The world's first standard for the geological storage of carbon dioxide - which goes by the catchy nickname CSA Z741 - was officially unveiled at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, its creators - CSA Group, IPAC-CO2 and a committee of 30 Canadian and U.S. scientists - hope CSA Z741 will become the gold standard for the safe, long-term storage of CO2 generated by burning of fossil fuels.

"Until today, there has been no formally recognized standard for the storage of CO2,'' said Carmen Dyb-wad, CEO of IPAC-CO2, a Regina-based research institute specializing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, specifically geological storage of CO2.

"CSA Z741 will help ensure that CCS projects are safe now and for future generations.''

CCS is the process of separating carbon dioxide from industrial or energy production and transporting the CO2 into long-term storage in deep geological formations. CCS is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial or power plants by 85 to 95 per cent, making it one of the most effective weapons in the battle against climate change.

Dybwad, who joined IPACCO2 shortly after its creation in 2009 with an initial investment of $14 million by the provincial and federal governments and Royal Dutch Shell, said work to develop the standard began with a "seed document'' created by IPAC-CO2 to provide regulations and guidelines for CCS projects.

A bi-national committee of experts - half from Canada, half from the U.S. - has been working for two years to develop the standard, under the direction of CSA Group, a 85-yearold Canadian non-profit organization that develops standards for the electrical, plumbing, construction, appliance, medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Bonnie Rose, president of standards for CSA Group, said the standard will initially apply to CCS projects in Canada and the U.S. "The introduction of the CSA Z741 geological storage of carbon dioxide standard provides industry with guidelines to control environmental impact and consumers with assurance that CO2 storage sites are designed and operated with long-term public safety foremost in mind,'' Rose said. "This includes the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and closure of sites."

But eventually the CSA Z741 could become the global standard for CCS projects worldwide. "ISO (International Organization for Standards) has agreed to develop a standard in carbon capture and storage," Rose said. "And they've accepted this (CSA Z741) as the seed document. So we will absolutely play a key role ... in the development of the ISO standard.''

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the introduction of the CCS standard in Regina shows Saskatchewan is a "world-leader" in carbon capture and storage. The $1.24-billion Boundary Dam CCS project, which will reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent or one million tonnes per year, is another example of how the province is a world-leader in CCS technology.

"We have targets that we've set for ourselves - 20 per cent GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction from the 2006 level by the year 2020 and that's something we're intent on achieving.''

bjohnstone@leaderpost.com

The world's first standard for the geological storage of carbon dioxide - which goes by the catchy nickname CSA Z741 - was officially unveiled at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, its creators - CSA Group, IPAC-CO2 and a committee of 30 Canadian and U.S. scientists - hope CSA Z741 will become the gold standard for the safe, long-term storage of CO2 generated by burning of fossil fuels.

"Until today, there has been no formally recognized standard for the storage of CO2,'' said Carmen Dyb-wad, CEO of IPAC-CO2, a Regina-based research institute specializing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, specifically geological storage of CO2.

"CSA Z741 will help ensure that CCS projects are safe now and for future generations.''

CCS is the process of separating carbon dioxide from industrial or energy production and transporting the CO2 into long-term storage in deep geological formations. CCS is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial or power plants by 85 to 95 per cent, making it one of the most effective weapons in the battle against climate change.

Dybwad, who joined IPACCO2 shortly after its creation in 2009 with an initial investment of $14 million by the provincial and federal governments and Royal Dutch Shell, said work to develop the standard began with a "seed document'' created by IPAC-CO2 to provide regulations and guidelines for CCS projects.

A bi-national committee of experts - half from Canada, half from the U.S. - has been working for two years to develop the standard, under the direction of CSA Group, a 85-yearold Canadian non-profit organization that develops standards for the electrical, plumbing, construction, appliance, medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Bonnie Rose, president of standards for CSA Group, said the standard will initially apply to CCS projects in Canada and the U.S. "The introduction of the CSA Z741 geological storage of carbon dioxide standard provides industry with guidelines to control environmental impact and consumers with assurance that CO2 storage sites are designed and operated with long-term public safety foremost in mind,'' Rose said. "This includes the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and closure of sites."

