Carbon capture proposal by Pathways Alliance seeks regulatory approval [Video]

CALGARY –

A consortium of Canada’s largest oilsands companies said it aims to submit an application before the end of the week for approval of its proposed $16.5-billion carbon capture pipeline project.

Pathways Alliance spokeswoman Jerrica Goodwin confirmed the expected timeline in an email Thursday.

The oilsands group – whose membership consists of Suncor Energy Inc., Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Cenovus Energy Inc., Imperial Oil Ltd., MEG Energy Corp. and ConocoPhillips Canada – has previously stated that it cannot make a final investment decision for its marquee project until it has the Alberta Energy Regulator’s approval in hand.

Once underway, the regulatory process is expected to take at least a year.

But in an interview in November, Pathways president Kendall Dilling said that any filing for regulatory approval should be interpreted as a sign of commitment by the companies to the project.

“I do think it’s fair to say that as we …