Alberta Government Pushes for Wind Energy with Low Prices

The Alberta government has committed to phasing out 6,300 MW of coal-fired electricity generation by 2030 and replacing two-thirds of it with renewable energy. According to CanWEA, the percentage of demand met by renewable sources is expected to triple from nine per cent today to as much as 30 per cent by 2030.

The AESO has now annouced to secure power from five new wind farms representing a total of 763 MW of capacity at an average weighted price of $39 per megawatt-hour. As mandated by the procurement process, all of the projects providing power through the  Alberta Renewable Electricity Program REP Round 2 (363 MW) meet the required minimum 25 per cent equity partnership with Indigenous communities.

Robert Hornung, President, Canadian Wind Energy Association, stated: “By attracting investment in the wind energy projects announced today, Alberta is diversifying its economy, driving economic growth and creating much-needed jobs in multiple sectors such as engineering, construction and local services. Indigenous and rural communities around the province will benefit from the employment opportunities, and income streams associated with ownership, municipal taxation or lease payments for landowners. We are pleased that these competitive renewable electricity procurements are resulting in very low costs for the non-emitting electricity that Alberta needs.”