Amid Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first phase of national projects, a conference based in Edmonton says it’s becoming a hub for new thoughts on carbon capture policy that goes hand-in-hand with money-making energy production. Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, or CCUS, was the prime focus of Canada’s fourth-annual Carbon Capture Conference at the Edmonton Convention Centre on Tuesday. The event is two days long with Premier Danielle Smith slated to speak on Wednesday. CCUS is the process of capturing greenhouse gases and using them responsibly or storing them safely. “There’s a tremendous amount of buzz right now with the prime minister’s recent comments on how carbon capture will form an important part of Canada,” said Nick Samain, vice president with event organizer dmg. “Expanding its energy, its trade, and with the government’s vision of really becoming an energy superpower, it’s very encouraging here to the thousands of delegates behind me.” Tuesday saw speeches from provincial energy minister Brian Jean and other industry giants. Earlier in September, Carney announced several projects being recommended for approval at a Liberal caucus retreat in Edmonton. Alberta-based CCUS project, Pathways Plus, is on the prime minister’s list of projects in early stages of planning. Carney previously said the production of liquefied natural gas and its promotion in new markets would pose Canada as a catalyst for “engines of progress.” “The theme of this year’s conference is all about capitalizing CCUS and bringing in that investment. It’s about technology, those right tools that are needed to enable these projects … that can help us decarbonize hydrocarbons, oil and gas, you name it,” Samain added. “We expect Premier Smith to have some insightful comments on that tomorrow.” The convention, which features 100 exhibitions on energy, runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and still has tickets available online. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch
