Alberta is spending up to $49 million to support 18 projects aimed at turning waste into economic opportunity, creating nearly 1,600 jobs and generating $233 million in economic activity across the province.The funding, drawn from the industry-backed Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program, will support a range of new technologies that transform waste into usable products, reduce emissions and help Alberta maintain its global leadership in manufacturing.“Manufacturing is a pillar of our economy,” said Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz. “This funding will help manufacturers do more with the resources we already have… creating more jobs and protecting the environment.”Through Emissions Reduction Alberta, the province’s spending will support innovations in waste management, energy storage, geothermal, carbon utilization and critical minerals. Notable projects include Alberta’s first recycling system for agricultural plastics and a facility to convert construction wood waste into building materials.Justin Riemer, CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta, said the investment would help industries remain competitive while “cutting costs” and reducing emissions. Hughes Energy Group will launch a pilot facility to turn organic waste into low-carbon fiber, while Calgary-based Carbonova Corporation will refine its method for producing carbon nanofibers from woodchips and oil byproducts.Other companies receiving support include Atlas Power Technologies, which will develop carbon-based battery materials at its Nisku facility, and NOVA Chemicals, which will demonstrate improved recycled plastics. Backroads Reclamation will use its grant to scale up wood recovery for the circular building economy.The province estimates the 18 projects will collectively reduce 3.4 million tonnes of emissions by 2030. All involve first-of-its-kind technologies, field testing or pilot phases.
