“Growing our renewables sector is a transformational opportunity for Alberta to become a more energy-efficient, lower-carbon province”, said Phillips.
Advertisement
“These targets provide clarity for Albertans, industry, Indigenous communities, municipalities and all stakeholders, and will help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow our economy”, Phillips said.
Alberta has about 1,500 MW of wind power installed, according to Alberta Energy, about nine per cent of total capacity of 16,300 MW as of June. The province intends to screen requests for support from private developers through an auction, but Phillips said the details won’t be announced until November.
An AESO spokeswoman said Wednesday it had received grid connection requests as of September 1 for 21 proposed solar projects generating a total of 681 MW and for 28 wind power projects producing 4,646 MW.
Ontario is Canada’s leading solar power generator, even though it has 20% less solar power potential than Alberta. The first would provide 55 MW, enough energy to power 8,800 homes, when built next year.
“We’re tripling the amount of solar energy we generate for our customers this year, and we plan to continue adding more cost-effective solar in the future”, said FPL President Eric Silagy.
Meet the Natural Resources Canada definition of renewable sources.
She added money to pay for the program may come from the province’s carbon levy, which takes effect January 1 and is expected to bring in $3 billion in fiscal 2017-18.
“What we’re looking for is either a change in that spot price or some sort of additional revenue stream that can be made available to the project to help it achieve a tipping point to allow us to invest the money to allow the project to go forward”. The decision sends a clear signal to investors that Alberta remains committed to attracting significant new investments in cost-competitive wind energy. “Solar energy is ready to be a big contributor to a strong and clean Alberta economy”.
Advertisement
Pat Bateman, a researcher with the Canadian Solar Industries Association, says nearly 7,000 MW of wind power and almost 600 MW of solar power projects have been proposed to the Alberta Electric System Operator in anticipation of the government program.
