The Energy Resources Conservation Board is seeking input from interested parties with respect to a proposed pipeline system that would carry carbon dioxide from industrial emitters near Edmonton to mature oilfields in east-Central Alberta.
Enhance Energy Inc. wants to develop the 240-km pipeline, with the province pledging $495 million for the project and the federal government agreeing to kick in another $63.3 million. The Alberta Carbon Trunk Line would transport carbon dioxide from the Fort Saskatchewan area to a site near Clive. From there, it would be distributed for injection into conventional oil and gas reservoirs to stimulate production.
Enhance Energy’s application calls for the line to be built in two segments, with one measuring 21.4 km and the other 215.5 km.
Enhance Energy’s CEO Susan Cole said previously that work would begin next year, with the pipeline expected to be operational by late 2012. Labour during construction would peak at around 2,000 direct jobs, but workers would also be needed for ongoing operations and the resulting enhanced oil recovery projects.
The line’s capacity is expected to be 40,000 tonnes of CO2 per day, or more than 14 million tonnes a year. That’s equivalent to the CO2 produced by 2.6 million cars.
However, initial volumes are expected to be about 5,100 tonnes per day.
The gas will not contain hydrogen sulphide.
A copy of Enhance Energy’s application can be obtained from the company in Calgary. It is also available for viewing through the ERCB.
Submissions related to the application must be received by the ERCB by April 9.