Author: Lauren Scott

A solar energy project in Western Alberta was poised to not only power 1,200 homes but innovate a new way to pay for such initiatives, say its backers. But then came the “gut-wrenching” decree by Premier Danielle Smith. Read more in The Tyee.

The Alberta Utilities Commission has offered more clarity on how it will apply the seven-month moratorium on new renewable-energy projects ordered by the Alberta government, opting for the least stringent application of the law. Read more from CBC.

In our inaugural episode of our brand-new series, “The Convo“, we dive deep into Alberta’s recent decision to halt large renewable energy projects. Join us as we interview Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), to gain unique insights into this complex issue and what it means for Alberta’s energy landscape. Watch the episode on PV Buzz.

This week, Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) joins the podcast to discuss the recent developments in Canada’s electricity markets. Listen to the episode on the ARC Energy Ideas Podcast.

TORONTO—Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta has become the latest jurisdiction to push back against renewable-energy initiatives, declaring a seven-month moratorium on new wind and solar projects. Read more in the Wall Street Journal.

The Alberta government’s surprise seven-month moratorium on new wind and solar facilities could leave billion-dollar projects stranded, as investors and workers move to the United States or other Canadian jurisdictions where they are more welcome, industry representatives say. Read more in The Hill Times.

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is worried a seven-month pause on new wind and solar projects in Alberta will cast a negative pall over the industry and undermine investor confidence. Read more in the Journal of Commerce.

While Alberta renewable energy producers warn of billions in lost investments, and a veteran oil and gas writer suggests “political intrigue” behind the decision, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has come up with a novel way to blame Ottawa after her government slapped a seven-month moratorium on new wind and solar projects over a megawatt in size. Read more in The Energy Mix.

Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, said Alberta should remove impediments to energy storage projects, like tariffs that she said could treat storage providers the same as energy consumers or generators. That way, she said green energy from solar and wind could be stored and released when it’s needed. Read more in Corporate Knights.

Generally, conservatives are quite disdainful of the idea of playing favourites in economic policy. As one Alberta premier once put it: “Picking winners and losers is not a strategy for long-term economic success.” Read more in The Calgary Herald.