Новое исследование: углеродный налог в Альберте снизит конкурентоспособность энергетического сектора провинции

A new Fraser Institute study says Alberta’s industrial carbon tax and carbon capture requirements could make the province less competitive with major energy-producing states in the United States. The public policy think-tank says the $140-per-tonne industrial carbon tax and carbon capture regulations agreed to by Ottawa and Alberta will increase the cost of producing oil, natural gas and electricity in the province. The study, authored by Jack Mintz, president’s fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, compares Alberta’s energy production costs with jurisdictions such as Texas and New Mexico. Costs expected to rise The Fraser Institute says Alberta producers already face corporate, royalty and fuel taxes, along with costs tied to the province’s industrial carbon pricing system for large emitters. The study says carbon capture, utilization and storage requirements will add further costs that do not apply in the same way to energy production in some U.S. states. By 2040, the report estimates the cost to produce a barrel of conventional oil in Alberta could rise from US$43 to US$54, an increase of 25.6 per cent. For oilsands production, the study estimates costs could rise from US$51 to US$61 per barrel, a 19.6 per cent increase. Related Stories: - Canada and Alberta announce energy and emissions agreement aimed at boosting exports - Saskatchewan industry carbon tax replacement approved by federal government Natural gas, power costs also affected The study also says natural gas production costs could increase from $1.56 to $2.17 per gigajoule, a 39.1 per cent increase. Electricity generation costs could rise from $39 to $53 per megawatt hour, an increase of 35.9 per cent. Mintz said higher energy costs could affect more than the oil and gas sector. “Critically, by increasing the cost to generate electricity, policymakers will be raising costs on producers across the province, meaning their goods and services will be more expensive,” Mintz said in a release. Investment concerns raised The Fraser Institute says higher production costs could make Alberta less attractive for investment compared with U.S. energy-producing states where costs may be lower. “By increasing the marginal costs to produce energy in Alberta, federal and provincial policymakers are in effect encouraging investors to look at other energy-producing jurisdictions where costs are lower and returns on investment are higher,” Mintz said. The institute says the study is focused on the competitiveness of Alberta’s oil, natural gas and electric power sectors under current and proposed carbon policies.