The Government of Alberta has issued a request for proposals from large-scale solar energy providers to procure solar power equivalent to about 55 per cent of its annual electricity needs. Elemental Energy photo.
Solar energy a “priority for our government”: Sandra Jansen, Minister of Infrastructure
The Government of Alberta says it is looking for proposals from large-scale solar power providers to meet more than half of its green power needs.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open to procure solar power equivalent to about 55 per cent of the government’s annual electricity needs. According to an Alberta government press release, “this will allow the province to replace existing green energy contracts with solar power, diversifying the economy and creating good jobs in a growing industry.”
Sandra Jansen, Minister of Infrastructure says renewable energy is a priority for the Notley government. “Using solar power generated in Alberta for government’s electricity needs advances new economic and investment opportunities with an energy sector that is growing fast,” said Jansen.
Through this RFP, the Alberta government is committed to purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) equivalent to 135,000 MWh of solar-generated electricity each year for the next 20 years.
That is enough electricity to power 18,750 Alberta homes for a year.
“Alberta has the best solar resources in Canada and it is time to take advantage of this incredible opportunity right in our backyard,” said Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister responsible for the Climate Change Office, Shannon Phillips.
“We are looking for solar solutions to deliver the equivalent of more than half of government’s annual electricity needs, working to reduce pollution while creating jobs and growing Alberta’s economy.”
The government says the RFP was developed through consultation with electricity providers and the renewable energy industry.
The solar project contracts are expected to be in place before spring 2019.
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