Canada’s chemical industry, which generates $68.5 billion annually, produces thousands of products, but it also significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. A new report published by Clean Energy Canada, which is part of the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University, says that this sector needs urgent transformation to align with global net-zero goals.
The report, “Catalyzing Change: July 2024 Why Canada Needs a Roadmap to Net-zero Chemistry,” says a strategic roadmap for net-zero chemicals must include several key approaches: increasing circularity, transitioning to renewable feedstocks, electrification and fuel switching, implementing carbon capture and storage, and improving energy efficiency.
The report explains that increasing circularity involves designing products that can be recycled at their end of life and investing in chemical recycling technologies. Transitioning to renewable feedstocks entails moving away from fossil fuels and towards sustainable alternatives like biomass or green hydrogen. Then there’s electrification and fuel switching, which will require adopting electric boilers and heat pumps, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for energy. And finally, carbon capture and storage can mitigate emissions that are otherwise hard to eliminate. Ultimately, intelligent investment in energy efficiency can help reduce overall energy demand required in chemical processes.
This transition faces several barriers. High costs, regulatory uncertainty, and technology readiness are significant challenges. The long lifespans of chemical facilities and the need for synchronized maintenance schedules also complicate the implementation of new technologies. Overcoming these hurdles will require coordinated efforts from both the government and industry, the report says. Policymakers must provide regulatory clarity and financial incentives, while industry leaders must commit to sustainable practices and innovation.
A collaborative effort between the government and the chemical industry is crucial to future-proofing Canada’s chemical sector. By embracing high-value, net-zero-aligned products and building a comprehensive roadmap, Canada can lead the way in sustainable chemical production, securing economic and environmental benefits for generations to come, the report adds.
The authors of the report, Jana Elbrecht, Ollie Sheldrick-Moyle, Rachel Doran and Joanna Kyriazis, write in the conclusion:
Canada’s chemistry sector has the opportunity to become a high-value part of a netzero economy. The technologies and infrastructure we will rely on for the production of clean energy, for transport, and even for heating and cooling our homes, are dependent on chemistry. Producing these vital building blocks with low emissions will give Canadian companies a competitive edge.
“Catalyzing Change: Why Canada Needs a Roadmap to Net-zero Chemistry,” by Jana Elbrecht, Ollie Sheldrick-Moyle, Rachel Doran & Joanna Kyriazis. Report, Clean Energy Canada, July 23, 2024.
Download the full report originally published by Clean Energy Canada on July 23, 2024.
