On Wednesday, Shannon Phillips, Alberta’s minister of environment and parks, announced a plan for the adoption of an output-based allocation system for large emitters in Alberta – a move being applauded by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA).
According to CanWEA, the plan supports Alberta’s efforts to accelerate the replacement of existing greenhouse-gas (GHG) electricity generation with zero-carbon wind energy and other renewable generation.
The government has implemented a standard of 0.370 metric tons of GHG per megawatt-hour as the benchmark for electricity, which is comparable with the emissions of an efficient gas-fired generation facility, says CanWEA.
Notably, this new system also allows non-emitting renewable energy generators to opt into the program to generate and trade credits. This provides an opportunity for renewable power developers to collaborate with large emitters to provide solutions that offset their emissions, explains CanWEA.
“To expand the modern economy and create good jobs for Albertans, we need to lead in the push to reduce the carbon footprint of our export products so they can better compete globally,” says Phillips. “That’s what these improved rules will do.”
“The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) commends the Alberta government for its continued leadership in addressing climate change through the implementation of its Climate Leadership Plan,” comments Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA.
“An important component of that plan is the output-based allocation system that sets clear targets for the greenhouse-gas emissions intensity of electricity produced for the Alberta grid and provides a strong market signal that will accelerate Alberta’s efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas-emitting electricity generation and shift to zero-carbon-emitting wind energy and other renewable energy options,” he continues. “Increased reliance on cost-competitive wind energy to meet Alberta’s electricity needs will be an important element of transitioning to a greener and more diversified electricity supply and a more sustainable growth path.”
