AltaLink recently completed construction on a new transmission line that delivers wind energy from renewable generators in southern Alberta.
AltaLink, Alberta’s largest regulated electricity transmission company, recently submitted a proposal to Alberta’s Climate Change Advisory Panel with recommendations for lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This past September, AltaLink also completed construction and energized a new transmission line, which will deliver wind energy from renewable generators in southern Alberta for the benefit of all of those in the province.
AltaLink’s submission to the Government of Alberta’s Climate Change Advisory Panel, “Investing in Alberta’s clean energy future,” outlines a plan to assist the province in cutting emissions from coal generation, creating more jobs, and delivering a reliable and cost-effective electricity grid. The company is commitment to growing Alberta’s renewable energy opportunities.
“AltaLink understands Alberta’s electricity sector. It’s all we do. So we know that reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable electricity for Alberta’s businesses and families depends on a diversified portfolio of resources that includes renewables, cogeneration and other gas-fired generation, energy efficiency, and strong access to regional markets,” said Scott Thon, AltaLink’s President and CEO.
AltaLink’s plan includes suggestions for attracting investment in renewable generation development through a process that provides long-term contracts and recommendations for minimizing the cost of coal retirement. The recommendations include removing coal generation from general daily use and using existing coal capacity only as a reliability back up at times of low renewable generation or as a temporary contributor during periods of peak demand.
The transmission company’s latest project supports the continuing growth of Alberta’s wind energy sector. Together with the South Foothills Transmission Project between the Fort Macleod and High River areas, these developments will deliver increased capacity to transmit electricity from wind farms in southern Alberta to the homes, farms, and businesses across the province.
“Alberta has tremendous potential for generating new, green wind energy,” said Thon. “With the completion of SFTP on time and on budget, we have removed a significant barrier to bringing wind energy from where it’s generated to where it’s needed. In addition, we are currently consulting on a project in Southern Alberta that will provide considerable additional system capacity for wind producers.”
AltaLink
www.altalink.ca
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