environment of escalating carbon taxes,” Joe says, “we are seeking to evolve our thinking.” To that end, one of their most exciting and forwardlooking energy initiatives is the evaluation of the potential of carbon capture at their power generation facilities. Moving forward, it is expected that federal carbon taxes will rise from $50 per tonne today to $170 per tonne in 2030. This escalation in carbon taxes will increase the cost of thermal generation of electricity. An opportunity exists to reduce the City’s carbon footprint finding a balance between environmental sustainability, social acceptance and economic prosperity. This is why, Joe says, the City of Medicine Hat “recognizes CCUS as being an integral part of the long-term solution for achieving global climate objectives.” He says they are “committed to be an engaged partner in the transition to a sustainable and prosperous future for our community.” It was announced in July that Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) selected to fund Medicine Hat’s CCUS project with a $2.5 million grant as part of its Carbon Capture Kickstart program. The city’s council also approved early-stage work reallocating up to $11 million from cancelled or no-longerneeded gas well and oilfield work towards completing preengineering and feasibility work on the CCUS project, which they are calling ‘Project Clear Horizon.’ The City of Medicine Hat is also in the running for a further grant from Ottawa. Natural Resources Canada Energy Innovation Programwill provide SEPTEMBER 2022
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