Combining Complementary Technologies to Maximize Climate Impact in a Sustainable and Profitable Way

Section A: Introduction

1. Animated Intro Video (3.5 min.):

2. Full Presentation Videos:

a) Combining Complementary Tech to Maximized Impact in a Sustainable and Profitable Way (22 min. video):

To view pdf version containing links shown in presentation, visit: Slideshow PDF

Selected Segments in Presentation:

        • 0:00:48 Current Climate Warming Trend
        • 0:01:26 Why are the CO2 levels rising?
        • 0:01:44 Solution
        • 0:02:56 Accelerating Development and Scale-up By Collaborating with Relevant Technology Communities
        • 0:06:27 Increasing Collaboration Between Technology Communities to Accelerate Transition to Low Carbon Economy
        • 0:06:59 Integrating Technologies
        • 0:07:31 1st Example Combined Power Generation with Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CPG+CCUS) Facility
        • 0:08:39 2nd Example: Generating Reliable Power and Renewable Low Carbon Fuel
        • 0:10:15 Organizations Accelerating Carbon Tech (Part 1)
        • 0:11:07 Range of Clean Tech including Carbon Tech Companies
        • 0:11:41 Billionaires Investing in Clean Tech including Carbon Tech Companies
        • 0:13:05 Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Clusters
        • 0:15:07 A Comprehensive Map About Canada’s Oil & Gas Innovation Ecosystem
        • 0:15:51 Funding to Accelerate Technology Development and Scale-up
        • 0:17:12 Simplified Flow Chart of Project Financing
        • 0:18:46 How Canada’s CarbonTech Ecosystem Can Help Accelerate Canada’s Transition to NetZero
        • 0:19:47 Conclusions
        • 0:20:53 Recommendations
b) Introduction to Climate Finance Options for Clean Tech Companies (7 min. video):
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To view pdf version containing links shown in presentation, visit: Slideshow PDF
Selected Segments in Presentation:
        • 00:41 Public Sector Funding Opportunities List
        • 03:14 Private Sector Funding Opportunities List
        • 06:28 Conclusion Slide
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c) Given below is a full recording of our webinar broadcast on February 2, 2023, which includes the above two presentations.  (Note: This webinar was hosted by Integrated ClimateTech (iClimateTech) in partnership with ClimateSAN, the Clean Energy Zone at the Centre for Urban Energy and the Science Discovery Zone.  These two zones are business incubators/accelerators, which are part of Toronto Metropolitan University.)
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To view the question and answer segment of this video, Visit: Q and A Segment 
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3. Example 1: Simplified schematic of the combined power system combined with direct air capture, which is explained in the above video:
4. Example 2: An image of a combined system that generates reliable power and low carbon fuel:
5. Detailed Information Relating to Example 1:
Given below is some detailed information about technologies that can be used in example 1 shown above, which can capture CO2 from fossil fuels and from the outside air at the same time.  In addition, information about locations for storing CO2, and the rapid growth of climate finance is also provided:

a) Development of a breakthrough technology (Allam Cycle) that generates power from natural gas and captures 100% of CO2 created.

b) Development of technologies that can capture CO2 from outside air (Direct Air Capture or DAC) at a relatively low estimated cost.  Given below is a list of companies with innovative DAC technologies along with some related notes:

iii) Global Thermostat -Their DAC technology can cost-effectively capture CO2 from the outside air and natural gas power plants simultaneously.
iv) TerraFixing – their DAC technology is the most cost-effective in cold, dry climates. 
v) Carbyon
xiii) Sustaera

c) There has been a rapid growth in the number of locations where CO2 can be stored.  These locations are often associated near clusters of industries that are implementing carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS).  Given below are two examples of CCUS clusters:

i) Alberta Carbon Trunk Line (ACTL) system
ii) Net Zero Teesside.

