The carbon removal Olympics are set to kick off in this Alberta industrial park

Located just off the highway near Innisfail, Alta., a town approximately 120 kilometres north of Calgary, is a construction site that is making waves in the world of carbon removal technology. The site is immediately recognizable by a large tent emblazoned with the words “Deep Sky” in a retro, arcade-style font.

Spanning roughly two hectares, this facility is the stage for what could be described as a carbon removal Olympics. The project, spearheaded by Montreal-based company Deep Sky, aims to pilot eight different versions of direct air capture technology using various machines designed to suck in air, extract carbon dioxide, and send it to a central plant for compression and storage deep underground.

Rather than awarding medals on a podium, the winning technology from this initiative will be scaled up for commercial use across Canada. Alex Petre, the CEO of Deep Sky, is optimistic about the potential of this project, despite the challenges that lie ahead.

As the construction of the facility continues, Deep Sky has already embarked on initial work for two commercial projects in Quebec and Manitoba. The financial aspect of these ventures remains a significant hurdle, given the high costs associated with carbon removal technology. However, with global temperatures on the rise, the demand for solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is increasing.

While the Trump administration in the United States has shifted away from climate change initiatives, including carbon removal, this presents an opportunity for Canada to step up and lead in this field. Damien Steel, the outgoing CEO of Deep Sky, believes that carbon removal technology is crucial in addressing the challenges of a warming climate and sees Canada as having the potential to become a global leader in this area.

Deep Sky is not the only player in the Canadian carbon removal landscape. Companies like Carbon Engineering in Squamish, B.C., are also making strides in this field. With Prime Minister Mark Carney pledging to position Canada as a world leader in carbon removal and sequestration, the country is poised to take advantage of this growing market.

However, the economics of carbon removal pose a challenge. Deep Sky, for instance, generates carbon credits that companies can purchase to offset their emissions. While this model has been successful with buyers like RBC and Microsoft, the high cost of carbon removal credits remains a barrier.

Despite these challenges, industry experts are optimistic about the future of carbon removal technology in Canada. With ongoing developments in technology and government support, there is hope that the costs of carbon removal will decrease over time. As the testing site in Innisfail prepares to start capturing and sequestering carbon later this summer, the journey towards a more sustainable future continues.

In conclusion, the efforts of companies like Deep Sky and the support of the Canadian government are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, innovative solutions like carbon removal technology are essential in mitigating environmental damage and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.