New Climate Change Strategy Envisions Prominent Role for New Wind Energy Development in Alberta

New Renewable Energy Target Will Increase the Percentage of Alberta's Electricity Produced by Renewable Energy from 9 per cent today to 30 per cent by 2030

OTTAWA, Nov. 22, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauds the Alberta government for its commitment to use new clean, reliable, and cost-effective renewable energy to replace two-thirds of the electricity currently produced by coal-fired electricity generation in Alberta's electricity supply mix. Alberta's government has indicated that it expects wind energy to be the primary source of this new renewable energy generation.

"Wind energy is one of the most cost-competitive ways to generate new electricity in Alberta and Alberta is wise to draw on its tremendous wind energy resources to help replace coal-fired electricity in the province," said CanWEA President Robert Hornung. "Wind energy can also ensure that greenhouse gas emission reductions in electricity generation are sustainable and long-term and can contribute to the creation of a low carbon electricity grid that can ultimately help reduce emissions in other sectors of the economy."

Wind energy and natural gas are the two cheapest sources of new electricity in Alberta today. While Alberta's new renewable energy targets are ambitious, they are achievable and can be met while maintaining a reliable electricity grid. Wind energy produces four per cent of Alberta's electricity today, but more than 10 countries and U.S. states have already seen wind energy successfully contribute more than 15 per cent of total electricity generation and most of those jurisdictions are planning to bring on more wind energy in the future.

"Alberta has said it will use an auction process to bring new renewable energy on-line and such competitive processes have been used successfully in many Canadian jurisdictions," said Hornung. "Experience has shown that these processes are intensively competitive and ensure that ratepayers receive the lowest cost power."

CanWEA looks forward to working with the Government of Alberta and key stakeholders on the detailed design and implementation of policy measures that will facilitate the deployment of high quality and cost-competitive new wind energy projects in the province.

"Alberta's decision to move away from coal-fired electricity generation and dramatically increase its use of renewable energy reflects a trend happening in countries all over the world," said Hornung. "More renewable energy in Alberta will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean the air, and produce significant new investment and jobs – particularly in rural areas of the province."

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)
CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and join the conversation at windfacts.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Wind Energy Association

For information and interviews: Lejla Latifovic, Canadian Wind Energy Association, 613-608-8226, [email protected]