Statement from Stephen Legault, Senior Manager, Alberta Energy Transition, Environmental Defence

Canmore | Traditional territories of the Treaty 7 Nations – The Alberta government’s efforts to stunt the growth of the most promising renewable energy market in the country has been a deeply regrettable success. One year after stunning Alberta businesses and consumers with a seven-month moratorium on new green energy projects, investment in renewable energy in Alberta has crashed. A review of investment in wind and solar projects shows that new deals for renewable energy dropped from more than 1000 Megawatts (MW) in 2023 to just 50 MW so far this year.

Since the moratorium was announced by Premier Smith on August 3rd, 2023, there have been no new wind and solar projects approved in the province, according to data from the Business Renewable Centre. Projects that were close to being approved before the halt are just starting to move again, now a year behind. As the rest of the world pivots to renewable energy, Alberta has effectively shut the door on the economic promise of energy transition.

According to the International Energy Agency, more than $2 trillion (USD) is expected to be invested in renewable energy projects globally in 2024. That’s more than double what is projected for oil and gas projects. Very little, if any, of that renewable energy investment will find its way into the pockets of Albertans, further frustrating the current affordability crisis and locking us into an economic downturn as our energy leadership quickly disappears.

The Alberta government has hobbled Alberta’s renewable energy industry for too long. It’s time for the premier to reverse this job-killing policy and allow the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Albertans to restore our potential to be energy leaders.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Alex Ross, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca