Gas City Diversifies Energy Mix Providing Sustainable Future
Published on June 18, 2010
June 18,2010, Medicine Hat Alberta... Recipient of the Emerald Award for Environmental Excellence and one of five organizations funded by Alberta’s Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCMEC) grant; receiving $3 million for the Medicine Hat Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Project, the City of Medicine Hat proves a leader in diversifying the energy mix. Stimulating our economic climate, oil and gas has created a highly skilled energy workforce in southeast Alberta and through the city’s incentives, the potential to add more energy jobs by mixing in wind, solar and geothermal.
“I’m very proud that Medicine Hat creates electricity from the cleanest fossil fuel-natural gas, as well as uses a portion of its revenue from the gas plant to promote solar and wind through the Hat Smart program,” said Tracy Heebner, business development officer for the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta. “I know that when other municipalities are looking at ways to add renewable energy to their energy mix they take a look at Medicine Hat, a true energy leader. “
The Solar Thermal Power Generation Project, a one megawatt pilot project, has the potential to be expanded, enabling enough electricity to be produced, powering 2,000 homes annually. It’s projects like these that allow the city to win Emerald Awards- awards that acknowledge outstanding achievements by Albertans dedicated to protecting, maintaining, enhancing and sustaining our environment. The Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta congratulates the city, alderman and municipal residents for promoting our energy mix and adapting to the resources of tomorrow.
Recognizing the economic impact of this industry, the EDA has created a Sustainable and Renewable Energy (SURE) Directory for southeast Alberta which lists companies in or associated to alternative energy; we encourage organizations that are not listed, to contact our office at 403 488 7015. There is no cost to this service. To view the current directory visit: http://www.edalliance.ca/opportunities/industry_sectors.