Alberta is spending $5 million from its TIER fund to help launch what is being called the world’s first direct air capture innovation and commercialization centre, a project aimed at pulling carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.The funding, delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta, will support Deep Sky in designing, building and operating the new facility in Innisfail. Construction begins this summer on the five-acre site, which will host up to 10 carbon removal units and test multiple air capture technologies..Unlike traditional carbon capture systems that operate at industrial sites, direct air capture targets emissions already in the atmosphere. Alberta officials say the technology represents a major leap in the province’s emissions reduction strategy and could support cleaner energy development across sectors including oil and gas, cement, utilities and agriculture.“We don’t need punitive taxes, anti-energy regulations or nonsensical production caps to reduce emissions,” said Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz. “Our approach is to support innovation and de-risk new technology.”.The project is expected to capture 3,000 tonnes of carbon each year and create 80 construction jobs, 15 permanent jobs, and more than $100 million in local economic benefit over the next decade. Carbon dioxide captured at the site will be transported by truck and permanently stored underground in Legal, Alberta.Energy Minister Brian Jean said the initiative helps cement Alberta’s leadership in carbon capture, while Deep Sky CEO Alex Petre called the project a “world first” with potential for global impact.
