Latest news with #BrianJean
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Alberta policies have dampened investor confidence in renewables: report
Power transmission lines and wind turbines as seen with the Rocky Mountains in the background near Pincher Creek, Alta., Thursday, June 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh A report from clean energy think tank Pembina Institute suggests investor confidence in Alberta's renewables sector has been dampened by provincial policy moves. The report's authors looked at the provincial electrical system operator's queue of projects waiting to connect to the grid between 2021 and 2024. That data gave them a sense of investor interest in Alberta renewables before and after the province imposed a surprise seven-month moratorium on new wind and solar projects in 2023. The moratorium is over, but the institute says other sources of uncertainty include a broad restructuring of the electricity market, Alberta's legal challenge to federal clean electricity regulations, limits on where wind installations can be built and new reclamation requirements. Pembina says the number of proposed new projects in the queue last year were on par with two years earlier, before the moratorium, but more projects were cancelled than proposed last year while other jurisdictions like Australia and Texas are seeing their numbers of new projects climb. A spokesman for Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean says the province set a 'clear, responsible path forward' for renewables and that electricity has become more affordable and reliable over the past year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2025. Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Alberta policies have dampened investor confidence in renewables: report
Social Sharing A report from clean energy think tank Pembina Institute suggests investor confidence in Alberta's renewables sector has been dampened by provincial policy moves. The report's authors looked at the provincial electrical system operator's queue of projects waiting to connect to the grid between 2021 and 2024. That data gave them a sense of investor interest in Alberta renewables before and after the province imposed a surprise seven-month moratorium on new wind and solar projects in 2023. The moratorium is over, but the institute says other sources of uncertainty include a broad restructuring of the electricity market, Alberta's legal challenge to federal clean electricity regulations, limits on where wind installations can be built and new reclamation requirements. Pembina says the number of proposed new projects in the queue last year were on par with two years earlier, before the moratorium, but more projects were cancelled than proposed last year while other jurisdictions like Australia and Texas are seeing their numbers of new projects climb. A spokesperson for Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean says the province set a "clear, responsible path forward" for renewables and that electricity has become more affordable and reliable over the past year.
Globe and Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Nation needs oil and gas infrastructure to boost energy security in Eastern Canada, says Hodgson
Canada's Natural Resources Minister says the country needs more infrastructure that can get oil and gas to the coast to open trade opportunities with overseas markets and shore up energy supplies in Eastern Canada. Tim Hodgson made the remarks at an event hosted by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning, in the wake of a series of meetings with Western Canadian officials. That includes Alberta's Energy Minister Brian Jean and its Affordability and Utilities Minister, Nathan Neudorf, as well as Saskatchewan's Deputy Premier Jim Reiter. Calling himself a pragmatist and a businessman, Mr. Hodgson took aim at U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and broader trade war. 'We did not ask for this trade war. But we are going to win it,' he said. 'If we're going to sit across the table from him or anyone else, we need to hold Canada's best cards. That means being able to sell our products to the world. It means expanding our markets, modernizing our infrastructure, and creating the conditions to compete and win.' Canada will remain a reliable global supplier of oil and gas for decades to come, Mr. Hodgson said. 'The real challenge is not whether we produce, but whether we can get the best products to market before someone else does,' he said. 'It's high time to trade more with people who share our values – not just our border.' Mr. Hodgson pledged to work quickly with the provinces and territories, industry and Indigenous partners to diversify trade, and open and expand new markets for energy and natural resources. 'No more asking, 'Why build?' The real question is, 'How do we get it done?' That means breaking apart barriers and ripping down red tape,' he said. The first step will be to identify and fast-track projects of national interest which matter to the Canadian economy, the environment, and the country's sovereignty. Permitting decisions will be made in two years via a major federal projects office that will offer a single window for permits, he said. Although he emphasized the need for more oil and gas infrastructure, he did not mention pipelines during his speech, but called on the Pathways Alliance to hasten its plans to build a massive carbon capture project in the oil sands. The Pathways Alliance is a consortium of Canada's six largest oil sands companies, which together have publicly committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands production by 2050. 'Your federal government has committed to certainty, to support, and to making Canada an energy superpower, but we need a partner who is also willing to make good on their promises to Canadians,' Mr. Hodgson said. 'We need to demonstrate to our customers outside the U.S., and to our fellow Canadians, that we are a responsible industry – and this government believes Pathways is critical to that reality.' He added that Ottawa intends to invest in carbon capture, methane reduction and other emissions-reduction technologies. A former investment banker, Mr. Hodgson was also on the board of oil sands company MEG Energy. One of Mr. Hodgson's first major deals at Goldman Sachs was for the Alliance Pipeline, which delivered natural gas from Western Canada to the Chicago market hub, helping to boost prices for the commodity. That was one of the deals, 'I am still the proudest of today,' he said. His experience with capital markets and the oil and gas sector – as well as his Western Canadian roots – have had industry voicing cautious optimism about energy policy under Ottawa's new government. 'I may live in Toronto right now, but I was born on the Prairies,' Mr. Hodgson said. 'I want you to understand that I will be a voice for Alberta and Western Canada at the Cabinet table.'
