Thursday, March 5, 2026
The government of Alberta is investing $46 million into development of technologies to reduce oilsands mine water and reclaim tailings ponds.
Nine projects will be part of the investment through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) Tailings Technology Challenge, and ERA release said.
“Alberta is the most responsible energy producer in the world, and we are committed to the protection of our water and environment in every project. This funding backs up our commitment as a province of innovators and solving challenges in the energy sector for the betterment of our future,” provincial minister of energy and minerals Brian Jean said.
“These projects will advance cutting-edge solutions, from water treatment and recycling technologies to enhanced tailings stabilization. This significant investment will help reduce environmental impact, accelerate reclamation and improve operational efficiency across Alberta’s oilsands,” Emissions Reduction Alberta CEO Justin Riemer added.
Investments range from $1 million to $15 million per project and partied involved include Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Imperial Oil and Suncor the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and small- and medium-sized enterprises, the release said.
Projects were selected through ERA’s competitive review process, the release added, and a team of experts in science, engineering, business development, commercialization, financing, and environmental impact quantification conducted an independent, rigorous, and transparent review overseen by a Fairness Monitor.
ERA’s Board of Directors made the final funding decision based on the experts’ recommendations.
A complete list of projects is here.
