Energy Futures Lab releases report on Alta.’s clean energy future
by CM Staff
As The Energy Futures Lab further continues to engage communities around this vision, they are encouraging the public to download a copy and share their reactions and insights through a survey.
CALGARY — The Energy Futures Lab, a social innovation lab based in Alberta, released Leading the Charge: A Vision for Alberta’s Electricity Future. Incorporating the collective wisdom of electricity system leaders and engaged community members, the vision paints an inspiring long-term picture of the Alberta electricity landscape as we approach 2050, outlining the possibilities that shifts to the electricity system have unlocked. It sets forth foundational principles for guiding forthcoming changes to policies, regulations and market solutions as part of a journey that will enhance Alberta’s future competitiveness in global markets, minimize the costs of decarbonization for electricity customers, and promote a more equitable system.
As the Government of Alberta commits to realizing a net-zero economy by 2050, the electricity system has emerged as the linchpin for achieving this ambitious goal. It is the first domino in a sequence of systemic transformations poised to drive decarbonization across all sectors. Against this backdrop, the release of the vision underscores the belief in decarbonization shared by system stakeholders as well as Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across the province. It signals the widespread commitment to being part of the solutions needed to make it a reality. Importantly, it also outlines critical areas where policy is needed to create the conditions that free the system to make the shifts required.
“Navigating the complexities of modernizing Alberta’s electricity grid demands collaborative dialogue and innovative thinking. Through inclusive engagement, The Energy Futures Lab has harnessed diverse perspectives to envision an electricity system that empowers customer choice, ensures reliability, and accelerates decarbonization affordably,” says Alison Cretney, Managing Director of the Energy Futures Lab.
Collective insights for the report were gathered through The Energy Futures Lab’s ongoing Alberta’s Electricity Future (AEF) initiative, which has brought together industry leaders from across the electricity system as well as diverse voices from historically underrepresented groups such as Indigenous Rights and Title holders, rural constituents, people experiencing energy poverty, youth and next generation leaders.
“As a representative from Canada’s commercial real estate sector, I am impressed with EFL’s thoughtful and methodical approach towards vision setting,” comments Graham Halsall, Director of Sustainability & Risk Management for ONE Properties and AEF participant. “Assembling such a diverse group of stakeholders – and getting alignment on grid modernization priorities – is a critical step towards a low-carbon, resilient and equitable electricity future for all Albertans.”
“The release of this vision is the first step toward setting a new course for Alberta’s electricity system,” continues Cretney. “We’re committed to fostering ongoing dialogue and integrating broader perspectives to further refine the vision over the coming months to make this a vision that all people in Alberta can proudly support.”
As The Energy Futures Lab further continues to engage communities around this vision, they are encouraging the public to download a copy and share their reactions and insights through a survey.
