The PTAC/CRIN MLS Summit 2024 held on April 17-18 at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, Alberta, marked a significant gathering for the energy industry focused on methane emissions management and sustainable energy solutions. Despite a change in venue from the larger Banff Springs Hotel, the event was sold out, reflecting high industry interest and engagement.
Dates: April 17-18, 2024
Location: Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff, Alberta
Attendance: Industry leaders, researchers, policymakers
The summit featured a structured program including keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions, and networking opportunities, contributing to robust dialogue and knowledge exchange among participants.
Keynote Address by Justin Reimer (CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta)
Justin Reimer highlighted advancements in methane monitoring technologies, emphasizing the role of innovations like GHGSat's plane-based surveys. He noted substantial investments nearing $1 billion in methane reduction technologies, while acknowledging challenges in scaling these technologies to meet industry demands.
Session 1: Net Zero
Moderator: Soheil Asgarpour (CEO, PTAC)
Panelists discussed key focus areas such as fuel diversification, electrification, and end-use applications.
Session 2: Challenges and Opportunities in the Policy and Regulatory Landscape
Moderator: Don McCrimmon (CAPP)
Discussions focused on regulatory frameworks across different provinces and the federal level.
Session 3: Accelerating Momentum in Methane Detection, Measurement, Monitoring, Big Data Analysis, and Reporting
Moderator: Kevin Stashin
Experts from California Environmental Protection Agency, AER, Highwood Emissions, Arolytics, and Zero Emissions Systems discussed advancements in methane detection technologies, emphasizing the role of big data and reporting frameworks like OGMP 2.0.
Session 4: Methane Emissions Measurement and Reporting
Moderator: Allan Fogwill (PTAC)
Focused on methodologies and technologies for accurate methane emissions measurement and reporting, featuring panelists from various Canadian universities and research institutions.
Session 5: Methane Emissions Detection and Quantification
Moderator: Arvinder Kainth
Panelists from Tourmaline, GHGSat, McGill University, and Bridger Photonics explored measurement technologies ranging from cameras to satellite data, highlighting advancements and challenges in continuous methane monitoring.
Session 6: Global Leadership and Collaboration
Moderator: Monica Prabhu (Prabhu Energy Labs)
Speakers from ARPA-E, Alberta Innovates, and Government of Alberta discussed international collaborations and leadership in methane emissions reduction, touching upon technological innovations and global market strategies.
Session 7: Is it Profitable to Reduce Methane Emissions?
Panelists, including representatives from Process Ecology, MELA, General Magnetic, BMO Radicle, and Carbon Assessors, debated the economic viability of methane emission reduction strategies, funding opportunities, and technological innovations.
James Holoboff, our managing partner, presented on the Techno-Economic Assessment of Methane Mitigation Pathways Report. He dove into the details of the project overview, setup, and mitigation analysis, and how our TEAM software was used. This report was generated in collaboration with ECCC, NRCan, and Clearstone.
Session 8: Technology Development and Field Trials - Tanks, Wells, Catalytic Heaters
Discussions focused on field trials and technological advancements in methane emission reduction across different industrial applications.
Session 9: Technology Development - Methane Slip, Flaring Alternatives
Moderator: Bryan Helfenbaum (VP Alberta Innovates)
Panelists from Prabhu Energy Labs, Accurata, and TCI explored technological developments in methane slip reduction and alternative flaring technologies.
Session 10: US Deployment Success Stories
Moderator: Kelly Doody (Kathairos)
Highlighted successful methane emissions reduction deployments in the United States, showcasing case studies and best practices.
Session 11: Methane Emissions Reduction Deployment Success Stories
Moderator: Bill Whitelaw (geoLOGIC)
Panelists shared success stories and technological advancements in methane emissions reduction, focusing on practical applications and industry-specific solutions.
The PTAC/CRIN MLS Summit 2024 provided a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on methane emissions reduction strategies. James Holoboff's participation underscored Process Ecology's commitment to advancing environmental technologies and sustainability in the energy sector. The summit not only showcased innovative solutions but also fostered crucial dialogue aimed at accelerating global efforts towards methane emissions reduction goals.