December 11, 2008

Provincial Energy Strategy charts course for sustainable prosperity

Plan aims for clean energy production and wise energy use

Calgary... A long-term action plan for Alberta to achieve clean energy production, wise energy use and sustained economic prosperity was outlined by the Government of Alberta with the release of the Provincial Energy Strategy.

"Our strategic approach going forward recognizes that 21st-century energy challenges also represent great opportunities for Alberta," said Energy Minister Mel Knight. "The actions described in the Provincial Energy Strategy will help make Alberta a global energy leader that is recognized as world-class energy supplier, energy technology champion, and a responsible energy consumer and environmental citizen."

Specifically, the Provincial Energy Strategy includes actions to:

• address the environmental footprint of energy and encourage the development of renewable energy;
• explore ways in which value will be added to Alberta's energy industry, including supporting upgrading/refining/petrochemical clusters, and aggressively marketing Alberta's energy globally;
• change energy consumption behaviour by industry and consumers through conservation measures and a review of emissions targets and carbon charges for large industrial facilities;
• improve innovation through increased investment in research, development, demonstration and deployment of energy technology; and
• enhance the capability of our electricity system by planning for a comprehensive upgrade to strengthen the transmission system by identifying requirements, technical solutions, timing, and updating of the approval process.

As part of clean energy production and encouraging renewable energy the strategy also recommends Alberta adopt a Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). This new standard of five-per-cent ethanol in gasoline and two-per-cent renewable content in diesel by 2010 will help Alberta meet its climate change targets by reducing CO2 emissions by about one million tonnes annually, and will support Alberta's renewable fuels sector and the technology development of next generation biofuels.

Implementation of the Provincial Energy Strategy will include ongoing reassessment of objectives and strategies. The Government will report annually to Albertans on progress implementing the strategy.

For more information or a copy of the Provincial Energy Strategy visit http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca.