Can Collaboration with Denmark Help Alberta Become a Clean Energy Powerhouse in Canada?

As the province blazes a cleantech trail, Alberta’s innovation engine is collaborating with the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities to develop and deploy carbon capture and utilization technologies.

The two entities signed a memorandum of understanding last month at Calgary’s annual Inventures conference.

The memorandum provides a multi-year framework that encourages cooperation between Alberta and Denmark with an aim to advance bilateral relations and support carbon solution development and deployment, according to a statement from Alberta Innovates.

“Alberta Innovates is proud to be forging this new partnership with Denmark that will be mutually beneficial by sharing technical knowledge, advice, skills, and expertise,” stated Mike Mahon, chief executive officer of Alberta Innovates.

“Demand for CCUS technology is increasing with Alberta’s expertise being a cornerstone of building new partnerships across the world and creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation,” Mahon added.

The MOU suggests representatives from Alberta and Denmark meet at least two times per year, bringing together experts across industry, government, and academia.

The two regions, roughly similar in population size, will also exchange and train students and professionals, as well as collaborate on joint research and usage of test facilities, according to the memorandum.

“Finding ways to decrease the cost of emissions reduction technology is essential to Canada’s energy industry remaining globally competitive,” says Bryan Helfenbaum, Vice President of Clean Energy at Alberta Innovates. “CCUS technology is a big part of that conversation.”

Similar to lofty goals set by Canada, Denmark is seeking a 70% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a net-zero economy by 2050.

“CCUS is a substantial instrument in supporting Denmark’s ambition,” says Danish Ambassador to Canada Nikolaj Harris. “Therefore, we are excited to team up with a strong and likeminded partner in Alberta Innovates to cooperate on advancing technology and bringing down costs.”

Employing nearly 600 scientists and professionals, Alberta Innovates operates one million square feet of industrial testing and lab facilities and 600 acres of farmland.