The path to net zero runs through Alberta

Any region’s strength is no longer solely defined by an abundance of natural resources. Now, true strength lies in resilience, which is marked by proven resourcefulness, innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. This is a model that Alberta, Canada has embraced wholeheartedly, making the province one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation and the best place for businesses looking to solve global challenges.

As CEO of Invest Alberta, I’m proud to spotlight how we have embraced these characteristics to fuel economic growth without losing sight of our responsibility to develop sustainably.

For decades, Alberta’s strength has been deeply rooted in oil and gas, supported by a holistic ecosystem of talent, infrastructure, government support, and research capabilities that have brought major projects to life. Responsible development is non-negotiable. In fact, Alberta was the first jurisdiction in North America to legislate greenhouse gas emission reductions for large industrial facilities.

As the world grapples with geopolitical challenges and acts to combat climate change impacts, countries and companies alike are looking for stable, experienced jurisdictions to pave a path toward a clean energy future. Built on strong ties with industry, Indigenous communities, and researchers, Alberta is rising to the occasion.

Leading global companies are recognizing that the path to net zero runs through Alberta. Dow Chemical recently invested nearly 9 billion Canadian dollars to construct the world’s first net-zero petrochemical complex in the province in an effort to become carbon neutral by 2050. Dow’s confidence in Alberta shows that Alberta is the place to successfully launch large-scale, world-leading net-zero projects.

The federal and provincial governments were instrumental in supporting Dow, and both levels of government have announced new incentives to accelerate the development of new carbon capture, use and storage technologies (CCUS). Alberta alone plans to offer up to $5.3 billion in support for an anticipated $35 billion in new investment over the next decade.

Aligned with Canada’s net-zero by 2050 goal, we are actively forging partnerships with key markets, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia to create pathways for investors who are focused on pivoting to clean energy solutions.

We have attracted interest and investment from major global players from U.S.-based Dow, to Korean giant POSCO, to Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo. To reach its goal of powering all operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, Amazon selected Alberta for its first Canadian wind farm and for a solar farm that is the largest constructed in Canada.

We are proud of the pivotal role Alberta plays in assisting companies worldwide to embrace sustainability and curtail their carbon footprints. We have become a trusted partner for companies striving to address pressing global challenges with a confluence of advantages –a young and growing population of skilled professionals, a highly connected hub with access to global markets, and research institutions supporting commercial advancements.

Alberta’s story is not just about resources; it’s about resourcefulness and our willingness to embrace change, harness talent, and form partnerships to build a more sustainable future. We invite companies and investors from around the world to join us on the path to a clean energy future, transforming Alberta’s advantages into a shared story of success.