Alberta to see Canada’s fastest growth in renewables

Canada

CALGARY, March 25, 2021 – Canada’s main oil-producing province is set to see the nation’s fastest growth in renewable energy development from 2018 to 2023, the Canada Energy Regulator said on Tuesday.

The share of renewables in the province’s power generation capacity will grow to 26% in 2023, up from 16% in 2017. This reflects an addition of 2 GW of capacity.

Alberta’s green energy drive comprises wind and solar projects, alongside the phase-out of coal-fired power plants.

While the province is known globally for its oil sands deposits, the plentiful sun and wind of its prairie landscape have positioned it to replace coal-fired power with renewables.

Alberta’s renewables share is still dwarfed by hydropower-rich provinces such as neighbouring British Columbia, which boasts a more than 98% share.