Energy and environmental economist Andrew Leach argues that even if Alberta had 50,000 megawatts with all the solar and wind farms globally, it wouldn't have been sufficient to bridge the gap. This statement was made during an interview with Helen Pike of CBC.
On Saturday evening, an emergency alert was issued in Alberta due to the extreme cold causing pressure on the electrical grid, leading to potential rotating power outages. Economist Andrew Leach emphasized the challenges of the energy transition in Prairie provinces, highlighting the need for flexibility in Ottawa's Clean Energy Regulations to decarbonize the country's electricity grids.
The alert, issued at 6:44 p.m., urged residents to reduce electricity use immediately, focusing on essentials. The Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) advised turning off unnecessary lights, avoiding stove use, and delaying electric vehicle charging. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) lifted the grid alert by 9 p.m.
In an interview, Leach, an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta, explained that extreme conditions, including the coldest night in 50 years, low wind, and unexpected gas plant outages, led to the emergency. The province's energy grid had as little as 10 megawatts in reserve power on Saturday night.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced providing 153 megawatts to Alberta, criticizing the Trudeau government's push to shut down natural gas and coal-fired plants. Leach acknowledged the challenge Alberta and Saskatchewan face in transitioning to renewable systems, emphasizing the uniqueness of their energy needs.
Leif Sollid, communications manager for AESO, noted that the last time rotating power outages were considered was in 2013. If implemented, these outages would be brief and occur simultaneously in small pockets across the province.
Sollid highlighted the province's increased power-generating capacity, expecting further growth. However, Leach emphasized that not all additional capacity, especially solar power, addresses the challenges of extreme winter conditions.
While Sollid expressed optimism about the positive supply picture in the long term, Leach stressed the importance of regulatory flexibility for regions with seasonal variations in energy production. He argued that relying solely on wind and solar power isn't sufficient for addressing high energy loads during cold winter nights.
Following Saturday's emergency alert, Sollid observed a drop in power demand, emphasizing the significance of immediate actions to balance supply and demand. Until the cold snap ends, Albertans are encouraged to conserve electricity during peak periods.
Looking ahead, both Sollid and Leach emphasized the ongoing importance of electricity reduction to alleviate strain on the grid during critical periods. While the situation is not currently at a crisis level, continued efforts to reduce demand remain essential.
