Alberta targets 30% renewable electricity by 2030

Alberta will produce up to 30% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030, the Canadian province said on Sunday as it announced its Climate Leadership Plan.

The plan calls for phasing out all pollution from coal-fired power generation by 2030. Two-thirds of coal-generated electricity will be replaced by renewables, mainly wind power, while natural gas generation will continue to provide firm base-load reliability, the Alberta government said. Offering incentives for renewable generation capacity is listed among the actions aimed at achieving the transition.

The plan also "puts a price on carbon pollution for everyone." Alberta intends to replace its present emissions intensity carbon pricing programme with one that is based on an emissions performance standard.

Another key element of the plan is setting overall emissions limits for the oil sands sector. The plan represents the province's new strategy on climate change, whose details are still being developed. It is based on the advice of the Climate Change Advisory Panel.

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