June 22, 2022
The City of Edmonton is aggressively reducing greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing green energy contracts that will see the City use 100 per cent renewable electricity for the next 20 years.
The City, through its
Community Energy Transition Strategy, set a target to be carbon neutral in its corporate operations by 2040 and for the entire community to produce net-zero green house gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Eighty per cent of the power created through these contracts is wind generated and 20 per cent of the power is solar generated.
"Edmonton is stepping up and making the bold changes needed to meet our ambitious climate goals," said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, of Edmonton. "We are leading by example to show that big organizations can make investments today that significantly reduce GHG emissions for years to come. I know our administration takes the City's transition to net zero operations seriously. These new wind and solar contracts are a great example of how the City can work with industry to reach a green energy future."
To maximize the amount of generation being added to the grid, and provide the largest benefit to Edmontonians, 20-year agreements were developed to meet the City’s current needs. As well, additional Renewable Energy Certificates will be added as the City’s energy load increases.
“The City has made commitments to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 2040,” said Kent Snyder, branch manager for planning and environment services. “The power generated by these contracts will prevent over 95,000 tonnes of carbon per year from entering the atmosphere and will add more capacity to Alberta’s power grid. As we transition to more electric vehicles on the road and less use of fossil fuels in vehicles, homes and industry, this will be crucial to meeting our climate change targets.”
Ontario-based Capstone Infrastructure Corporation has entered into a 20-year wind contract with the City of Edmonton to provide renewable attributes from approximately 270,000 MWh per year generated by the Wild Rose 2 Wind Farm, currently in development in Cypress County. Renewable Attribute Certificates are issued as proof of electricity produced by renewable sources, which the City has been doing since 2013.
“Capstone is thrilled to support the City of Edmonton’s climate leadership through this new offtake agreement with our Wild Rose 2 Wind Farm,” said David Eva, CEO of Capstone, “This innovative partnership demonstrates how the renewable energy sector and municipalities can work together to drive the energy transition forward and help build a low-carbon future for Canada,” said David Eva, CEO of Capstone Infrastructure Corporation.
The City has also entered into a 20-year solar agreement with Alberta-based BluEarth Renewables of Calgary for renewable attributes of approximately 70,000 MWh per year.
“BluEarth was pleased to be involved in the well-run, rigorous tender process and we look forward to working with the City of Edmonton as they lead the way in climate change mitigation efforts,” said Grant Arnold, resident and CEO of BluEarth Renewables. “As an Alberta-based company, we are proud to once again demonstrate how renewables can take a larger role in the energy mix.”
BluEarth’s Wheatcrest Solar project, located in the Municipal District of Taber, will add an additional 50 MW to Alberta’s power grid when completed.
Both of these projects are expected to begin providing power to the City in 2024.
