BHP Billiton pledges $20M toward carbon capture research in Regina
One of the biggest mining companies operating in Saskatchewan says it will spend $20 million on a carbon capture and storage knowledge centre in Regina.
BHP Billiton says it will spend the money over five years to help create a research centre at Innovation Place Research Park, next to the University of Regina campus.
SaskPower is also involved in the centre. The Crown utility says it will contribute its expertise and experience gained through various carbon capture projects, and will help staff the centre with seconded employees.
SaskPower CEO Mike Marsh said the centre will help advance the technology and commercial viability of carbon capture and storage, which can involve extracting carbon dioxide from coal-burning power plants and pumping the gas underground.
CCS is a major part of the Saskatchewan government's plan to curtail greenhouse gases and fight climate change.
SaskPower operates what it calls the first commercial power plant in the world with a fully integrated carbon capture system at the Boundary Dam Power Station near Estevan.
BHP Billiton is involved in potash in Saskatchewan, and also in the coal business, internationally.