But eventually the CSA Z741 could become the global standard for CCS projects worldwide. "ISO (International Organization for Standards) has agreed to develop a standard in carbon capture and storage," Rose said. "And they've accepted this (CSA Z741) as the seed document. So we will absolutely play a key role ... in the development of the ISO standard.''

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the introduction of the CCS standard in Regina shows Saskatchewan is a "world-leader" in carbon capture and storage. The $1.24-billion Boundary Dam CCS project, which will reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent or one million tonnes per year, is another example of how the province is a world-leader in CCS technology.

"We have targets that we've set for ourselves - 20 per cent GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction from the 2006 level by the year 2020 and that's something we're intent on achieving.''

bjohnstone@leaderpost.com

The world's first standard for the geological storage of carbon dioxide - which goes by the catchy nickname CSA Z741 - was officially unveiled at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, its creators - CSA Group, IPAC-CO2 and a committee of 30 Canadian and U.S. scientists - hope CSA Z741 will become the gold standard for the safe, long-term storage of CO2 generated by burning of fossil fuels.

"Until today, there has been no formally recognized standard for the storage of CO2,'' said Carmen Dyb-wad, CEO of IPAC-CO2, a Regina-based research institute specializing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, specifically geological storage of CO2.

"CSA Z741 will help ensure that CCS projects are safe now and for future generations.''

CCS is the process of separating carbon dioxide from industrial or energy production and transporting the CO2 into long-term storage in deep geological formations. CCS is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial or power plants by 85 to 95 per cent, making it one of the most effective weapons in the battle against climate change.

Dybwad, who joined IPACCO2 shortly after its creation in 2009 with an initial investment of $14 million by the provincial and federal governments and Royal Dutch Shell, said work to develop the standard began with a "seed document'' created by IPAC-CO2 to provide regulations and guidelines for CCS projects.

A bi-national committee of experts - half from Canada, half from the U.S. - has been working for two years to develop the standard, under the direction of CSA Group, a 85-yearold Canadian non-profit organization that develops standards for the electrical, plumbing, construction, appliance, medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Bonnie Rose, president of standards for CSA Group, said the standard will initially apply to CCS projects in Canada and the U.S. "The introduction of the CSA Z741 geological storage of carbon dioxide standard provides industry with guidelines to control environmental impact and consumers with assurance that CO2 storage sites are designed and operated with long-term public safety foremost in mind,'' Rose said. "This includes the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and closure of sites."

But eventually the CSA Z741 could become the global standard for CCS projects worldwide. "ISO (International Organization for Standards) has agreed to develop a standard in carbon capture and storage," Rose said. "And they've accepted this (CSA Z741) as the seed document. So we will absolutely play a key role ... in the development of the ISO standard.''

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the introduction of the CCS standard in Regina shows Saskatchewan is a "world-leader" in carbon capture and storage. The $1.24-billion Boundary Dam CCS project, which will reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent or one million tonnes per year, is another example of how the province is a world-leader in CCS technology.

"We have targets that we've set for ourselves - 20 per cent GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction from the 2006 level by the year 2020 and that's something we're intent on achieving.''

bjohnstone@leaderpost.com

The world's first standard for the geological storage of carbon dioxide - which goes by the catchy nickname CSA Z741 - was officially unveiled at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, its creators - CSA Group, IPAC-CO2 and a committee of 30 Canadian and U.S. scientists - hope CSA Z741 will become the gold standard for the safe, long-term storage of CO2 generated by burning of fossil fuels.

"Until today, there has been no formally recognized standard for the storage of CO2,'' said Carmen Dyb-wad, CEO of IPAC-CO2, a Regina-based research institute specializing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, specifically geological storage of CO2.

"CSA Z741 will help ensure that CCS projects are safe now and for future generations.''

CCS is the process of separating carbon dioxide from industrial or energy production and transporting the CO2 into long-term storage in deep geological formations. CCS is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial or power plants by 85 to 95 per cent, making it one of the most effective weapons in the battle against climate change.

Dybwad, who joined IPACCO2 shortly after its creation in 2009 with an initial investment of $14 million by the provincial and federal governments and Royal Dutch Shell, said work to develop the standard began with a "seed document'' created by IPAC-CO2 to provide regulations and guidelines for CCS projects.

A bi-national committee of experts - half from Canada, half from the U.S. - has been working for two years to develop the standard, under the direction of CSA Group, a 85-yearold Canadian non-profit organization that develops standards for the electrical, plumbing, construction, appliance, medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Bonnie Rose, president of standards for CSA Group, said the standard will initially apply to CCS projects in Canada and the U.S. "The introduction of the CSA Z741 geological storage of carbon dioxide standard provides industry with guidelines to control environmental impact and consumers with assurance that CO2 storage sites are designed and operated with long-term public safety foremost in mind,'' Rose said. "This includes the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and closure of sites."

But eventually the CSA Z741 could become the global standard for CCS projects worldwide. "ISO (International Organization for Standards) has agreed to develop a standard in carbon capture and storage," Rose said. "And they've accepted this (CSA Z741) as the seed document. So we will absolutely play a key role ... in the development of the ISO standard.''

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the introduction of the CCS standard in Regina shows Saskatchewan is a "world-leader" in carbon capture and storage. The $1.24-billion Boundary Dam CCS project, which will reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent or one million tonnes per year, is another example of how the province is a world-leader in CCS technology.

"We have targets that we've set for ourselves - 20 per cent GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction from the 2006 level by the year 2020 and that's something we're intent on achieving.''

bjohnstone@leaderpost.com

The world's first standard for the geological storage of carbon dioxide - which goes by the catchy nickname CSA Z741 - was officially unveiled at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, its creators - CSA Group, IPAC-CO2 and a committee of 30 Canadian and U.S. scientists - hope CSA Z741 will become the gold standard for the safe, long-term storage of CO2 generated by burning of fossil fuels.

"Until today, there has been no formally recognized standard for the storage of CO2,'' said Carmen Dyb-wad, CEO of IPAC-CO2, a Regina-based research institute specializing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, specifically geological storage of CO2.

"CSA Z741 will help ensure that CCS projects are safe now and for future generations.''

CCS is the process of separating carbon dioxide from industrial or energy production and transporting the CO2 into long-term storage in deep geological formations. CCS is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial or power plants by 85 to 95 per cent, making it one of the most effective weapons in the battle against climate change.

Dybwad, who joined IPACCO2 shortly after its creation in 2009 with an initial investment of $14 million by the provincial and federal governments and Royal Dutch Shell, said work to develop the standard began with a "seed document'' created by IPAC-CO2 to provide regulations and guidelines for CCS projects.

A bi-national committee of experts - half from Canada, half from the U.S. - has been working for two years to develop the standard, under the direction of CSA Group, a 85-yearold Canadian non-profit organization that develops standards for the electrical, plumbing, construction, appliance, medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Bonnie Rose, president of standards for CSA Group, said the standard will initially apply to CCS projects in Canada and the U.S. "The introduction of the CSA Z741 geological storage of carbon dioxide standard provides industry with guidelines to control environmental impact and consumers with assurance that CO2 storage sites are designed and operated with long-term public safety foremost in mind,'' Rose said. "This includes the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and closure of sites."

But eventually the CSA Z741 could become the global standard for CCS projects worldwide. "ISO (International Organization for Standards) has agreed to develop a standard in carbon capture and storage," Rose said. "And they've accepted this (CSA Z741) as the seed document. So we will absolutely play a key role ... in the development of the ISO standard.''

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the introduction of the CCS standard in Regina shows Saskatchewan is a "world-leader" in carbon capture and storage. The $1.24-billion Boundary Dam CCS project, which will reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent or one million tonnes per year, is another example of how the province is a world-leader in CCS technology.

"We have targets that we've set for ourselves - 20 per cent GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction from the 2006 level by the year 2020 and that's something we're intent on achieving.''

bjohnstone@leaderpost.com

The world's first standard for the geological storage of carbon dioxide - which goes by the catchy nickname CSA Z741 - was officially unveiled at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, its creators - CSA Group, IPAC-CO2 and a committee of 30 Canadian and U.S. scientists - hope CSA Z741 will become the gold standard for the safe, long-term storage of CO2 generated by burning of fossil fuels.

"Until today, there has been no formally recognized standard for the storage of CO2,'' said Carmen Dyb-wad, CEO of IPAC-CO2, a Regina-based research institute specializing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, specifically geological storage of CO2.

"CSA Z741 will help ensure that CCS projects are safe now and for future generations.''

CCS is the process of separating carbon dioxide from industrial or energy production and transporting the CO2 into long-term storage in deep geological formations. CCS is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial or power plants by 85 to 95 per cent, making it one of the most effective weapons in the battle against climate change.

Dybwad, who joined IPACCO2 shortly after its creation in 2009 with an initial investment of $14 million by the provincial and federal governments and Royal Dutch Shell, said work to develop the standard began with a "seed document'' created by IPAC-CO2 to provide regulations and guidelines for CCS projects.

A bi-national committee of experts - half from Canada, half from the U.S. - has been working for two years to develop the standard, under the direction of CSA Group, a 85-yearold Canadian non-profit organization that develops standards for the electrical, plumbing, construction, appliance, medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Bonnie Rose, president of standards for CSA Group, said the standard will initially apply to CCS projects in Canada and the U.S. "The introduction of the CSA Z741 geological storage of carbon dioxide standard provides industry with guidelines to control environmental impact and consumers with assurance that CO2 storage sites are designed and operated with long-term public safety foremost in mind,'' Rose said. "This includes the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and closure of sites."

But eventually the CSA Z741 could become the global standard for CCS projects worldwide. "ISO (International Organization for Standards) has agreed to develop a standard in carbon capture and storage," Rose said. "And they've accepted this (CSA Z741) as the seed document. So we will absolutely play a key role ... in the development of the ISO standard.''

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the introduction of the CCS standard in Regina shows Saskatchewan is a "world-leader" in carbon capture and storage. The $1.24-billion Boundary Dam CCS project, which will reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent or one million tonnes per year, is another example of how the province is a world-leader in CCS technology.

"We have targets that we've set for ourselves - 20 per cent GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction from the 2006 level by the year 2020 and that's something we're intent on achieving.''

bjohnstone@leaderpost.com

The world's first standard for the geological storage of carbon dioxide - which goes by the catchy nickname CSA Z741 - was officially unveiled at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, its creators - CSA Group, IPAC-CO2 and a committee of 30 Canadian and U.S. scientists - hope CSA Z741 will become the gold standard for the safe, long-term storage of CO2 generated by burning of fossil fuels.

"Until today, there has been no formally recognized standard for the storage of CO2,'' said Carmen Dyb-wad, CEO of IPAC-CO2, a Regina-based research institute specializing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, specifically geological storage of CO2.

"CSA Z741 will help ensure that CCS projects are safe now and for future generations.''

CCS is the process of separating carbon dioxide from industrial or energy production and transporting the CO2 into long-term storage in deep geological formations. CCS is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial or power plants by 85 to 95 per cent, making it one of the most effective weapons in the battle against climate change.

Dybwad, who joined IPACCO2 shortly after its creation in 2009 with an initial investment of $14 million by the provincial and federal governments and Royal Dutch Shell, said work to develop the standard began with a "seed document'' created by IPAC-CO2 to provide regulations and guidelines for CCS projects.

