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CanSIA Conference Shines Spotlight on Government

Published on June 3, 2010

 

June 03, 2010, Medicine Hat Alberta… Encouraging government support for alternative energy, the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) held the first regional solar conference in western Canada on May 26th in Calgary, Alberta. Unlike, bordering provinces, which are lowering coal emissions, accordingly to the Pembina Institute, in Alberta coal is generating 74% of our electricity on the grid- coal generates more emissions provincially than the oil sands. Explaining the economic benefits of solar and the potential for savvy companies in oil & gas to expand product lines and diversify with alternative energy, similar to Shell and Enbridge, speakers encouraged the province to take ownership of this resource and follow suit with jurisdictions such as Ontario, who offer subsidization.

“Currently we are the only western province not offering subsidization or support for solar,” said Tracy Heebner, Business Development Officer for the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta. “You need to diversify your portfolio, and this goes for Alberta’s energy mix as well. If we continue to be retroactive then larger solar investments will go to Ontario because of government support.”

Able to stimulate industry by creating jobs and providing export potential, the International Energy Agency forecasts that solar has the potential to provide up to a quarter of the world’s energy by 2059. In one year, Germany added 3,500 MW of solar to their grid, which created 50,000 new jobs; a study by Pembina Institute showed that on average solar resources in Alberta is 15-20% better than Germany.

 “We urge companies to get involved, there is a potential to add more energy jobs to the mix, and take advantage of this global trend and export options, “ said Heebner. “Oil & Gas is great for our economy, especially in southeast Alberta, but as we’re seeing in most sectors, it’s time to diversify; solar is the world’s fastest-growing energy technology,  every two years photovoltaic  production doubles worldwide, this has remained true since 2002, it’s important we remain competitive and capitalize on this resource.”

The Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta supports energy growth, and encourages you to:

For more information on solar and the services provided by the EDA contact (403) 488 7015 or info@edalliance.ca