EDMONTON — Dave Lovekin, Senior Advisor at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Alberta Government launch of the Alberta Indigenous Solar Program and the Alberta Indigenous Community Energy Program.
The Alberta government is sticking to its promise to provide support for community-scale renewable energy by launching two pilot programs specifically for First Nations and Metis communities in Alberta. Pembina applauds the government for developing programs targeting Indigenous communities as part of its Climate Leadership Plan.
“This investment is a great first step toward achieving the government’s commitment to increase renewable energy in Alberta’s electricity grid by 30 per cent by 2030,” said Dave Lovekin, Senior Advisor at the Pembina Institute. “First Nations and Metis communities, municipalities and community groups need to be part of the solution to provide this additional 5,000 MW of clean power.”
The programs will provide a combined $2.5 million for Indigenous communities for both renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Launching programs targeted at both energy efficiency and renewable energy is an acknowledgment that addressing climate change requires solutions with both efficiency and renewables.
While these programs are rolled out, Pembina urges the Alberta government to look for further opportunities to support Indigenous community participation in the transition toward clean energy. Examples may include skills training, education and local capacity building initiatives to ensure communities are prepared and equipped participate fully.
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Contact
Suzy Thompson
Communications Lead, Alberta, Pembina Institute
587-585-4522
