Officials from Alberta and Saskatchewan today articulated the part renewable energy would play in their energy systems moving forward at the 2018 Renewable Energy Finance Summit in Calgary.

Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Parks, Shannon Phillips, noted that the province’s first renewable energy procurement (REP1) secured 600 MW of renewable energy at a $37/MWh without requiring further transmission system investments, attracting 12 bidders, 3,600 MW of bids, and $1 billion in investment. Minister Phillips announced that the next round of renewable energy procurement, REP2, would target 300 MW and require a minimum Indigenous equity component, which could include an ownership stake in the project or land use agreement between a proponent and a community. The third round of procurement, REP3, will target 400 MW and will run concurrently with REP2, with the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) opening competition this spring. The following key aspects will apply to both competitions:

  • eligible projects are limited to new or expanded renewable electricity generation projects located in Alberta;
  • able to connect to the existing distribution or transmission systems;
  • greater than 5 MW;
  • eligible fuels must meet Alberta’s definition of renewable energy resources; and
  • the payment mechanism must be compatible with Alberta’s evolving power market construct.

The AESO must submit a program design proposal by the end of February. The following procurement timeline was outlined: Requests for Expressions of Interest will be due by the end of March; Requests for Quotations will open at the end of April with submissions due in June; Requests for Proposals will open in September; and successful bids will be awarded in December 2018.

Saskatchewan’s Minister of Environment, Dustin Duncan, discussed Saskatchewan’s vision for the future of energy and climate, including SaskPower’s commitment to reduce emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, and use 60 MW of solar power by 2021 and up to 1,900 MW of wind power by 2030. Minister Duncan noted that Saskatchewan’s climate change strategy focused on resilience and that the province’s climate change approach necessitated a multi-faceted policy solution. Minister Duncan further noted that resilience included the ability to adapt to change, innovate, thrive and strengthen the province. Minister Duncan highlighted key action areas for the province (natural systems, infrastructure, monitoring, measurement and reporting, and community preparedness) and stated that the province would introduce sector-specific output-based allocation program for facilities that emit more than 25,000 tons CO2e per year, with flexible compliance options (best performance credits, technology fund, Paris Agreement internationally transferred mitigation outcomes, offset credits). Saskatchewan will focus on building resilience by preparing communities and mapping flood plains, modeling resilience measures, and implementing international building and energy codes.

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