The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) commends the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and the Government of Alberta for its continuing success in attracting some of the lowest prices ever seen for wind generation in Canada. This insight was revealed with this week’s announcement of contracts for Rounds Two and Three of the Alberta Renewable Electricity Program (REP).
· 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 renewables. The percentage of demand met by clean energy is expected to triple from 9 to 30 % by 2030.
The AESO says it will secure power from five new wind projects representing 763 MW of capacity at an average weighted price of $39 per megawatt-hour.
Since REP was originally announced in 2016, the AESO has awarded contracts to projects that will nearly double Alberta’s installed wind capacity, positioning Alberta as the leading province for wind-power investment in the country today. These commitments will result in a 10% increase to Canada’s installed wind-energy capacity, which currently sits at just under 13,000 MW.
“By attracting investment in the wind 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,” said Robert Hornung, CanWEA president. “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.”
The companies behind these projects have each signed a 20-year Indexed Renewable Energy Credit (IREC) agreement with the AESO, providing predictable revenues while protecting Albertans against increases in the price of power. Under the IREC, when the market price is lower than the contracted price, the generator will be paid the difference; and when the market price is higher, generators will be required to pay back the difference to the government.
As mandated by the procurement process, all of the projects providing power through REP Round 2 (363 MW) meet the required minimum 25% equity partnership with Indigenous communities. Such partnerships have also been seen in other jurisdictions across Canada and have proven to provide training opportunities, jobs, revenue sharing and other economic benefits to participating communities. The projects announced today are expected to be operational by mid-2021.
“The competitive nature of these procurement processes made it possible to secure low-cost power for the Alberta grid,” said Evan Wilson, Regional Director – Prairies, CanWEA. “That, in turn, provides an incredible opportunity for significant and sustainable greenhouse gas reductions in the electricity sector while also presenting Albertans, particularly Indigenous and rural communities, with new job and economic opportunities.”
Filed Under: News, Policy, Projects
