Wednesday, March 19, 2025
On July 30, 2024, ECO Canada, a national non-profit supporting environmental professionals and businesses, presented an engaging webinar, “Awareness on Low Carbon Technology”. The event shed light on the evolving landscape of Low-Carbon Technologies (LCT) and their crucial role in achieving a net-zero emissions economy, while bringing together industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders eager to delve into LCT’s current state and future prospects.
Exploring the fundamentals of low-carbon technologies
The webinar opened with a thorough exploration of LCTs, detailing their pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and steering towards a net-zero economy.
LCTs, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) and renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, are crucial in lessening carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency. According to the International Energy Agency, LCTs could contribute up to 70 per cent of the required emissions reductions to meet global climate targets by 2050.
The webinar underscored that LCTs do more than cut emissions; they revolutionize industry practices. Emphasis was placed on the importance of tailoring these technologies to specific applications, ensuring that their integration into existing systems is both effective and beneficial for the environment.
Methane management: strategic and practical approaches
One of the central themes of the webinar was the strategic management of methane emissions. Glen Hay, an emissions management consultant at SLB (also known as Schlumberger Limited), an oilfield services company, outlined a methodical approach to tackling methane—a potent greenhouse gas.
Hay stressed the importance of a structured strategy that includes planning, measuring, and taking action. “Remember, the measurement will allow you to recognize the achievements that you’ve got through your actions.”
Hay’s insights extended beyond methane management to the broader context of decarbonization. He highlighted the value of digital simulation in understanding the thermodynamics of different processes and how innovation from the oil and gas sector can be leveraged for decarbonization efforts.
“Oil and gas have the right fundamental knowledge and learning foundation to apply towards decarbonization. So we should be the leaders in this space due to our experience and knowledge,” shared Hay.
Real-world examples and technological advancements
The session also provided a tangible view of LCT in operation through real-world examples. Participants learned about various technologies that are currently making an impact, as well as those still in the research phase. The discussion covered how these technologies are implemented and the tangible benefits they offer.
Hay referenced the Quest project in Alberta as a notable example of successful carbon dioxide management. “One of the things that I think that you can read up on as a good success story would be the Quest project,” shared Hay.
The Quest Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project, a landmark initiative by Shell, is the world’s first commercial-scale CCS project for oil sands. Located in Alberta’s Athabasca Oil Sands, this $1.35 billion venture began operations in November 2015. It captures over one million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually from Shell’s Scotford Upgrader, achieving a one-third reduction in emissions—equivalent to taking 250,000 cars off the road each year.
The process involves capturing carbon dioxide using an amine solvent, which is then separated, dehydrated, and compressed into liquid form. This liquid carbon dioxide is transported through a 60-kilometre underground pipeline to a secure storage site in Fort Saskatchewan. There, it is stored two kilometres underground in a geological formation designed to ensure long-term containment.
However, Hay acknowledged the challenges associated with scaling these technologies. He pointed out that while some LCTs show promise, economic feasibility remains a critical hurdle.
“CO2 offsets and CO2 carbon credits are another area where the economics can change, but again, it’s a very undefined region of the market right now,” he explained.
Looking ahead for the future of LCTs
As the webinar drew to a close, the discussion shifted towards the future outlook for Low-Carbon Technologies. Hay emphasized that while current technologies are making strides, ongoing research and development are crucial for addressing remaining challenges, along with the need for continued investment in R&D to advance technologies from the research phase to commercial viability.
While participants were encouraged to stay informed about emerging LCTs and consider how they might be integrated into future climate action plans, the session also underscored that the journey towards a net-zero emissions economy is ongoing and requires collaboration across sectors and borders.
The webinar highlighted the importance of understanding, adopting, and advancing these technologies to meet global climate goals.
As Hay aptly summarized, “It’s a business strategy that we have to start as soon as possible, and see it through to where it has to be applied for the different milestones.”
For those interested in exploring these topics further, upcoming webinars on related topics will continue to provide insights into the evolving world of Low-Carbon Technologies. Check the ECO Canada event schedule here.
Reya Shreya Rai is an editorial intern for Environment Journal. She is a writer and a student of Contemporary Journalism at Centennial College.
Featured image: The Scotford Energy and Chemicals Park, including the Quest CCS facility, captures and stores CO2 more than two kilometres underground. Credit: Shell.
