Abby L. Harvey
GHG Monitor
7/24/2015
The Alberta provincial government in Canada this week released an offset protocol for carbon capture projects utilizing deep saline aquifers for long-term carbon storage. Under the new protocol, companies that employ carbon capture and storage technology can receive carbon offset credits for their stored carbon. “Carbon capture and storage has the potential to remove a substantial amount of greenhouse gas emissions from Alberta’s carbon footprint. The activity is named in Alberta’s Climate Change Strategy 2008, as one of the main focus areas that will help meet our future emission reduction targets. … There is no revenue stream from the activity other than the sale or use of carbon offset credits generated,” according to the document. The protocol does not apply to carbon utilization projects such as enhanced oil recovery.
The document lays out several requirements for measurement and data management for projects applying for carbon offsets. Projects must use off-the-shelf metering equipment such as gas flow meters, utility meters, and gas analyzers. “Data must be quantifiable, measurable and verifiable using replicable means. That is, an independent verifier should be able to reach the same conclusions using evidence-supported data,” according to the document.
Projects must also undertake measurement, monitoring, and verification activities to ensure the safe long-term storage of the carbon. “The developer must demonstrate that a measurement, monitoring and verification plan has been prepared and approved in accordance with Alberta Energy Regulator requirements. The developer must also confirm that the project continues to operate in accordance with the conditions outlined in the operating license,” according to the document.
