Solar bid aimed at investment attraction
Published on August 29, 2011
August 29, 2011, Medicine Hat Alberta...An energy infused region, southeast Alberta has embraced clean-technology by being seen as an innovative leader in solar energy and an area with vast resources. The Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta is initiating a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Solar Energy Investment Attraction Strategy which will also identify key opportunities pertaining to the development of solar farms as well as the manufacturing of components.
In 2009, the organization commissioned a study to identify the viability of developing a solar industry sector in southeast Alberta;
“The study found our region had a high potential for solar energy generation because of our high photovoltaic or PV capability,” said Jonathan Seib, Economic Development Officer for the EDA. “This potential is the result of having such a sunny region.”
Prior to and since then the area has seen many clean-energy successes such as: the City of Medicine Hat installing Canada’s first commercial-scale demonstration facility using concentrated solar energy; implementation of the Hat Smart l incentive program and renewal for the second phase-focused on sustainable solutions; as well as the first Alberta municipality to install a solar electric system under the Alberta Solar Municipal Showcase Initiative (a one-kilowatt system located on the roof of the Public Library).
Seib explained that the Investment Attraction Strategy will utilize the momentum built since 2009 and take the next steps in identify potential, concrete opportunities to make real strides in developing this industry.
“It’s important for us to be ready for these opportunities when they finally arrive. Every year, the cost of solar technology advances; becoming cheaper and more efficient,” said Seib. “We expect that within the next 10 years the cost of solar energy will become commensurate with conventional energy in Alberta and when that happens, we predict an explosion in the solar industry. We want to be proactive in targeting potential companies so that when the industry becomes more economical, we are positioned to attract and support them.”
Southeast Alberta has a sustainable future in solar energy and is positioned well as it is the sunniest location in Canada with approximately 2,500 hours of sunshine per year; is centrally located with access to air, highway and rail transportation; and has existing industries and services specifically in the manufacturing and technology sector.
For more information on the investment potential in the region and to view and submit a response to the RFP visit www.edalliance.ca. The EDA will be accepting submissions until 12:00 pm, Tuesday, September 6, 2011. It is anticipated that the final report will be completed prior to 2012.