Association of Pore Space Operators

Current Initiative

Bringing together stakeholders with an interest in Alberta's subsurface to strengthen the case for sequestration and get more projects past the final investment decision phase.

PART OF THE 2025-26 FELLOWSHIP SOLUTION PORTFOLIO

Overview

As Alberta's industry accelerates plans for carbon sequestration, multiple industries and communities are navigating overlapping interests in subsurface space. This pore space is increasingly in demand—for CCS, waste storage, and emerging opportunities like lithium extraction, geothermal energy, and hydrogen storage. Without coordination, the competition for access is creating additional uncertainty that further prejudices the tenuous economic case for pursuing sequestration.

Why It Matters

10+

industry stakeholders interviewed indicated interest in participating

58

Alberta facilities emitted more than 400,000 tonnes of CO2 /yr in 2022.

CCS is one of the few available solutions for step-change emission reductions for these industries.

1/5

CCS projects announced to potentially begin operations by 2030 have a total of 430 Mt of capacity. However, the projects beyond FID only represent one-fifth of the announced capacity.

Hypothesis

We believe that by bringing stakeholders together to build the clarity, trust, and policy alignment required, we can unlock the full economic and emissions reduction potential of carbon sequestration, extending the value of Alberta's hydrocarbon resources.

Our Approach

Our approach would bring system stakeholders together to:

Foster communication, collaboration, and transparency among pore space operators and those affected by CCS development
Provide coordinated, expert input on federal and provincial policies shaping pore space access, liability, and long-term stewardship
Create a shared forum for understanding and unified advocacy on technical, regulatory, and policy issues—including those related to Indigenous Rights and stewardship.

This collaborative approach strengthens the economic foundation for CCS while supporting responsible subsurface development, enabling emerging industries, and advancing equitable, future-ready energy solutions.