Calgary Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Northback thanks AER for approving Grassy Mountain coal exploration program, critics expected ruling
Article content The Australia-based company that applied for a coal exploration program at Grassy Mountain says Thursday's Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) ruling in its favour allows it to continue to 'bring benefits to Albertans,' but critics were hardly surprised by the provincial body's decision. Article content Article content Thursday the AER approved Northback Holdings' applications for a coal exploration program, deep drilling permit and temporary water diversion licence at Grassy Mountain, located along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Article content Article content The exploration program will allow Northback to better understand the extent of the Grassy Mountain coal deposit, collect raw coal samples and structurally model the coal seam complexities, said the AER in its decision. Article content Article content All activity on public land will occur on previously disturbed land and be accessed using existing roads, resulting in no new disturbance on public land, said the AER. After drilling is done, the sites will be reclaimed to their previously disturbed state. Article content Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean said Friday the province 'respects the AER's carefully considered decision,' which he noted came after two years of lengthy engagement and feedback, legal actions and public hearings, held Dec. 3-4 in Pincher Creek and Jan. 14-16 in Calgary. Article content Article content At those meetings, the AER heard from both those wanting Northback to proceed with a steelmaking coal mine at Grassy Mountain and those concerned about the environmental impacts of a coal mine. Article content The process has taken 'one heck of a long time' to get to the point of approving the coal exploration program, said Blair Painter, mayor of Crowsnest Pass, where in November residents voted 72 per cent in support of the development and operations of a steelmaking coal mine at Grassy Mountain. Article content '(The AER) has 'finally come to their senses in order to drill some test holes,' said Painter, adding he and the community are pleased with its decision.
Hamilton Spectator
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Where Infrastructure Meets Impact: Plains Midstream Canada Expands with Invest Alberta
Fort Saskatchewan, AB, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plains Midstream Canada, a subsidiary of Plains All American (Plains), and Invest Alberta celebrated the successful startup of Plains' natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation facility in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Plains utilized their existing infrastructure, and support from Invest Alberta and other strategic partners to provide customers with a quick-to-market solution. As part of the over $200 million investment in the Alberta economy, Plains created over 350 jobs during the project and is adding additional connectivity and further integrating the expansion into its NGL value chain. QUOTES 'Alberta is proud to be a global leader in energy. This expansion by Plains is a powerful example of how companies continue to choose Alberta for its strong workforce, reliable infrastructure, and pro-investment climate. It's another vote of confidence in our province's future and great news for our economy.' -Premier Danielle Smith. 'Alberta has some of the largest natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves in the world. Projects like this one are a key part of making Alberta a supplier of low emissions energy and the petrochemical-based products that define modern life. We congratulate Plains on advancing the natural gas liquids supply chain that will make Alberta and its Industrial Heartland a global petrochemical leader.' -Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals. 'Despite international economic uncertainty, Alberta's pro-business environment continues to draw world-class companies to our province. Plains' investment in Alberta sends a clear message - investing in Alberta isn't just forward-thinking, it's good business.' -Matt Jones, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. 'Alberta's Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin is one of the key resource growth basins across North America. Plains is proud to provide essential midstream infrastructure solutions to its customers and celebrate this expansion in Alberta.' -Michelle Podavin, President, Plains Midstream Canada. 'Alberta's energy sector is more important than ever. This expansion by Plains demonstrates the long-term value of welcoming investments into Alberta as the benefits continue to flow, years after the initial investment was made. We are thrilled to celebrate this contribution to the Alberta economy while creating jobs for Albertans.' -Rick Christiaanse, CEO of Invest Alberta. About Invest Alberta Invest Alberta engages the world and provides high-end tailored support to companies, investors, and major new projects. With team members strategically positioned in key markets around the world, Invest Alberta works to break down barriers so businesses can start up, scale up, and succeed without limits. To date, Invest Alberta has supported investments of nearly $27.6 billion and created 38,887 jobs since its inception in 2020. Investments are in sectors ranging from energy and agriculture to tech, aviation, life sciences, and beyond. For more information, visit . About Plains Plains Midstream Canada is a subsidiary of Plains All American (Plains), which is a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and provides logistics services for crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL). Plains owns an extensive network of pipeline gathering and transportation systems, in addition to terminalling, storage, processing, fractionation and other infrastructure assets serving key producing basins, transportation corridors and major market hubs and export outlets in the United States and Canada. On average, Plains handles approximately eight million barrels per day of crude oil and NGL. More information is available at .
