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ALBERTA AND CLIMATE CHANGE MEETING NORTH AMERICA’S EVOLVING ENERGY NEEDS April 28, 2009 Overview • • • • Alberta Context Provincial Approach Regulatory Framework Offset System • Biologic Sequestration Provincial Context • Fossil-fuel focused economy – Resource extraction, upgrading and transport – Oil sands growing as a major source of secure energy – Driver of economic and emissions growth (oil sands, upgrading) • Thermal-based electricity – Coal at 60% generation capacity – Growing wind generation (400% since 2000) but <5% generation • Disbursed population – Limited but growing concentration in a few urban areas • Transportation accounts for 15% of total greenhouse gas emissions • 100 large point source facilities account for about 50% of total emissions Key Provincial Actions • Taking Action on Climate Change – 2002 – Provincial 50% GHG intensity/GDP target by 2020 • Climate Change and Emissions Management Act – GHG regulations on: • Mandatory reporting of GHGs by industry – 2003 • Reduction targets for large facilities - 2007 • Alberta’s 2008 Climate Change Strategy – Cut projected 2050 emissions in half Specified Gas Emitters Regulation • Applies to all facilities in Alberta that produce over 100,000 tonnes of CO2E (Specified Gas Reporting Regulation) • Develop facility baselines – Based on average emissions intensity from 2003-2005 • Intensity limits – reductions off baseline intensity – Emissions/production = baseline intensity • E.g. emissions per barrel of oil, air dried tonnes of pulp – 12% reduction off of baseline for existing facilities • Phase-in of target for new facilities – Intensity metric to address growth areas in the short-term • Essentially an absolute limit for stable or declining facilities Alberta’s largest emitters (100,000+ tonnes CO2 per year) Chemicals 7% Heavy Oil 7% Power Plants 47% Gas Plants 8% Other 13% Oil Sands 18% TITLE Second Round Results • 2008 reduction obligation - approximately 11 million tonnes of GHGs – Based on emission projections – Facility improvements addressed approximate 2 million tonnes • 2.75 million tonnes (31% ) of offsets used – Tillage, renewables plus a broader range of projects including acid gas, EOR using CO2 • About 1.8 million tonnes of additional EPCs created – 569,000 tonnes (6%) used in the second cycle – Remaining compliance through Technology Fund ($82 million or 63%) Offset System – Intent and Approach • Recognition of the need to see short-term results while technology solutions advance • Opportunity to send a price signal to the rest of the economy • Mechanism to motivate/maintain/accelerate desirable actions • Any emission source not regulated is eligible subject to the following: – – – – Action must be taken in Alberta on or after January 1, 2002 Not otherwise required by law Must have a government approved quantification protocol Reductions are verified by 3rd party Offset System – Quantification Protocols • Protocols are at the heart of the offset system • Merge of technical and scientific basis with policy and intent • Alberta Protocols: – Based on best available science/scientists (evolving) – Quantification connected to national inventory (IPCC good practice guidance) – ISO Framework (life cycle) – International consistency sought – Multi-stakeholder review process • Offset credits reflect reductions that would not otherwise occur – Post-2002 actions; not required by law (in regulation) – Protocol process brings in environmental, economic and other dynamics 1 Check Carbon Offset Solutions website for draft protocols, protocols under development 2 Develop & compile Technical Seed Document(s) (TSD) for protocol foundation 3 Prepare Technical Protocol Plan (TPP) 4 Submit TPP & TSDs to Alberta Government for review 5 Provide feedback to protocol developers – 60 days* 6 Adapt into Alberta protocol format (Standardization) 7 1st round of reviews – expert technical review No sustained objections, then move forward. 8 2nd round of reviews – broader stakeholder review No sustained objection, then move forward 9 3rd round of reviews – posting for public review 30 days 10 Finalization of protocol & review of public comments by Alberta Environment** 2-10 mo Protocol Developer Alberta Government Protocol Developer Coordination by Climate Change Central (C3) “All parties involved” Alberta Government 11 Government approval & posting of protocol 4-6 mo 10-30 days 1-2 mo Offset System – Biological Sinks • Agricultural sink protocol (reduced/no-till) – Based on decades of science – Reflects years of carbon policy integration • Approach serves to balance risks to ensure actions happen and reductions are real and sustained – 20-year timeframe (with 10-year review) – Adjusted baseline (to ensure incremental reductions) – Assurance factor (leading expert advice on chance of reversals, creates a carbon reserve that is retired) • Backstopped by rigorous data management requirements – Builds off of robust data systems (crop insurance, air photos, on the land inspections) – Must pass third party verification – Additional land check with Alberta Offset Registry Close • Climate change is a multi-faceted issue - Science in the context of practical • Response strategies need to reflect and respect jurisdictional realities • Alberta has a regulatory system that is leading to real reductions, supported by actions through biological sinks • Continuous improvement underpins the Alberta system - Work with the experts (all market participants) Evolve from action, not just ideas