Overview

We are well-positioned as a province to help meet the global need for ethical, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy while being a leader in energy production and emissions reduction investments.

A robust climate and energy policy framework has resulted in significant emissions reductions from implementing innovative technology that benefits Alberta and other jurisdictions.

Our environmental leadership, investments in clean technology and innovation, and carbon-neutral targets have us on track towards a responsible energy future.

Accomplishments

  • Environment Ministry Established

    Established the first environment ministry in Canada

    1971
  • Climate Action

    The first jurisdiction in Canada to establish a climate plan

    1998
  • Climate Change and Emissions Management Act

    Introduced the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act

    2003
  • Carbon Price and Emissions Trading System

    The first jurisdiction in North America to introduce an industrial carbon price and emissions trading system

    2007
  • Climate Change Strategy

    Released Alberta’s 2008 Climate Change Strategy

    January 2008
  • Provincial Energy Strategy

    Launched the Provincial Energy Strategy that set Alberta’s long-term action plan to achieve clean energy production, wise energy use and sustained economic prosperity

    December 2008
  • Key Funding Partners

    Established the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre and Emissions Reduction Alberta

    2009
  • Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency

    Created the Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency

    2013
  • Phasing Out Coal Emissions

    Alberta committed to ending coal-fired electricity emissions and increase renewable electricity by 2030

    2015
  • Carbon Capture and Storage Facility

    Quest carbon capture and storage facility began sequestration

    November 2015
  • Methane Emissions Reduction Target

    Alberta was the first provincial government in Canada to set a methane emissions reduction target for the oil and gas sector

    November 2015
  • Limiting Oil Sands Emissions

    Legislated a 100-megatonne limit for oil sands emissions

    2016
  • ClimateWest

    Together with Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Alberta established a regional information hub called ClimateWest

    2019
  • Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation

    Published the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation Act to enhance Indigenous participation in major resource projects

    November 2019
  • Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) System

    Introduced an improved system to help industrial facilities find innovative ways to reduce emissions and invest in clean technology

    January 2020
  • Alberta Carbon Trunk Line

    Sequestration began at the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line, the world’s largest carbon capture and storage project

    June 2020
  • Geothermal Resource Development Act

    Alberta laid the groundwork for geothermal energy development

    October 2020
  • Natural Gas Vision and Strategy

    Actions Alberta’s government will take to seize opportunities for clean hydrogen, petrochemical manufacturing, LNG and plastics recycling

    October 2020
  • Milestone Methane Agreement Reached

    Alberta ensured the province remains in charge of regulating methane emissions instead of the federal government

    November 2020
  • Hydrogen Roadmap

    Released the Hydrogen Roadmap to help build a lower emission energy future with hydrogen

    November 2021
  • Renewing Alberta’s Mineral Future

    Alberta released its strategy and action plan to grow and develop a strong minerals sector

    November 2021
  • Alberta Clean Hydrogen Centre of Excellence

    Established the Clean Hydrogen Centre of Excellence to drive innovation in the production, deployment and use of hydrogen across the economy

    April 2022
  • Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation

    The regulatory framework for businesses to find new ways to recycle materials and reduce waste

    November 2022
  • Methane Progress Report

    Released a provincial report showing Alberta is on track to meet and exceed its methane emissions reduction goal

    April 2023
  • 100% phase out from coal-fired electricity generation

    Transitioned away from coal early, years ahead of provincial and federal targets.

    June 2023
  • Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan

    Released the made-in-Alberta Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan to cut emissions, not economic growth

    September 2023
  • Small Modular Reactor Study

    Funding approved for a multi-year study exploring how small modular reactors could be safely, technically and economically deployed for oil sands operations in northern Alberta.

    October 2023
  • Supreme Court Ruling: Impact Assessment Act is Unconstitutional

    Supreme Court of Canada upheld the Alberta Court of Appeal’s ruling that the federal Impact Assessment Act is unconstitutional – protecting Alberta’s environment and economy.

    November 2023
  • Methane Reduction Target Achieved Early

    Reduced methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 45% from 2014 levels 3 years ahead of schedule 

    November 2023

Key facts

Alberta’s approach is working to reduce emissions and sustainably manage the environment.

  • The Quest and Alberta Carbon Trunk Line projects have already captured and permanently stored approximately 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to date.
  • ~59% reduction in electricity emissions from 2005 to 2022.
  • 45% reduction in methane emissions from the oil and gas sector from 2014 to 2022.
  • In April 2023, Alberta released its Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan, which charts the province’s course to reduce emissions, attract investment, and grow the economy.
  • Alberta’s annual emissions are decreasing, from 281 million tonnes in 2015 to 256 million tonnes in 2021.
  • The Government of Alberta has invested or committed $1.9 billion in carbon capture, utilization and storage projects, regulatory enhancements and knowledge sharing.
  • Alberta continues to make significant investments in lowering emissions. Since 2009, $2.8 billion has been invested in programs supporting emissions reductions and climate resiliency through the TIER fund.

Key targets

The province is also on track to meet or exceed several key targets.

  • Alberta’s goal to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 45% by 2025 was achieved as of 2022 – 3 years ahead of schedule
    • Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan includes a commitment to engage stakeholders, Albertans, and Indigenous organizations to assess potential pathways to achieve a 75% to 80% methane emission reduction target from the conventional oil and gas sector by 2030, compared to 2014 levels
  • 100% phase out from coal-fired electricity generation was achieved in 2024, years ahead of provincial and federal targets. Transitioning off of coal early, from 2017 to 2030, has had the cumulative effect of saving 175 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions so far
  • Alberta has set a goal to achieve a carbon neutral economy by 2050

Team Alberta

Alberta’s government is joined by industry and partners across the province who are working to reduce emissions and support a sustainable future. Please contact organizations directly for more information.

Learn more about some of the many strategies and work that are underway:

Announcements

See all news