Canada allocates USD 129m for renewables, smart-grids in Alberta

September 19 (Renewables Now) - The Canadian government has made available CAD 175 million (USD 128.9m/EUR 119.9m) in funding to 12 clean energy projects in Alberta, including over 300 MW of wind, in line with the national goal for developing a net-zero electricity system by 2035.

The schemes will be supported through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) that will see the government invest up to CAD 4.5 billion in smart renewable energy and electrical grid modernization projects by 2035. Natural Resources Canada, Canada’s energy department, will distribute the funding, it announced on Monday.

Some CAD 60 million of the proceeds will go to Capstone Infrastructure Corporation and the Sawridge First Nation to build four wind farms near Jenner totalling roughly 67 MW. The plants will have a combined annual power output of over 200 GWh, or enough to supply 26,200 local homes.

Pattern Energy Group LP will receive CAD 20 million for its 150-MW Lanfine Wind 1 project, while Renewable Energy Systems Canada's 105.4-MW Hilda wind project in Cypress County will be backed by CAD 17.5 million.

Around CAD 13 million will go to Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations and ATCO, helping them build what is set to become the largest solar park in an urban centre in Western Canada. The complex will consist of two photovoltaic (PV) plants, the 27-MW Barlow and 37-MW Deerfoot, to be located in southwest Calgary.

Additionally, ATCO will receive over CAD 62 million to upgrade advanced metering infrastructure and install new facilities in rural, remote and urban communities under five projects.

Last but not least, CAD 1 million will be provided to Akamihk Energy to assess the potential for integrating the existing electricity distribution infrastructure and service on Montana First Nation's lands into a consolidated microgrid.

"The clean energy future is here. It's creating good jobs and more prosperity in Alberta and across Canada," said Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Labour.

(CAD 1.0 = USD 0.736/EUR 0.685)