A bi-national committee of experts - half from Canada, half from the U.S. - has been working for two years to develop the standard, under the direction of CSA Group, a 85-yearold Canadian non-profit organization that develops standards for the electrical, plumbing, construction, appliance, medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Bonnie Rose, president of standards for CSA Group, said the standard will initially apply to CCS projects in Canada and the U.S. "The introduction of the CSA Z741 geological storage of carbon dioxide standard provides industry with guidelines to control environmental impact and consumers with assurance that CO2 storage sites are designed and operated with long-term public safety foremost in mind,'' Rose said. "This includes the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and closure of sites."

But eventually the CSA Z741 could become the global standard for CCS projects worldwide. "ISO (International Organization for Standards) has agreed to develop a standard in carbon capture and storage," Rose said. "And they've accepted this (CSA Z741) as the seed document. So we will absolutely play a key role ... in the development of the ISO standard.''

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the introduction of the CCS standard in Regina shows Saskatchewan is a "world-leader" in carbon capture and storage. The $1.24-billion Boundary Dam CCS project, which will reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent or one million tonnes per year, is another example of how the province is a world-leader in CCS technology.

"We have targets that we've set for ourselves - 20 per cent GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction from the 2006 level by the year 2020 and that's something we're intent on achieving.''

bjohnstone@leaderpost.com

The world's first standard for the geological storage of carbon dioxide - which goes by the catchy nickname CSA Z741 - was officially unveiled at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, its creators - CSA Group, IPAC-CO2 and a committee of 30 Canadian and U.S. scientists - hope CSA Z741 will become the gold standard for the safe, long-term storage of CO2 generated by burning of fossil fuels.

"Until today, there has been no formally recognized standard for the storage of CO2,'' said Carmen Dyb-wad, CEO of IPAC-CO2, a Regina-based research institute specializing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, specifically geological storage of CO2.

"CSA Z741 will help ensure that CCS projects are safe now and for future generations.''

CCS is the process of separating carbon dioxide from industrial or energy production and transporting the CO2 into long-term storage in deep geological formations. CCS is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial or power plants by 85 to 95 per cent, making it one of the most effective weapons in the battle against climate change.

Dybwad, who joined IPACCO2 shortly after its creation in 2009 with an initial investment of $14 million by the provincial and federal governments and Royal Dutch Shell, said work to develop the standard began with a "seed document'' created by IPAC-CO2 to provide regulations and guidelines for CCS projects.

A bi-national committee of experts - half from Canada, half from the U.S. - has been working for two years to develop the standard, under the direction of CSA Group, a 85-yearold Canadian non-profit organization that develops standards for the electrical, plumbing, construction, appliance, medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Bonnie Rose, president of standards for CSA Group, said the standard will initially apply to CCS projects in Canada and the U.S. "The introduction of the CSA Z741 geological storage of carbon dioxide standard provides industry with guidelines to control environmental impact and consumers with assurance that CO2 storage sites are designed and operated with long-term public safety foremost in mind,'' Rose said. "This includes the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and closure of sites."

But eventually the CSA Z741 could become the global standard for CCS projects worldwide. "ISO (International Organization for Standards) has agreed to develop a standard in carbon capture and storage," Rose said. "And they've accepted this (CSA Z741) as the seed document. So we will absolutely play a key role ... in the development of the ISO standard.''

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the introduction of the CCS standard in Regina shows Saskatchewan is a "world-leader" in carbon capture and storage. The $1.24-billion Boundary Dam CCS project, which will reduce GHG emissions by 90 per cent or one million tonnes per year, is another example of how the province is a world-leader in CCS technology.

"We have targets that we've set for ourselves - 20 per cent GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction from the 2006 level by the year 2020 and that's something we're intent on achieving.''

bjohnstone@leaderpost.com