Alternative Energy & Clean-Tech

Alternative Energy and Clean-Tech

Clean-tech is new technology and related business models that offer competitive returns for investors and customers while providing solutions to global challenges.

Clean-tech addresses the roots of ecological problems with new science, emphasizing natural approaches such as biomimicry and biology.

Clean-tech is driven by productivity-based purchasing, and therefore enjoys broader market economics, with greater financial upside and sustainability.

Clean-tech represents a diverse range of products, services, and processes, all intended to:

  • Provide superior performance at lower costs, while
  • Greatly reducing or eliminating negative ecological impact, at the same time as
  • Improving the productive and responsible use of natural resources

This definition was created by the Cleantech Group LLC, for the full summary click here.

With steady winds, ready access to land, a supportive environment, and the expansion of transmission lines there are numerous opportunities for business expansion and development in southeast Alberta. Click here to learn more about this sector.

Grants and Funding

Industry Associations

Alberta

  • Alberta Acts on Climate Change – a joint initiative of the University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work and the Pembina Institute, fully funded by the federal government's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council until July 2010, working to increase environment citizenship in AB 
  • Alberta Ecotrust Foundation-focused on investing in projects and individuals that are assisting Alberta become a more sustainable place to live. Programs include: environmental grant making, capacity building, and community collaboration.
  • Energize Alberta – a new publication all about energy.  It will deliver a total energy message to a widespread audience of urban, rural, and agricultural Albertans in a way that helps build the knowledge base necessary to ensure a sustainable energy future
  • Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA)-a not-for-profit business association focused on building the environmental sector through such things as technology and market development
  • Independent Power Producers Association of Alberta (IPPSA)-provides value to its members through engaging in policy deliberations, promoting the market and hosting an annual conference

Canada

  • Canadian Association of Renewable Energies(C.A.R.E)-is a not-for-profit focused on feasible application of renewable energies. Daily and weekly publications are produced and distributed to members and paid subscribers.
  • Canadian Renewable Energy Network (CanREN) – leader in clean energy research and technology development, with over 450 scientists, engineers and technicians and more than 100 years of experience
  • Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA), originally CSIA. The Canadian Photovoltaic Industries Association (CPIA) was formed in 1989 to represent the interests of the new PV industry. Due to cutbacks of financial support from the federal government the two merged in 1992, with common goals and utilizing the same energy source as the basis of their technologies, joined together to promote the professional and practical use of solar technologies.
  • Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) – a non-profit trade association that promotes the appropriate development and application of all aspects of wind energy in Canada, including the creation of a suitable policy environment
  • Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation- WEST (CETAC- WEST)-a private sector, not-for-profit organization that is focused on helping small-medium sized businesses prepare for development and commercialization of enironmental technologies
  • Clean Air Renewable Energy Coalition- a group of corporate and environmental organization focused on accelerating the development of the nation's renewable energy sector
  • Energy Council of Canada (ENERGY) -is comprised of a diverse group of respresentatives from the nation's energy sector; this organization is a vehicle for strategic thinking, networking and action for private and public sectors. 
  • EUCI -EUCI is a leading provider of in-person and online conferences, seminars, workshops, and courses designed exclusively for the energy industry
  • Pembina Institute – an organization working to advance sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy

International

  •  Solarplaza- private company based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with offices also in China and Spain- as well as representatives all over the world. Solarplaza has been leading and inspiring the solar industry with high level events and trade missions for more than four years.

Local Industry Groups

  • Solar Opportunities for Southeast Alberta (SOSA)
  • Energy Committee

Events

Reports, Studies and Publications

Industry Database

Industry Videos