The Canadian federal government will power its operations with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025, Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna said during a keynote speech at the Canadian Wind Energy Association’s (CanWEA) annual conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The announcement “provides more evidence that federal and provincial governments are accelerating their efforts to address the risks of climate change,” said CanWEA president Robert Hornung.
Western Canadian opportunities in spotlight at CanWEA conference
Canada’s wind energy sector is ready to invest in projects worth billions of dollars in Alberta and Saskatchewan as governments in both provinces implement policies to significantly increase the amount of emissions-free electricity on their power grids, industry leaders heard at the Canadian Wind Energy Association’s 32nd Annual Conference and Exhibition in Calgary. “Wind energy represents a massive opportunity for Alberta and Saskatchewan and capitalizing on the world-class wind resources in the region can help both provinces meet aggressive climate change goals in a cost-effective way,” said CanWEA president Robert Hornung. Also link to a conference news release noting the importance of provincial leadership. READ MORE
Alberta fleshes out renewable energy plan, enshrines target
Alberta will launch a competitive process for 400 MW of new renewable energy in early 2017, the first step in its plan to add 5,000 MW over the next 15 years. It will also enshrine its 30 per cent by 2030 renewable electricity target in law. “This process will be competitive and transparent and will provide renewable electricity we need at the lowest possible price. The program will also complement the coal phase-out to ensure system reliability is maintained at all times,” says Energy Minister Margaret McCuaig-Boyd. Read more
Also link to a CanWEA blog challenging the “incorrect assumptions” made in a recent study that looked at the potential cost of the province’s plan.
Students share renewable energy vision in CanWEA bursary contest
CanWEA has unveiled the winners of its 2016 Power of Wind bursary contest, which asked post-secondary students from across Canada to submit a photo or visual image showing why they think harnessing wind energy and promoting its continued growth is important. The three winners of $1,000 bursaries and 10 other entries, selected from about 100 submissions, will be featured in CanWEA’s 2017 Friends of Wind calendar. Read more
