2008 Western Premiers’ Conference

ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN TO LEAD ON NATIONAL CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE

Premiers discussed the carbon capture and storage (CCS) pilot projects currently underway in western Canada and the importance of moving this technology toward commercialization.

Western Premiers recognize that CCS technologies should be a national priority if Canada is to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions while retaining its ability to provide much-needed energy to the world. Western Premiers will, as a priority, raise the importance of CCS at the upcoming Council of the Federation meeting in July.

Further, Alberta and Saskatchewan will lead a process with other governments to coordinate and advance the research and implementation of carbon capture and storage technologies.

The global demand for energy continues to increase; however, consumers are also expecting and demanding smarter and greener energy production technologies. Premiers agree that we must transform the way we produce energy to be cleaner and more sustainable.

Western Premiers recognize that innovation and new energy technologies will be essential to address environmental challenges and to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate changes. Western Premiers are tackling climate change through a diversity of approaches and policies.

Western Provinces and Territories are actively developing innovative policy solutions in their jurisdictions and committed to sharing information with each other and with national and international communities. Western Premiers agree that a national policy network on climate change issues would be a positive development and also agree to raise this at the upcoming Council of the Federation meeting. Further, the Pacific Institute of Climate Solutions will establish a national policy network on climate change issues and will report annually to the Western Premiers’ Conference.

Western Premiers recognize the importance of implementing a variety of energy technologies – possibly including alternative fuels development; plug-in hybrid electric, hydrogen hybrid and hybrid diesel electric vehicles; cold-climate technologies; water turbines; geothermal systems; and improved solar panel technology – to achieve substantial emissions reductions in the long term. Western Premiers encouraged a focus on cold climate alternative energy technology, including cold-climate wind power. Industry and governments, including the federal government, must all come to the table to ensure energy technologies advance as soon as possible.

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Contact:  Ian Hanna
              306-530-3177
              Communications
              Advisor to the Premier
              Government of Saskatchewan
              www.wpc.gov.sk.ca