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This pathway – although inspired by the perspectives of one Indigenous
community defined by their particular values, traditional territory, and unique
relationship with the oil industry – could be extrapolated to the areas of Alberta
where the interests of industrial activities and the protection of ecosystems are
in conflict. Parting from the knowledge and values of local communities,
comprehensive climate change action and mitigation plans that allow
responsible industrial activities could be developed with high chances of success,
if implemented. However, political changes, resistance from industry players to
a slower growth, the misunderstanding and misperceptions of the cultural values
of the community, and potential economic and job losses could stop this future
from being fully implemented.
‘Mix and round it all up’: supporting a clean energy mix
This future is based on the innovations pathways proposed by the Energy
Futures Lab, which looks into leveraging Alberta’s strengths to transition
towards a sustainable energy system. It represents collaboration among a range
of stakeholders with vested interests in the energy sector including: fellows from
the energy industry; First Nations and Métis communities; the provincial
government; and environmental organisations. It also includes targets set by the
Climate Leadership Plan. The pathway considers limited growth in the oil sands
sector and the expansion of renewable energy, with an aim of increasing
renewable energy to 30% by 2030 in the electricity sector. This implies limiting
the development of existing oil sands sites and replacing Alberta’s coalgeneration capacity with two- thirds from natural gas and one- third from
renewable energy (adding 5000 megawatts by 2030 by the Renewable Electricity
Program (REP)) (Alberta Electric System Operator, 2018a, 2018b). The
development of renewable energy is estimated to bring in C$10.5 billion in new
investment by 2030 and potentially create more than 7,200 new jobs. It will be
rolled out through a competitive bidding process (Audette- Longo, 2017). The
first bidding round is expected to lead to installation of 400 megawatts of
renewable electricity generation capacity.
This pathway considers increasing the carbon tax (greater than C$30/ton) to
level the playing field with fossil fuels production. In order to meet energy
shortfalls, the pathway will explore the development of renewable energy,
primarily solar power and wind power, and the use of geothermal energy
produced from over 400,000 wells in Alberta.
Government- initiated programmes can help with the transition to renewable
energy by providing funding and subsidies. Particular support will be provided to
the 48 First Nations communities in Alberta: C$35 million has been invested to
support local renewable energy projects, encourage energy efficiency, and
provide training for jobs in the low- carbon economy. Additionally, renewable
energy development can be supported by recycling revenues from the carbon
tax amounting to C$5.4 billion over a three- year period. Revenues from the
carbon tax can be directed to those most adversely impacted by higher energy
This pathway – although inspired by the perspectives of one Indigenous
community defined by their particular values, traditional territory, and unique
relationship with the oil industry – could be extrapolated to the areas of Alberta
where the interests of industrial activities and the protection of ecosystems are
in conflict. Parting from the knowledge and values of local communities,
comprehensive climate change action and mitigation plans that allow
responsible industrial activities could be developed with high chances of success,
if implemented. However, political changes, resistance from industry players to
a slower growth, the misunderstanding and misperceptions of the cultural values
of the community, and potential economic and job losses could stop this future
from being fully implemented.
‘Mix and round it all up’: supporting a clean energy mix
This future is based on the innovations pathways proposed by the Energy
Futures Lab, which looks into leveraging Alberta’s strengths to transition
towards a sustainable energy system. It represents collaboration among a range
of stakeholders with vested interests in the energy sector including: fellows from
the energy industry; First Nations and Métis communities; the provincial
government; and environmental organisations. It also includes targets set by the
Climate Leadership Plan. The pathway considers limited growth in the oil sands
sector and the expansion of renewable energy, with an aim of increasing
renewable energy to 30% by 2030 in the electricity sector. This implies limiting
the development of existing oil sands sites and replacing Alberta’s coalgeneration capacity with two- thirds from natural gas and one- third from
renewable energy (adding 5000 megawatts by 2030 by the Renewable Electricity
Program (REP)) (Alberta Electric System Operator, 2018a, 2018b). The
development of renewable energy is estimated to bring in C$10.5 billion in new
investment by 2030 and potentially create more than 7,200 new jobs. It will be
rolled out through a competitive bidding process (Audette- Longo, 2017). The
first bidding round is expected to lead to installation of 400 megawatts of
renewable electricity generation capacity.
This pathway considers increasing the carbon tax (greater than C$30/ton) to
level the playing field with fossil fuels production. In order to meet energy
shortfalls, the pathway will explore the development of renewable energy,
primarily solar power and wind power, and the use of geothermal energy
produced from over 400,000 wells in Alberta.
Government- initiated programmes can help with the transition to renewable
energy by providing funding and subsidies. Particular support will be provided to
the 48 First Nations communities in Alberta: C$35 million has been invested to
support local renewable energy projects, encourage energy efficiency, and
provide training for jobs in the low- carbon economy. Additionally, renewable
energy development can be supported by recycling revenues from the carbon
tax amounting to C$5.4 billion over a three- year period. Revenues from the
carbon tax can be directed to those most adversely impacted by higher energy