We are innovators, builders and ground breakers.
We are Emissions Reduction Alberta – ERA.
We are innovators. We are builders. And we are ground breakers.
We invest in and propel promising technologies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions along the path of innovation from idea to market. Our plans are big and our vision is ambitious.
We know imagining new possibilities is the first step to advancing innovation. As innovators, we imagine a better future. A sustainable, lower carbon future. One we can create together.
Mandate and Vision
Mandate
To identify and accelerate innovative solutions that secure Alberta’s success in a lower carbon economy.
Vision
Alberta is recognized as an innovation and technology leader in a lower carbon world.
Strategic Priorities
To achieve ERA’s vision and mandate, we will:
- Accelerate GHG reducing technologies.
Fund innovative solutions that result in meaningful GHG emissions reduction in Alberta and contribute to a lower carbon world. - Advance innovation system priorities.
Leverage our strengths to contribute to critical climate change innovation priorities in Alberta.
To deliver on priorities 1 and 2, ERA will:
- Measure and communicate success.
Define and report on metrics to demonstrate results. - Advance operational excellence.
Strive for excellence in operations and efficiency while maintaining responsiveness to stakeholders and funders.
ERA Annual Reports
Our annual reports demonstrate our ongoing commitment to accelerating technologies that reduce GHG emissions and to delivering on the performance metrics that are set out in our business plan.
Technology Roadmap
ERA has developed a Technology Roadmap to help guide investment decisions and inform our portfolio mix.
Business Plan
ERA’s vision, mandate and strategic priorities guide our operations. Our Business Plan outlines how we will achieve our mandate and how performance will be measured.
Research Reports
ERA prepares or participates in research and analysis that supports our mandate
The Team

ERA Management Team (from left to right) Mark Summers, Amanda Amyotte, Heather Stephens, Elizabeth Shirt, Jennifer Cleall and Steve MacDonald.
Steve MacDonald
Steve MacDonald
Chief Executive Officer
Steve MacDonald leads the ERA senior management team. Steve has had an extensive career in the Alberta Public Service sector with senior executive roles in various ministries, including Treasury Board, Energy, Innovation and Advanced Education, and Executive Council. He played a central role in the development of Alberta’s renewed Climate Leadership Plan that establishes a comprehensive vision, strategies and outcomes to support environmental sustainability and economic growth for Alberta.
Elizabeth Shirt
Elizabeth Shirt
Executive Director, Policy and Strategy
Elizabeth Shirt is ERA’s Executive Director of Policy and Strategy. She has an extensive background in climate change and energy policy. Prior to joining ERA, she was Director of the Climate Change Secretariat for the Government of Alberta. She has also served as Director, Energy and Climate Change Framework Development and Director of Innovation Policy and Programs. Elizabeth’s previous experience includes providing policy advice to the Nuclear Energy Institute and the Canadian Electricity Association.
Dr. Mark Summers
Dr. Mark Summers
Executive Director, Technology and Innovation
Mark Summers is Executive Director of Technology and Innovation for ERA. In this role, he leads ERA’s technology evaluation process and team of project managers. Mark’s background includes technology investment program and portfolio management, renewable energy technology, and climate change policy. Prior to joining ERA, he was Director of Renewable Energy at Alberta Innovates. He has also served as a Climate Change Engineer in the Climate Change Secretariat for the Government of Alberta, and a researcher at the University of Alberta. Mark graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc in Engineering Physics and a PhD in nanostructured engineering.