For the first time in more than 150 years, Alberta's electricity is coal free
Alberta has ended coal-fired electricity generation after over 150 years, supported by organizations and policies promoting renewable energy. The milestone highlights environmental progress and the shift towards sustainable energy sources.
Read original article
Alberta has achieved a significant milestone by becoming coal-free for the first time in over 150 years. The last coal plant in the province went offline on June 16, marking the end of coal-fired electricity generation. Various organizations, including the Pembina Institute and health associations, played crucial roles in advocating for this transition. The shift away from coal was supported by policies like carbon pricing and regulations with clear targets, as well as investments in renewable energy and gas-fired electricity. Despite initial skepticism, the phase-out of coal in Alberta demonstrates that substantial environmental progress is achievable. Looking ahead, there is a focus on further decarbonizing the electricity system by 2035, with renewable energy being highlighted as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. The success of eliminating coal underscores the importance of continued efforts to reduce emissions and invest in modernizing infrastructure to meet future energy needs efficiently.
Related
One Year Since Germany's Nuclear Exit: Renewables Expand, Fossil Fuels Reduced
One year after Germany's nuclear exit, Fraunhofer ISE reports increased renewable energy capacity, reduced fossil fuel electricity generation, and a cleaner energy mix. Renewable sources compensated for lost nuclear power, leading to a 26% decrease in non-renewable generation.
China's Offshore Wind Power Prices to Undercut Coal This Year
China's energy sector sees offshore wind power prices dropping below coal-generated electricity, driven by government-approved projects. A 306MW wind farm near Shanghai offers electricity 27% cheaper than coal. Plans aim to triple offshore wind capacity by 2030, aligning with China's renewable energy goals.
Power station's last coal delivery arrives by rail
The Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire received its final coal delivery, marking the end of its coal era. The station plans to transition to zero-carbon technology, symbolizing the UK's energy shift.
Carbon Capture Technology Called a 'Boondoggle' for Oil Industry
Carbon capture technology faces criticism for potentially extending oil well operations, funded by public money. Enhanced oil recovery in Saskatchewan raises environmental and effectiveness concerns, seen as a tactic to prolong fossil fuel use.
5% of Earth's Power Plants Create 73% of the Energy Sector's Emissions
A study identifies 5% of global power plants as major emitters, concentrated in Europe, East Asia, and India. Urges upgrading to reduce emissions, highlighting a top polluter in Poland. Emphasizes tailored efficiency improvements for effective emission reduction.
10 commentshttps://skepticalscience.com/legal-fight-leave-dirtiest-foss...
Since the coke is being exported to India and China for consumption in power plants there, there's zero change in the amount of fossil CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere, so any effort to promote this as 'cleaning up the tar sands' is just fossil industry greenwashing.
https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-marke...
I guess given that those two countries are keeping Russia afloat by buying their oil it shouldn't be a surprise, but its still disappointing to see those countries choosing the path they did.
Total fossil gas generation capacity is ~12.7GW. Seems straightforward to replace with solar, wind, batteries, and interconnects with neighboring grids.
Wind and Solar Potential resource: https://www.pembina.org/pub/wind-solar-alberta
For those who will say, "but Alberta has wind and solar!" please know that our current premiere (similar to a governor) is actively attacking all of our renewable energy investments. Her name is Danielle Smith and she's quite literally a former oil and gas lobbyist.
The only reason this is being touted is because big oil in Alberta is happy we've switched over to burning their carbon emitter of choice.
Take that into account when you read this feel good piece about Alberta being "coal free".
Related
One Year Since Germany's Nuclear Exit: Renewables Expand, Fossil Fuels Reduced
One year after Germany's nuclear exit, Fraunhofer ISE reports increased renewable energy capacity, reduced fossil fuel electricity generation, and a cleaner energy mix. Renewable sources compensated for lost nuclear power, leading to a 26% decrease in non-renewable generation.
China's Offshore Wind Power Prices to Undercut Coal This Year
China's energy sector sees offshore wind power prices dropping below coal-generated electricity, driven by government-approved projects. A 306MW wind farm near Shanghai offers electricity 27% cheaper than coal. Plans aim to triple offshore wind capacity by 2030, aligning with China's renewable energy goals.
Power station's last coal delivery arrives by rail
The Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire received its final coal delivery, marking the end of its coal era. The station plans to transition to zero-carbon technology, symbolizing the UK's energy shift.
Carbon Capture Technology Called a 'Boondoggle' for Oil Industry
Carbon capture technology faces criticism for potentially extending oil well operations, funded by public money. Enhanced oil recovery in Saskatchewan raises environmental and effectiveness concerns, seen as a tactic to prolong fossil fuel use.
5% of Earth's Power Plants Create 73% of the Energy Sector's Emissions
A study identifies 5% of global power plants as major emitters, concentrated in Europe, East Asia, and India. Urges upgrading to reduce emissions, highlighting a top polluter in Poland. Emphasizes tailored efficiency improvements for effective emission reduction.