The Canadian government has committed to phase out traditional coal-fired electricity by 2030 while boosting clean energy.
It plans to accelerate the transition from coal power to renewable energy, increasing generation from clean sources to 90% from about 80% now.
The government said it will support this transition by using the Canada Infrastructure Bank to finance projects such as commercially-viable clean energy and modern power systems between provinces and territories.
The move will open up new opportunities for wind energy in Canada and will enhance the country’s ability to compete for renewable energy investment, according to the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA).
The federal government recently announced an additional $21.9bn of investment over 11 years for green infrastructure and the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
This could support the attraction of the capital investments necessary for the transition towards the 90% clean generation target, it said.
Coal-fired electricity is responsible for almost three quarters of the greenhouse gas emissions from Canada’s electricity sector and over 8% of the country’s total emissions
“Taking traditional coal power out of our energy mix and replacing it with cleaner technologies will significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, improve the health of Canadians, and benefit generations for years to come,” minister of environment and climate change Catherine McKenna said.
“It sends a clear signal to the world that Canada is a great place to invest in clean energy.”
CanWEA president Robert Hornung said: “As the most cost-competitive source of new renewable electricity generation in Canada, wind energy will play a critical role in replacing that power by providing reliable and affordable electricity that will enable the federal government to meet its goal that 90% of Canada’s electricity will be carbon free by 2030.”
Image: SXC
