The way the world produces and uses energy is rapidly evolving and Alberta is at the forefront of this dramatic change. Investments made today in diversifying, promoting and scaling the development of our energy resources – and carbon-reducing technologies – will have profound and long-term impacts on our economic prosperity.
The growing need for sustainable energy
The urgency and need to address climate change and its impacts have grown in step with the increasing demand for renewable and green energy solutions. Countries around the world have been urged to act. Many have made commitments and ambitious goals, including a target of net-zero emissions by 2050 undertaken by all the G7 nations, including Canada.
Green, renewable or clean energy broadly encompasses products, services and processes that are aimed towards reducing the negative impacts of energy production and usage on the environment. This includes:
- Technology or innovation aimed at reducing (or mitigating the impact of) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Processes and services aimed at improving performance efficiency
As countries look to reduce emissions, the global energy mix is expected to shift, with greater focus placed on using more sustainable forms of energy. The diversification of the energy mix and the shift towards decarbonization presents compelling economic opportunities for Alberta and Canada, based on our resource potential, extractive experience and the wide array of innovations aimed at reducing emissions that are already in development.
Investing in diversity of green innovation
Alberta is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the energy innovation space given the breadth and depth of our expertise in the energy industry. Promising work is already underway in the province, including development of renewable energy (e.g., wind and solar), hydrogen, and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technology.
While continued investment and the scaling up of technologies and processes in these areas is important, it is also beneficial to invest in diversifying our low-carbon energy resources. Many experts predict that the energy profile of the future will be a mix of molecules, rather than a singular focus on one source of energy. To this end, other areas of potential for Alberta include sources such as hydropower, nuclear, and geothermal.
Demand for electricity is expected to increase in the coming years alongside the growing demand for more sustainable energy solutions, especially in the industrial and transportation sectors. Innovative solutions for grid modernization and large-scale battery storage will become increasingly attractive as technological exports.
Continued efforts in these areas are needed to ensure promising technologies can be adopted, scaled and eventually distributed.
Capturing our potential
Alongside mitigating the impacts of climate change and protecting our planet, green technology presents opportunities for economic growth in Alberta, especially as an export. Green projects exemplify leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, as well as gain attention from global investors demanding responsible energy development.
To maintain and build our presence as a leader in the development of green energy, technology and innovation space, industry, government and businesses need to concentrate sustained efforts towards:
