The Canadian province of Alberta has kicked off a 400MW competitive procurement, the first step in a new renewables drive.
The Alberta government aims to install 5GW of renewable energy by 2030 to meet its 30% clean electricity target.
The Alberta Electricity System Operator (AESO) has launched a request for expressions of interest, the first part of a three-phase process.
An information session will be held 18 April and submissions are due by 21 April.
Following the first phase, AESO plans to launch a request for qualifications on 28 April with papers due by 16 June.
A request for proposals will be issued to qualified proponents on 15 September. The deadline for bids is 13 October and AESO expects to name the winners by year-end.
The first competition will use an indexed renewable energy credit or ‘contract for difference’ that would top-up developer revenues when prices fall using carbon revenues from large industrial emitters.
Projects will be expected to start commercial operation by the end of 2019.
The competition is open to new or expanded projects in Alberta larger than 5MW. They must use the existing transmission or distribution system.
The province plans to hold successive renewable energy calls over the next decade.
Image: Halkirk wind farm in Alberta (RES Americas)
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