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Climate change

Our commitment

Climate change is one of the most pressing societal issues of our time and requires credible and concrete actions by everyone—corporations, governments and individuals—to see real and positive change.

Our role in the energy transition will involve diversifying our energy portfolio, investing in innovative new technologies and setting attainable sustainability and GHG emissions reduction targets and goals that progress our organization and industry towards a more sustainable future.

  • We are a signatory to the Methane Guiding Principles and strive to continually reduce methane emissions.
  • In 2021, we set GHG emissions reductions targets with two main goals:
    • Reduce the GHG emissions intensity of our operations by 30 per cent by 2030; and,
    • Position to achieve net zero emissions from our operations by 2050.
  • We invest millions of dollars each year in the advancement and research of new technologies.
  • We collaborate with industry and government partners to advance environmental stewardship across the energy industry.
  • We support environment-focused non-profit organizations through our community giving program.

We have many activities underway to reduce emissions and develop solutions for the future — for example, leak detection and repair programs, natural gas pipeline modernization and electrification programs, solar and battery storage projects, pumped hydro storage projects, transportation of renewable natural gas, and promising possibilities for developing carbon capture and storage solutions.

For more information, see our GHG Emissions Reduction Plan, Report on Reliability of Methane Emissions Disclosure and Report on Climate-related Lobbying.

Spotlight on: Methane emissions reductions

We have been a driving force in the pipeline industry on developing and implementing new practices and technologies to reduce fugitive emissions during routine operations and maintenance.

During maintenance, the use of pull-down compressors (such as the one pictured on the left) and hot tap procedures help us capture and recycle methane emissions. During operation, our Fugitive Emissions Inspection and Leak Repair Program enables us to identify leaks on pipeline and compressor station valves and other components to help reduce releases of natural gas.

We are investing in new technology in our operations to improve tracking of our natural gas pipeline fugitive emissions data at valve sites, meter stations and compressor stations. The technology will improve operations and regulatory reporting activities resulting in improved ability to plan maintenance activities.

CASE STUDY:

Investing in leading-edge technology

TC Energy is pursuing a novel, utility-scale solar-plus-storage electricity generation facility near Aldersyde, Alberta, with support from Emissions Reductions Alberta. The project will use state-of-the-art bifacial solar panels that are double-sided to take advantage of the indirect sunlight from reflective ground cover such as snow-covered surfaces found in Alberta during the winter months. Flow battery storage technology would also allow the solar energy to be stored for up to eight hours for use at times of peak electricity demand.

The innovative project will provide direct GHG benefits through the generation of emissions-free renewable power to meet the needs of 3,000 homes. The project will also help prove the technical and commercial viability of these technologies for wider scale adoption.

FAQs

We have robust climate governance and risk management processes, overseen by TC Energy’s Board of Directors and executive leadership team. Please see the information on climate governance, risks and opportunities in our annual Report on Sustainability.

TC Energy understands that shareholders and other stakeholders want information on how the company is addressing climate change and associated risks. We have outlined specific strategic direction on how the company is addressing long-term risks and opportunities in relation to climate change and the energy transition in our annual ESG Data Sheet and our GHG Emissions Reduction Plan.

We recognize that future energy systems will evolve. For many years we have evaluated the resilience of our asset portfolio over a range of potential energy supply and demand outcomes, also known as scenario analysis, as part of our strategic planning process. We believe our existing and future asset portfolio is resilient and well-positioned to embrace the energy transition, tolerate disruptions and adapt to external changes or uncertainties. We monitor the pace and magnitude of energy transition through various signposts and look for material shifts that pose threats or create opportunities; each year evaluating the scenarios that will best inform our strategy.

As an energy infrastructure company, we recognize our role in the larger energy system, including the ongoing management of our own GHG emissions. We are committed to managing our GHG emissions, reducing our GHG emissions intensity and continuing to integrate climate considerations into our overall business strategy.

TC Energy is a proud signatory to the Methane Guiding Principles. These principles focus on priority areas for action towards the reduction of methane emissions across the natural gas value chain.

Our GHG Emissions Reduction Plan provides more details on how we are modernizing our systems and assets to reduce fugitive methane emissions, leaks, venting and flaring associated with regular operations and maintenance, and improving overall operational efficiency. We are also looking to decarbonize our own energy consumption by seeking low-carbon energy sources to support our operations.

We collaborate with industry and government partners to enhance the safety, efficiency and reliability of our operations and assets, and are supporting, advancing and embracing the energy transition across our industry.

Our memberships and partnerships with industry organizations across North America contribute to federal and global responses to climate change. We engage with government and stakeholder representatives on climate change policy developments, and fund research for GHG emissions reduction opportunities.

For example, we are participants in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Natural Gas STAR program; we are a member company in the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America Methane Emission Commitment; and we are one of 50 members in the ONE Future Coalition, a group of natural gas companies working together to voluntarily reduce methane emissions across the natural gas supply chain.

We recognize interest from governing bodies to reduce GHG emissions through the implementation of various carbon policy and regulatory mechanisms. We support policies that recognize the global nature of climate change and promote the reduction of both GHG intensity and absolute volume in a way that enhances human well-being now and in the future, considering the need for affordable, reliable energy and economic growth.

We support the need for sensible and cohesive public policy frameworks by engaging in dialogue with policy-makers and industry peers to help our industry fully participate in the North American discussion on climate change. Further, we contribute to a unified North American response through memberships in industry organization, engagement with government and stakeholder representatives on climate change policy developments, and funding research into GHG emissions reduction opportunities.