CALGARY — A new report commissioned by the Pembina Institute and Environmental Defense Fund finds that Canada’s methane mitigation industry is thriving, with well-paying jobs and investment likely to grow if companies and governments take steps to further reduce the harmful methane emissions that come from oil and gas production.
Canada’s Methane Opportunity: Innovation, Exports, Jobs, authored by Datu Research, finds 359 locations across Canada where staff are either manufacturing methane mitigation technologies, providing leak detection services, or performing associated tasks (such as sales, equipment repair, and warehouses). In total, there are 97 methane mitigation companies headquartered in Canada, with at least an additional 42 companies that are headquartered elsewhere but operate in Canada.
“This report shows that Canada’s methane mitigation companies are turning wasted gas into a valuable economic commodity while developing green technologies that can be exported worldwide,” said Ari Pottens, Senior Campaign Manager at Environmental Defense Fund. “Cutting back on methane emissions is not just a climate opportunity, it’s a growth opportunity. Strong regulations can help cut energy waste and air pollution, while creating new good jobs and driving Canadian innovation.”
These companies, are important drivers of economic growth and provide good jobs for skilled workers, many of whom will be able to transfer skills originally developed within the oil and gas sector. The rapid growth of Canada’s methane mitigation industry – and the development of world-leading technologies such as satellite monitoring and chemical injection systems – is testament to federal and provincial efforts to meet ambitious targets for methane emissions reductions.
“Because capturing methane ultimately means keeping natural gas in the pipe that can later be sold, we have known for some time that oil and gas companies can reduce their methane emissions at low cost” said Amanda Bryant of Pembina Institute. “This is a win-win for the industry and for Canadians, who get the benefits of cleaner air and a safer climate. What we now also know is that methane mitigation has become an economic driver in itself – creating a flourishing industry of world-leading methane abatement professionals that can sell their solutions to oil and gas companies around the world.”
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Datu Research provides decision-makers with the economic analysis they need to forge strategies that protect natural resources, create sustainable food systems, develop local economies, and increase climate resilience. daturesearch.com
The Pembina Institute is a clean energy think tank made up of analysts, scientists, MBAs, planners and communication professionals working throughout B.C., Alberta and Ontario. https://www.pembina.org/
