There are formidable technical and economic obstacles to replacing fossil fuels with other forms of energy
With the federal election fast approaching, we can expect to hear a lot about climate change, energy policy and how government can spur the development of a ‘low-carbon’ economy. These themes are central to the platforms of a number of the political parties contesting the election. The discussion of these topics takes place against the…
Municipal organic waste will replenish soil at mine site to grow a willow crop that may be used as a biomass feedstock for renewable energy
An Alberta coal mine reclamation project is going to provide a new green energy source in the province. Municipal organic waste from Edmonton will be used to replenish soil at the mine site to grow a willow crop that may be used as a biomass feedstock for renewable energy. The environmental consulting firm SYLVIS is…
The project in Vulcan County is expected to begin construction in 2020 with full commercial operations targeted for 2021
Greengate Power Corp. says it has received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission to build and operate its Travers Solar project, which it says will be the largest operating solar energy project in Canada and one of the largest in the world. The project in Vulcan County – situated southeast of Calgary – is expected to…
The City of Airdrie and ENMAX announced on Wednesday the completion of what they say is Canada's largest municipal rooftop solar installation. In a news release, they said a 1.55 megawatt (MW) system is now providing renewable energy to Airdrie's Genesis Place Recreation Centre. The project will meet up to 30 per cent of the…
The victory reprieves rather than reverses the march of big spending government with accumulating environmental regulations
The conservative Liberal-National Coalition went to the Australian election on May 18 as a minority government. All opinion polls saw the Labor Party gaining a majority in the 151-seat lower house. But the coalition was returned with a firm majority under Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was recently installed after bitter leadership battles. The Labor…
Energy analyst Mark Mills says we're decades away from renewables providing 100% of the power that drives our economy
Environmental groups, including the David Suzuki Foundation, remain enamoured of renewable energy, telling followers that the “global push for cleaner, healthier energy is on. With costs dropping dramatically, renewable energy is becoming the best choice for the environment and the economy.” The Green Party of Canada is on board, touting the idea that Alberta “should be ready”…
ECO Canada report says labour market shortages remain a problem
Canada’s energy efficiency goods and services sector is poised to create 36,000 jobs this year, growing by 8.3 per cent, according to a report released on Monday by ECO Canada. The report said the sector directly employed about 436,000 permanent workers in 2018 across approximately 51,000 businesses across six industries. The report cited construction, manufacturing,…
Saturday Night Live could not have crafted a better parody of energy, economic and scientific reality
Twenty-nine-year-old ex-bartender and freshman U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received thunderous environmentalist and media acclaim when she introduced her Green New Deal resolution in the House and Ed Markey submitted it in the Senate. It was quickly endorsed or cosponsored by scores of other house and senate Democrats, including many who want to run against President…
Investment from Brookfield Renewable Partners to help with coal-to-gas strategy
Brookfield Renewable Partners is investing $750 million to advance Calgary-based TransAlta Corp.’s transition to 100 per cent clean energy by 2025, it was announced on Monday. “Brookfield's investment is a strong endorsement of TransAlta's strategy and future value,” said Dawn Farrell, president and chief executive officer of TransAlta, in a statement. “By crystallizing the value…
Dan Balaban of Greengate Power Corp. talks about the company’s footprint in Alberta and its big plans for expansion
Dan Balaban is president and CEO of Greengate Power Corp. What is Greengate Power and what does it do? Balaban: Greengate Power is a renewable energy company based in Calgary. We are a developer of utility-scale wind and solar energy projects, providing a low-cost and clean source of power for Albertans by taking advantage of…
With the federal election fast approaching, we can expect to hear a lot about climate change, energy policy and how government can spur the development of a ‘low-carbon’ economy. These themes are central to the platforms of a number of the political parties contesting the election. The discussion of these topics takes place against the…
