Calgary

Alberta hopes to grow low-carbon economy with U.K. agreement

The Alberta the United Kingdom are partnering to help reduce harmful emissions, promote energy efficiency and increase renewable energies.

Deal aims to increase renewable energies and reduce emissions

Creating new low-carbon technologies and reducing harmful emissions are two of the aims of the new Alberta-U.K. low-carbon agreement. (Dan Riedlhuber/Reuters)

The Alberta government has signed an agreement with the United Kingdom that focuses on creating jobs and working together on low-carbon technology.

Energy Minister Margaret McCuaig-Boyd says the two governments plan to bring together industry, innovators and other stakeholders.

Minister of Energy Margaret McCuaig-Boyd signed a low-carbon agreement today with the U.K.'s high commissioner. (Jason Franson/Canadian Press)
 The aim is to increase renewable energies, promote energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.

Howard Drake, British high commissioner to Canada, says the U.K. wants to help Alberta meet its environmental challenges.

He says, in return, his country will take advantage of Alberta's regulatory and performance standards in areas such as shale gas development.

Neither McCuaig-Boyd nor Drake could specify what kinds of jobs could grow out of the agreement.

"As we look together on possibilities ... hopefully there will be areas of interest together where there's investment or collaboration and that will turn into jobs," McCuaig-Boyd said Tuesday.