Conversations with Albertans on Renewable Energy: Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange

Pembina Foundation for Environmental Research and Education

Alberta currently uses conventional coal generation for 74% of its electricity. This electricity system, the most polluting in Canada, must be transformed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental impacts while producing reliable and affordable power. Pembina's "Greening the Grid" (2009) report shows that this transformation is possible, with renewable energy (RE) playing a key role. The Provincial Energy Strategy identifies carbon capture and storage (CCS) and nuclear power as options and states that it is in Alberta's interests "to be an aggressive early adopter of renewable energy." Albertans need more information and an opportunity to engage in grassroots level conversations about RE so that they can ensure full consideration of this option for greening Alberta's electricity system. Pembina will inform public debate and build capacity for action on RE through a communications strategy and by facilitating collaboration among grassroots and voluntary organizations.