Each of these CCUS clusters already has several companies working together to utilize a common CO2 sequestering service and are inviting more companies to join them to utilize this same sequestering service.  To view a more comprehensive list of these types of clusters around the world, see: Global Status of CCS 2020 report by Global CCS Institute.  Also, see the CCS Database managed by Global CSS InstituteFor some additional background about these types of clusters around the world, see: Understanding Industrial CCS hubs and clusters by the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute.

d) There has been a Rapid growth of Green Bonds to finance projects that can be sold to financial organizations that have committed to investing in climate action such as the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, which has a combined total of over $130 trillion US dollars under management. 

6. Integrating Complementary Technologies:

Advancements in several complementary technologies including power generation with carbon capture, biochar production, conversion of CO2 to renewable fuel, direct air capture, energy storage and renewable energy are now making it possible to create facilities that generate reliable energy with negative carbon emissions.  For example, an existing biomass-fueled power station can be enhanced to include carbon capture, biochar production, conversion of CO2 to renewable fuel, energy storage and renewable energy.  This set of enhancements will enable this facility to provide reliable power to the local electric grid, produce biochar and use its surplus power to produce renewable fuel.  

There are many more ways complementary technologies can be integrated to lower costs and maximize impact.  To view information about more technology combinations that produce reliable carbon-negative energy, visit: Integrating Technologies to Produce Reliable Carbon-Negative Energy.  As well, there are technology combinations that produce food products and reliable electricity.  To view information about some examples of these combinations, visit Integrating Technologies to Produce Agricultural Products and Reliable Electricity.

7. Example Complementary Technologies:

Given below is a list of example complementary technologies that can be integrated with fossil or biomass fueled power-plants that are fitted with carbon capture systems:

a) Renewable Energy Systems – Companies can take advantage of solar and wind to be integrated with multiple complementary technologies to enhance their facilities and lower their carbon footprint
b) Energy Storage Systems – Energy Storage helps to manage short term differences between power generated and power needed.
c) Biochar Production Equipment – Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that’s made by burning organic material from agricultural and forestry wastes (also called biomass) in a controlled process called pyrolysis.
d) Low Carbon Fuel Production Equpment – Low Carbon Fuels are a traditional fuel alternative, with lower carbon intensities and emissions than traditional petroleum-based fuels.
e) Direct Air Capture Systems – Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a process that involves capturing and sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere on a global scale.
f) Indoor Farms – Indoor farming includes greenhouses, vertical farms and other automated indoor crop systems and can grow carbon-neutral crops.
g) Algae Growing and Processing Systems – There are different strains of algae that can be grown for produce a wide range of products including high-quality medicines, food supplements, biofuel, animal food and bio-degradable materials.
h) Sustainable Fish Farms – There is a wide range of fish farms being implemented.  One effective combination is to integrate a fish farm with algae and hydroponic plant production system.  To view a schematic of this combination, visit: Biomass power plant combined with indoor, fish and algae farms.

8. Carbon Tech Options:

Since there are so many Carbon Tech options to choose from, it is not easy for an individual or company in the private sector to select the best technology options for their specific project.  To provide you with an idea of just how large and diverse the Carbon Tech industry has become, our team at Climate Solutions Advancement Network (ClimateSAN) prepared this webpage: Carbon Tech Companies and Related Information.  As a result, individuals and companies can greatly benefit by collaborating with organizations that are helping to accelerate Carbon Tech, such as the ones indicated in the below section.

9. Organizations Helping to Accelerate Carbon Tech:

Given below are some organizations in Canada that are helping to accelerate Carbon Tech:

a) In addition to Innovate Calgary, there are many more organizations that are helping to accelerate Carbon Tech in Alberta. Given below is a list of some of the leading ones in no particular order:

b) Given below are some organizations advocating for increased implementation of Carbon Tech:

    • Alberta Enterprise Group includes many member organizations developing and implementing Carbon Tech.
    • Modern Miracle Network advocates for responsible oil and gas development including the utilization of Carbon Tech.
    • DMG Events hosts conferences about Carbon Tech related topics such as carbon capture.
c) There are many more organizations in other provinces that could collaborate with each other to help accelerate Carbon Tech in Canada.  Given below is a list of some of them:

d) Further more, there are other associations and alliances in Canada that would likely support initiatives to accelerate Carbon Tech across Canada. For example, the Canada Cleantech Alliance is a Canadian coalition of 22 clean-tech industry associations and accelerators representing over 2,000 cleantech manufacturers, innovators, investors, industry adopters and researchers across the country.  This alliance includes associations such as the Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association, which would likely be interested to support accelerating Carbon Tech in Canada.

Since there is so much activity in the development and implementation of technologies relating to carbon in Alberta, it can be argued that Alberta has become Canada’s “Silicon Valley” for Carbon Tech.  Therefore, companies that do not want to miss out on the huge business opportunity in Carbon Tech, should explore how they can benefit from this ecosystem that has emerged.

10. Online Channels about Climate Solutions:

There are many sources of useful information about climate related technologies.  This includes dedicated climate solution platforms and video channels by YouTubers.   Given below are some examples:

11. Financing Carbon Tech:

There are a considerable number of incentive programs to support Carbon Tech.  Given below are some links to information about these programs:

a) Federal Gov’t Clean Growth Hub webpage summarizing federal programs for clean growth: Clean Growth Hub.
b) A range of funding programs for businesses by the Gov. of Canada: Grants and funding from the Government of Canada.
c) Environment-related funding: Environment and Climate Change Canada funding programs
d) A substantial funding program for indigenous communities: Indigenous clean fuels projects – Clean Fuels Fund
e) Tax credits allocated for carbon (CO2) capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS): Federal Budget Section about the CCUS Tax Credit
     From 2022 through 2030, the investment tax credit rates would be set at:

      • 60 percent for investment in equipment to capture CO2 in direct air capture projects;
      • 50 percent for investment in equipment to capture CO2 in all other CCUS projects; and
      • 37.5 percent for investment in equipment for transportation, storage and use.

f) Overview article about CCUS tax credits: Canada Introduces Tax Credit For CCUS Investments, Apr 11, 2022.
g) Private foundation funding: Ivey Foundation to distribute $100 million endowment over next five years Nov. 29, 2022
h) CLIMAtlantic – Funding Opportunities for Climate Change Adaptation

i) Retooling for Climate Change – Funding Programs for Climate Resilience
j) Ontario Business Grants – Find grants, loans & more for your Ontario business
k) City of Toronto – Toronto Atmospheric Fund
l) Canada Infrastructure Bank
m) Wage Subsidy Programs funded by Governments:

The forecasts about the expected growth of the carbon capture market are creating considerable investor interest in Carbon Tech (which includes CCUS).  For example, in April of 2022, it was reported that Exxon sees carbon capture market at $4 trillion by 2050.  Therefore, it is likely that companies implementing Carbon Tech can obtain an increasing amount of funding from private investors.

To implement Carbon Tech on a substantial scale, many large facilities utilizing these technologies will need to be funded.  Fortunately, a pathway has emerged to help project developers obtain this funding.  Prior to a substantial ($50m+) project getting funded, it can be certified as “Green Bond” eligible.  After this facility becomes operational, it can be re-financed with a Green Bond that institutional investors can purchase. This enables the original investors to receive their capital back and build their next facility, which makes investing in this type of project much more attractive.  In this way, large-scale climate action can be accelerated with private sector funding instead of government funding.

To view information about steps to issue a Green bond, visit: Steps to issue a Green Bond by Sustainalytics.  There are many companies that are now facilitating the issuing of Green Bonds.  To view a list of them, visit: ClimateBonds.net/partners.

According to the ClimateBonds Initiative, over $500 billion in Green (Climate) Bonds were issued in 2021.  This organization is now leading an initiative to increase this amount to $5 trillion in Green Bonds by 2025.  There is a large pool of buyers of Green Bonds in the global financial system. For example, the members of The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), which includes firms that collectively have over US$130 trillion under management, are likely buyers of this type of bond.

12. Initiatives by Think Renewables Group Relating to Carbon Tech:

To help organizations integrate complementary technologies to maximize climate impact and profits, Think Renewables Group has launched a new company called Integrated ClimateTech (iClimateTech).  It will begin by focusing on these types of projects: Integrating Technologies to Produce Reliable Carbon-Negative Energy and Integrating Technologies to Produce Agricultural Products and Reliable Electricity.

Think Renewables Group prepared some articles about combining complementary technologies to produce reliable energy with negative carbon emissions, which were published in industry magazines.  To view these articles, visit:

a) Biomass Magazine article: How Companies Can Profitably Create Carbon-Negative Energy from Biomass, April 13, 2022.
b) OilPrice.com article: How Oil & Gas Companies Can Profitably Create Carbon-Negative Energy, January 5, 2022.

13. Range of Clean Tech including Carbon Tech Companies:

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14. Billionaires Investing in Clean Tech including Carbon Tech Companies:
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b) John Doerr founded Kleiner Perkins (Also gave $1.1 billion donation to Stanford University & wrote Speed & Scale.)
c) Chris Sacca, Founder and Chairman of Lowercarbon Capital, who runs a $600m fund that accelerates climate-related ventures.
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15. Private Sector Finance Alliances and Associations Supporting Climate Action:
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aThe Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), which includes firms with over US$130 trillion in assets under management.
b) Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) which includes firms with US$63 trillion in assets under management.
c) Climate Action 100+ initiative, which includes firms with over US$68 trillion in assets under management.
d) Coalition for the International Platform for Climate Finance (IPCF), which includes firms with over US$7 trillion in
assets under management
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16. Lists of Impact Funds that Invest in Climate Action:
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a) Good Here Climate Capital List
b) ImpactAssets 50 – An Annual Showcase of Impact Investment Fund Managers
c) Global Impact Investor Network (GIIN)
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17. Directories of Angel Investor Groups, Venture Capital Firms and Family Offices:
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18. A directory of Crowdfunding Organizations:
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19. A Comprehensive Map About Canada’s Oil & Gas Innovation Ecosystem 
(To view this map, you will need to join CRIN, which can be done for free)
b) After logging into CRIN, you can view a more information about this map including a recording of a webinar about it.  To to so, visit:
20. Additional webpages by ClimateSAN with embedded videos and links to more information:
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b) Business Opportunities Creating Large-Scale Carbon Emissions Mitigation (ClimateSAN/acem ).
     Generating Reliable Power While Creating Negative Carbon Emissions

21. Introduction to Accelerating Canada’s Transition to NetZero:

As a result of many complementary government and private sector initiatives underway in the carbon-related technology (Carbon Tech) area in Canada, especially in Alberta, an ecosystem relating to this area has emerged.  Components of this ecosystem include research centres, business accelerators, technology demonstration centres, companies developing Carbon Tech, buyers, investors and funding agencies.  At the same time, rapid and simultaneous advances in technologies in several complementary areas have occurred, which is enabling many innovative combinations to be integrated with each other to lower costs and maximize impact.  The combination of these developments can be harnessed to help accelerate Canada’s transition to net zero carbon dioxide emissions (NetZero).  To view an illustration of how this ecosystem can integrate complementary technologies and leverage climate finance to accelerate this transition, see below:

How Canada’s CarbonTech Ecosystem Help Can Accelerate Canada’s Transition to NetZero

For more information, visit:

How Canada’s CarbonTech Ecosystem Help Can Accelerate Canada’s Transition to NetZero (climatesan.org/hcce )
Leveraging Canada’s CarbonTech Ecosystem, Climate Finance and Integrating Technologies to Accelerate Action

22. Comparing the terms CleanTech, CarbonTech & ClimateTech to Each Other:

a) Diagram Comparing CleanTech, CarbonTech & ClimateTech to Each Other

23. Webpage Listing Job Opportunities at iClimateTech:

Note1: To share a link to specific section of this webpage, you can create a link similar to this example link: https://climatesan.org/combine-complementary-tech-to-maximize-impact/#S16.
Note2: Short link to this webpage: ClimateSAN.org/tmci