Ontario Ready to Welcome Commercial Carbon Storage Projects

Applications now open for projects that could create more than 4,000 jobs while helping industries cut emissions and save nearly $1 billion

TORONTO — Starting today, Ontario is ready to accept applications for commercial-scale geologic carbon storage projects. This is another step in the government’s plan to protect Ontario by unlocking new opportunities to attract investment and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. This innovative and safe technology has the potential to help energy-intensive industries cut greenhouse gas emissions by five to seven million tonnes annually, while creating over 4,000 jobs and reducing costs for Ontario’s industries by nearly $1 billion.

“Carbon storage is a tried and trusted technology in Canada and around the world and Ontario is ready to take a safe and responsible approach to unlocking this new opportunity for workers and businesses,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our government is moving forward with strong environmental protections and clear rules that protect our environment while also protecting our economic advantage, supporting good-paying jobs and ensuring Ontario remains competitive around the world.”

Ontario has undertaken years of extensive research and consultation to develop the regulatory framework for geologic carbon storage projects. This framework will provide clarity for industry operators to guide the safe, responsible management of carbon storage projects. Through this approach, the government is continuing its world-class environmental protections while reducing uncertainty and red tape for businesses. Those interested in submitting project proposals can learn more by contacting [email protected].

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“The passing of Ontario’s Geologic Carbon Storage Act is a major milestone in building a cleaner, stronger economy,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources. “By regulating carbon storage, we are taking the necessary steps to help ensure its safe implementation while also attracting new investments, creating good-paying jobs and positioning Ontario as a leader in the transition to a global low-carbon economy.”

The Geologic Carbon Storage Act, 2025 is focused on protecting Ontario by building resilient, safe and innovative communities that are ready to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow. This work is part of the government’s broader plan to protect Ontario by supporting industries as they innovate and reduce emissions. The government will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders, municipalities, Indigenous communities, landowners and the public to ensure the framework remains effective.

Quick Facts

• Since 2022, Ontario has released 3 discussion papers, posted 7 public consultations on the Environmental Registry of Ontario and hosted 11 stakeholder engagement sessions to build a carbon storage framework that works for Ontario.

• Commercial-scale geologic carbon storage involves injecting captured carbon dioxide, that would have otherwise entered the atmosphere, into deep underground rock formations for permanent storage.

• Most of Ontario’s geologic carbon storage potential is expected to be in Southwestern Ontario, which also coincides with many of the province’s largest point source emitters of carbon dioxide.

• According to the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute – an international think tank seeking to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture and storage – there were almost 400 carbon capture and storage projects at various stages of development worldwide in 2023 and close to 300 million tonnes of carbon dioxide injected underground.