Energy Transition: Some Thoughts from Pipestone Projects

By Giulio Galleri, Strategic Advisor at Pipestone Projects

Since the International Energy Agency (or IEA) released their World Energy Outlook 2021, animated watercooler discussions have once again arrived. Amongst others, a couple of statements of note have grabbed the attention of the readers: while “renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar PV continued to grow rapidly, and electric vehicles set new sales records” – the Report Extract, Executive Summary says – “the direction of travel is a long way from alignment with the IEA’s landmark Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario.”

Of particular interest to many readers, identified later in the report, is while the “new energy” seems to be a cheap and accessible source for certain markets, a large rebound in the use of coal and oil is taking place, leading to a new increase in CO₂ emissions.

This is nothing new. In fact, we have always known that a transition towards “cleaner” forms of energy would be slower than expected. There is one thing that we in the Energy Sector have always known, that despite certain optimistic (though legitimate) statements, renewables will hardly replace fossil fuels in their entirety, unless support can be bolstered for a renewed interest in the nuclear sector, which to many is unpalatable, or the hydrogen infrastructure, which is largely in the development stage.

While it is the job of scientists, energy experts, and policy makers to work through a realistic framework to ensure effective reduction in CO₂ emissions, industry players – especially the smaller ones – are likely struggling with the transition puzzle and might be looking at ways to ensure business continuity through these uncertain times.

Pipestone Projects is a Canadian company which provides pipeline and facility construction management and estimating services for the energy industry within North America. As such, Pipestone Projects cannot escape the challenges posed by the enthusiasm (but also the uncertainties) surrounding the energy transition topic. In this regard, three observations necessarily come to our mind.

First, as we all know, pipelines are the safest transportation mean for oil and gas. Pipelines – which do require proper engineering, the safest construction execution and regular maintenance – are extremely environmentally friendly and hard-to-fail infrastructures, especially when compared with other means of transportation. Statistics is on our side on this and we created the “Support Pipelines” brand to showcase this.

Second, there should be no doubt that gas pipelines are an integral part in the CO₂ emissions reduction solution. Canadian gas will be transported to coastal facilities – through pipelines – and then shipped to Countries where gas will directly lower carbon emissions. Coastal GasLink, currently under construction, is just one of these massive LNG Canada related pipelines that Pipestone Projects has worked on for years, that will fit this space very well by allowing our Canadian gas to reach the Asian markets and replace coal-propelled facilities.

Third, several companies, including ours, are actively looking at supporting renewable projects in Canada and North America. Pipestone Projects and its people have experience with CO2 pipelines, carbon capture facilities, and wind farms and are now actively helping developers in making more green initiatives become a reality, in accordance with our credo, that is: “confidence to proceed”.

We do believe transition towards a cleaner World is a goal we can achieve, provided that realistic targets are set and collaboration from all stakeholders of good will is ensured.

For any estimating and risk analysis needs to contact us at 587-436-2600.

About Pipestone Projects

Pipestone Projects is a privately owned Canadian firm established in 2013 with its head office located in Calgary, Alberta. With a goal to support the Energy and Resources Industry, Pipestone Project’s core business is to deliver their clients efficient and defensible Pipeline and Facility Construction Execution Plans and Cost Estimates.

Pipestone Projects provides a team of Construction Planning, Estimating, and Construction Management Professionals that are all well established in the industry and bring their unique skill, for a complete and well-rounded set of expertise.

Learn More About Pipestone Projects:

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