Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Grant Hunter highlighted Alberta's leadership in methane emissions reduction at the 2026 Global Energy Show, Canada's largest energy conference. He announced more than $8 million from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program for 16 new projects to reduce methane emissions even further while also creating a new online methane technology tool.
Delivered through NGIF Accelerator and Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), technologies will help industry adopt solutions faster to lower costs, attract investment and reduce methane emissions while staying globally competitive. NGIF Accelerator supports early testing and validation, while ERA helps put proven technologies to work in real world operations, supporting every stage of the methane innovation journey.
"Alberta's proven approach to methane reduction is simple: focus on practical solutions, support industry adoption and deliver results. Innovative, made-in-Alberta technologies are lowering costs, creating jobs and reducing emissions today while keeping industry competitive and strengthening Alberta's energy sector for the future."
Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
Eight new projects are receiving more than $2.8 million in TIER and industry partner funding through NGIF Accelerator's Methane Reduction Demonstration Program to test and validate new solutions in real operating conditions, ensuring they are reliable, cost-effective and ready for industry use. Projects include testing a new system for natural gas engines that reduces methane leaks and captures emissions before they are released during drilling and field work, and bringing to market a hand-held, artificial intelligence-powered device that makes methane leak detection faster, cheaper and more accurate than traditional tools.
"Real progress happens when industry and government work together to scale solutions that deliver measurable results. By pairing NGIF's industry funding with the Government of Alberta's support, we are helping innovative companies move beyond pilots and into commercial adoption by accelerating methane technology development and reinforcing Alberta's position as a global leader in methane reduction."
John Adams, president and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
At the same time, eight companies are receiving $5.2 million from the TIER fund through ERA's Methane Reduction Deployment Program. Projects include using nitrogen instead of natural gas to power equipment and avoid methane emissions and upgrading the Duvernay gas plant with new engines to reduce methane emissions during operations.
To support Alberta's leadership on methane reduction, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $19.4 million from the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund to expand on TIER funding for ERA's Methane Reduction Deployment Program. This investment reflects strong collaboration between Alberta and Canada to advance practical, made-in-Alberta solutions that reduce emissions while supporting economic growth.
"Canada is proud to work alongside Alberta to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions that reduce emissions in the oil and gas sector. Today's investment underscores our commitment to cutting methane emissions, scaling up proven technologies, creating high-quality jobs, and strengthening competitiveness while advancing Canada on the path to net zero by 2050."
Julie Dabrusin, federal Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature
"With this new funding, we can support even more projects, drive faster deployment and help companies stay ahead of regulatory requirements while strengthening their position in global markets."
Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
Alberta is reinforcing its position as a global leader in methane reduction. Since 2014, Alberta's energy sector has reduced methane emissions by more than half while continuing to increase production - a clear example of how smart policy, market tools and innovation drive both environmental and economic results.
Quick facts
- Alberta announced more than $22 million from the TIER fund for ERA's Methane Reduction Deployment Program last fall. Canada's investment of $19.4 million brings the total funding available for ERA's program to more than $41 million.
- Through TIER funding, NGIF Accelerator is also launching a new Methane Technology Landscape, an online tool that gives industry the information needed to invest and move methane projects forward faster.
- Alberta was the first jurisdiction in Canada to set a methane reduction target and achieved its 45 per cent reduction from 2014 levels three years early in 2022.
- Alberta has invested $172 million in methane reduction technology since 2020.
- Canada and Alberta reached an agreement-in-principle that allows Alberta to keep regulating methane using its own proven system. Independent modelling will be completed this summer, with finalization of the agreement by the end of 2026.
Related news
- A made-in-Alberta approach to methane reduction (March 25, 2026)
- Alberta and Ottawa ink landmark energy agreement (Nov. 27, 2025)
- More energy, less methane (Nov. 12, 2025)
Related information
