Alberta steps up in solar: Cheap, clean and local

CALGARY — Binnu Jeyakumar, Director, Clean Energy at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Government of Alberta’s announcement on its procurement of solar power:

“The Pembina Institute welcomes the Government of Alberta’s announcement of the results of the competitive process to procure solar energy for their operations. This will mean the construction of 94 MWp of solar projects in Southern Alberta, and will almost double the amount of solar power in the province.

“This program takes advantage of the fact that Alberta has some of the best solar resources in the country, which can be taken advantage of concurrently when demand for electricity is high, and can also complement generation from wind facilities. In addition, minimal operating costs mean solar energy can help lower the wholesale price of electricity.

“The government used a competitive contract-for-difference process for this procurement, with an average price of $48.05/MWh, which is comparable to that of natural gas costs. The long-term contract structure means Albertans will be protected against rising electricity prices. Meanwhile, any additional revenue from these projects is returned to government.

“In addition to the above benefits, these projects also mean more jobs and economic development opportunities for Southern Alberta communities. The Conklin Métis Local 193 will participate in the projects as 50 per cent equity owners. The key to continuing to attract investment, local jobs and local economic opportunities in this sector is to provide certainty on renewable energy development. The province needs to continue sending a strong signal that it will remain an attractive market for investment in renewables.”

Quick facts

Before the projects from the solar procurement, Alberta’s solar power capacity is 54.5 MW.
In the US, there are more jobs in the solar industry than in oil and gas, and coal extraction. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-25/clean-energy-jobs-surpass-oil-drilling-for-first-time-in-u-s.

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