canada’s total oil production.
Advancing economic co-operation Stelmach's priority as New West Premiers meet (April 19, 2011)
Edmonton... Premier Ed Stelmach will aim to advance western priorities and strengthen co-operation on energy, agriculture and transportation at the New West Partnership meeting in Vancouver, April 20-21. “I look forward to meeting with Premiers Clark and Wall to further discuss the progress of the New West Partnership and the importance of economic growth to pay for Canada’s health care and other social programs,” said Premier Stelmach. “The amazing opportunities that lie before us in emerging markets such as Asia, India and the Middle East through the New West Partnership
will enhance Alberta’s continued economic contribution to Canada.”
Regional plan supports conservation and economic growth (April 5, 2011)
Edmonton... The draft Lower Athabasca Regional Plan provides a blueprint for vigorous economic growth, vibrant communities and a healthy environment in northeast Alberta for decades to come. With oil sands production expected to double within the decade, the draft regional plan will conserve more than two-million hectares of habitat for native species. It will increase recreation and tourism opportunities, plan for infrastructure and put strict environmental limits in place for air, land disturbance and water. It is the first regional plan developed under Alberta’s Land-use Framework
.
Renewable Fuels Standard brings value-added opportunities to Alberta’s bioenergy sector (March 28, 2011)
Edmonton... Alberta is building on its reputation as a major player in the bioenergy sector with the implementation of a Renewable Fuels Standard on April 1. The new standard requires an annual average of two per cent renewable diesel in diesel fuel and five per cent renewable alcohol in gasoline sold in Alberta.
Minister Renner responds to federal water quality monitoring plan for oil sands region (March 24, 2011)
Plan will inform work already underway by Alberta
Edmonton... Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner issued the following statement in response to the release on March 24 of a water monitoring plan for the oil sands region, led by Environment Canada.
Alberta to expand ethane incentive (March 23, 2011)
Ethane extraction during bitumen upgrading to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost value-added production
Edmonton... A program to increase extraction of ethane to support continued growth of Alberta’s petrochemical sector is being expanded. Initially designed to encourage extraction of ethane from natural gas, the revisions will help encourage more ethane extraction from off-gases that result from bitumen refining or upgrading.
International expertise to guide carbon capture and storage regulatory review (March 11, 2011)
Edmonton... Experts from around the globe will help guide Alberta’s carbon capture and storage Regulatory Framework Assessment. This process will examine in detail the environmental, safety and assurance processes for carbon capture and storage (CCS) that exist and determine what, if any, new processes need to be put in place for commercial scale deployment of this technology.
Scientists call for increased oil sands water monitoring, more analysis (March 9, 2011)
More work required before conclusions can be drawn about impacts, says committee
Edmonton... Alberta’s water monitoring data review committee recommends comprehensive monitoring, more rigorous scientific analysis and new monitoring objectives in order to gain a better understanding of environmental impacts in the oil sands region. A committee of six independent scientists from across North America was asked by the Premier in September 2010 to examine the data, the committee suggests that more work is needed.
ERCB approves Shell Waterton gas well but denies pipeline applications (March 9, 2011)
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has issued Decision 2011-007, which approves, with conditions, Shell Canada applications to drill a sour gas well in the Waterton area and amend its licence to add a fuel-gas compressor. The ERCB has denied applications for a fuel gas pipeline, a production pipeline, and a gas battery.
Alberta promotes responsible resource development practices at U.S. energy conference (February 28, 2011)
Regional forum leadership helps Knight advance province's interests
Edmonton... Promoting Alberta’s leading-edge work on carbon capture and storage and other initiatives will be the focus for two Alberta government representatives attending a conference of economic and government decision-makers in Washington, D.C. Sustainable Resource Development Minister Mel Knight, who is also president of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) forum, will be in the U.S. capital March 3 to 6. He will represent Alberta and PNWER at the Energy Council’s 2011 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference.
Budget 2011 lays the foundation to build a better Alberta (February 24, 2011)
Province well-positioned for return to economic growth
Edmonton... Budget 2011 lays the foundation for building a better Alberta by maintaining government’s commitment to preserving priority programs and investing in infrastructure, while holding the line on spending.
Bitumen refinery agreement promotes value-added development (February16, 2011)
Heartland project supports carbon capture for enhanced conventional oil recovery
Edmonton… The Alberta government has successfully negotiated contracts for two projects that will advance upgrading and refining of bitumen in Alberta, increase supplies of diesel fuel and enhance Alberta’s position as a secure supplier of clean energy. The first project with the North West Upgrading / Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) Partnership will lead to construction of a new bitumen refinery in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, northeast of Edmonton, as part of the government’s bitumen royalty-in-kind (BRIK) initiative.
Parliamentary assistant Johnson to promote Alberta (February 16, 2011)
Will participate in a mission to Louisiana with members from the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association
Edmonton... Jeff Johnson, Parliamentary Assistant to the President of the Treasury Board (Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat) and MLA for Athabasca-Redwater, will promote Alberta as a leading source of secure energy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, February 21 to 25.
ERCB addresses statements in Natural Resources Defense Council pipeline safety report (February 16, 2011)
The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is concerned that a report on pipeline safety issued this morning by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) contains misleading statements on pipeline safety in Alberta and on the characteristics of diluted bitumen. The report implies that the Alberta pipelines have had a higher pipeline failure rate than the U.S. due to leaks caused by internal corrosion from transportation of diluted bitumen (DilBit). The NRDC’s analysis of published ERCB pipeline data is flawed, leading to misleading and incorrect conclusions.
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) launches enhanced public hearing process for expected Eastern Alberta Transmission Line application (February 11, 2011)
Commission schedules public information sessions along possible routes
Calgary... Alberta’s independent utilities regulator has launched enhanced procedural steps and opportunities for participation in the expected Eastern Alberta Transmission Line (EATL) project application. The EATL project application, which the Alberta Utilities Commission expects to receive in the spring of 2011, will be subject to a full public hearing to determine if the proposed transmission line route is in the public interest.
Alberta to better integrate oil and gas policy and regulatory system (January 28, 2011)
Regulatory Enhancement Task Force delivers report to government
Calgary... Coordinated policy development and an integrated regulatory system for upstream oil and gas highlight a report from the task force established to review Alberta’s regulatory system. “I would like to thank Diana McQueen, Cal Dallas, and Evan Berger for their excellent work,” said Energy Minister Ron Liepert.
Government Partners With Industry to Bring New Technology to Energy Market
(January 28, 2011) The Government of Canada is supporting the capacity of small and medium-sized businesses to commercialize new technologies that will reduce costs, maximize recovery, and bring forth efficiencies in the natural gas industry. The federal government will fund $750,000 towards a project facilitated by the not-for-profit industry and stakeholder association, Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC). Alberta Energy is also contributing $250,000 towards the total project costs.
Joint Review Panel Issues Report on TOTAL Joslyn North Mine Project (January 27, 2011)
The Joint Review Panel (Panel) established to review the Joslyn North Mine Project (the project) has released Decision 2011-005, which grants conditional approval to Total E&P Joslyn Ltd. (Total) to construct and operate the project. The project would include construction, operation, and reclamation of an oil sands surface mine and bitumen extraction facility to be located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray with initial operations planned for 2017. The project would increase Alberta’s approved mineable project area by about seven per cent.
Liepert to promote Alberta’s energy sector in Europe (January 26, 2011)
Will also share province’s clean energy story in the United States
Edmonton... Energy Minister Ron Liepert will promote Alberta as a leading source of secure energy in the United Kingdom and Belgium, January 28 to February 5. “Alberta continues to be a leader in responsible energy development and it is important to get an accurate oil sands story out to an international audience,” Liepert said. “This is an opportunity to share our expertise and learn from other countries pursuing clean energy solutions.”
Federal-Provincial Investment to Establish Clean Energy Centre and Bring New Biomass Technologies to Market
(January 26, 2011) Alberta’s capacity and ability to convert biomass into market- ready products is expanding with the establishment of a bio-energy applied research facility and industrial cluster at Hairy Hill, near Vegreville. A combined federal-provincial investment of $8.4 million under the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) is supporting the BioWaste to Energy for Canada Integration Initiative (BECii) Corporation, an industry driven not-for-profit organization, to establish the BECii Clean Energy Centre.
