The energy sector has been increasingly contributing to Alberta’s growth and development for several years now. At present, fossil fuels contribute 85.5% of electricity to the province, which is responsible for 45% of atmospheric pollution in Canada. However, renewable energy resources, such as solar power, wind power, geothermal energy, hydro power, and biomass, offer the Canadian province incredible potential to reduce its carbon footprint and become a leader in green power production. Alberta has recognized the need for transmission expansion to improve reliability and efficiency and boost its environmental performance by focusing on renewable energy, instead of dirty fuel, for its energy needs.
Renewable energy has the potential to
· improve air and water quality · create jobs
· ensure energy security
· promote community development
Supporting green energy production is part of the province’s plan for a strong economic recovery, and the provincial government has taken another step in this direction by expanding the Bioenergy Producer Credit Program to promote clean energy. Extension of this program along with the Renewable Fuels Standard is touted to position the Canadian province as a leader in renewable energy.
Wind Power: A Huge Green Energy Potential
Alberta is blessed with rich wind energy resources. Wind is the most developed source of green energy in Alberta, and numerous wind power generation sites have sprung up in the southern part of the province. In fact, Alberta boasts the best wind resources in Canada. The province has started to tap its untapped wind power potential and has the potential to generate 23% of the total electricity generation by 2028, according to a Pembina Institute report, Renewable is Doable.
Setting up incremental windmills and generating energy close to the point of use help reduce environmental impact of power transmission lines. The ability to use wind for electricity generation varies from site to site, as small changes in wind speed can have a significant impact on production of power from wind turbines. A number of sites in southern Alberta have ideal average wind speeds to generate electricity so much so that wind-generated power is competing with conventional energy sources in some cases. Wind power production has increased from a paltry 24 MW to 1,087 MW in Alberta. Southern Alberta uses wind power to pump water for electricity generation to run electricity pumps. Alberta leads many other Canadian states in expertise of water pumping with wind.
Government Efforts According to the 2011 Long-term Transmission Plan, recognizing the need for transmission expansion, Alberta will be advancing significant upgrades in areas with some of the best wind resources in order to improve reliability and efficiency. The proposed transmission upgrades and increase in generating capacity will be critical to the economic growth of the province, with 3.1% annual increase in energy demand. The government has taken the Southwest Alberta Renewable energy Initiative to develop renewable energy technologies in Alberta and promote economic development in southwest Alberta, which boasts abundant renewable energy resources.
As residents of the province, you can contribute your own bit to the cause of green energy in Alberta and supporting renewable energy generation by buying green power in the form of solar energy, wind energy. Or you can buy renewable energy certificates in order to offset the electricity you consumer. Thus you can give a clear signal to the government that the people of Alberta want clean energy.
No comments:
Post a Comment