Province announces $28 million for energy projects, including first-ever facility in Coaldale turning manure into power

By ZOE MASON on February 13, 2026.

The provincial government and Emissions Reduction Alberta are investing millions into a series of new tech projects at the intersection of agriculture and energy, including a first-of-its-kind initiative in Coaldale that will turn cow manure into power.

The Coaldale project is one of six projects using Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Industrial Transformation Challenge the province is investing a total of $28 million to support.

The project will utilize the natural biological process that breaks down organic materials to produce bio-methane, and officials say it will be able to transform 130,000 tonnes of manure into 360,000 gigajoules of energy every year.

Phillip Abrary, CEO of Taurus Canada Renewable Gas Corporation, says that is enough energy to power roughly 4,000 homes. The mayor of Coaldale says that’s more than the amount needed to power all of the town’s residences.

It will also be fully integrated with a carbon sequestration facility. It will be the world’s first facility that not only produces renewable natural gas made exclusively from livestock manure, but also captures and stores the resulting CO2 on site.

“This is really a great example of collaboration between government, industry, AG, and really working together to create more sustainable agricultural practices, energy sustainability and really economic activity in the rural communities. So it’s a win-win for everyone we hope,” said Abrary.

The $28 million total investment consists of investments ranging from $625,000 to $12 million per project. Taurus is receiving $10 million for the Coaldale initiative.

Altogether, officials say these projects will create 1,000 jobs and add $167 million to Alberta’s economy by 2027. They will also reduce emissions to the tune of 260,000 tonnes by 2030.

The investment is coming from the industry-funded TIER program, which helps industrial facilities invest in clean technologies and reduce emissions.

Other projects to receive this funding include a pilot that will test new technology for securing carbon capture pipelines in Suffield and advanced cleanup technology to restore old oil and gas sites in Leduc.

The remaining projects address various aspects of the province’s energy sector and economy in Calgary, Edmonton and Yellowhead County.

New Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Grant Hunter says the project is a demonstration of the province’s commitment to growing the energy sector while balancing environmental demands.

“Alberta energy and resources are at the forefront of our nation’s success story today, especially during uncertain times. We have the workforce, the talent, the expertise to make our province and our country an energy superpower, and secure lasting prosperity for not just Albertans, but for all Canadians as well.”

Hunter also responded to a list released by the Alberta Republicans this week which highlighted MLAs who said they supported Alberta separation. Hunter was included on the list.

“I saw that. I was surprised at that,” he told reporters.

“Alberta is a member of Canada in good standing, and we will continue to be a member of good standing in Canada.”

Hunter told reporters he believes in a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.