Obama, Harper Agree To Clean Energy Dialogue
Leaders Step Toward Possible Continential Climate-Change Strategy
Feb 19, 2009
The ideas contained in the pact focus on ways to promote research into, and use of clean technologies including Carbon Capture and storage. Part of the discussions as well was the exploration of a smart grid.
Carbon Capture, Storage
The concept is to capture carbon dioxide before it hits the atmosphere and store it underground. In the case of the Alberta Oil Sands this means taking carbon dioxide created by the separation of oil deposits and pumping it underground. Because of the economic necessity of oil, this idea is considered vital to the economy:
“You have to develop oil sands in a responsible way. It’s not about selling it. The reality is it’s there.” Raitt remarked to the Toronto Star in a February 19th article. The Conservative Government’s efforts have focused on using this technique including funding projects in Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.
The deal calls for the demonstration of Carbon Capture& Storage at coal fire plants. American money calculated at 3.4 billion according to the Boston Globe will come from the Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Meanwhile in Canada a $1 billion clean air fund has been established to aid efforts.
President Obama has a positive reaction to the agreement, and sees this idea as a solution to intensive coal production. In a CBC interview prior to his Canadian trip he remarked that he thought: “to the extent that Canada, and the US can collaborate on ways we can sequester carbon, capture greenhouse gases before they’re emitted into the atmosphere, that’s going to be good for everybody.”
Both leaders agree implementation of any new regulations including a carbon-trading system is at this point unrealistic. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have put off any domestic regulations in order to harmonize regulations.
Other Initiatives In The Clean Energy Dialogue
Also involved in the Clean Energy Dialogue was the idea of a smart grid. The grid would be built around clean, renewable energy. Officials have agreed to share information on its implementation; including the installation of smart meters on businesses, and ways to better manage information and measurement tools.
The proposed project will cost Americans: $USD 11.4 billion according to the Boston Globe will from the Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the project. The agreement includes plans to share transmission options analysis as well as an intention to build upon already existing cooperation among Mid-Western states and provinces.
It is intended this dialogue will further promote the identification of other opportunities for high-level research as well. It's seen as the first step towards a continent-wide climate change strategy.
