Share this Story : Edmonton Journal Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Opinion: Alberta can lead global power race if energy storage policy moves fast

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Here in Alberta, we don’t need to imagine what electricity reliability means. We live it. It’s there when we keep our businesses running through winter cold snaps and power our lives through hot summer days.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters.

Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account.

Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters.

Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account.

Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

Reliable electricity is something most of us only notice when it’s missing.

But the way we produce and use electricity is changing, and the pressures on our system are growing.

On a hot summer evening, when temperatures push past 30 C, electricity demand doesn’t let up when the sun sets. Air conditioners keep running, power prices rise and the system is under strain. Natural gas plants are producing, but extreme heat can limit their output.

Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.

There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Headline News will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.

This is where energy storage comes in.

Energy storage allows electricity, including solar power, generated earlier in the day to be used later. It helps smooth peaks in demand and stabilize the system when conditions are most challenging. This isn’t a future concept. It’s already operating around the world.

Electricity systems are changing quickly and extreme weather is no longer unusual. System operators need more tools to manage these conditions safely and affordably. They need energy storage.

Across North America, grid reliability is under pressure. The North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) has warned that current conditions amount to a “five-alarm fire.” Electricity demand is rising rapidly, while new generation is struggling to keep pace.

Companies representing more than 20 gigawatts of data centre electricity demand have already expressed interest in connecting to Alberta’s grid. That’s roughly double Alberta’s average electricity demand.

Storage strengthens reliability in ways few other technologies can. It responds in milliseconds when supply or demand changes. It helps integrate renewable energy, supports transmission and distribution infrastructure, and provides essential grid services.

Other markets are moving fast. Ontario brought more than 500 megawatts of grid-connected battery storage online last year, doubling the entire country’s capacity.

Alberta is part of a global race to build electricity quickly and affordably. Our $400-billion economy depends on it. Energy storage helps keep electricity affordable by shifting consumption to lower-cost hours, improving stability and reducing long-term grid costs.

Fifteen years ago, when Alberta’s electricity system underwent a major expansion, we did not have the option of cost-effective energy storage. We do now, and we should make use of it to save customers money.

Premier Danielle Smith plays to roars of approval, talks immigration at Edmonton Leader's Dinner Local News

Premier Danielle Smith plays to roars of approval, talks immigration at Edmonton Leader's Dinner

'He's got to get really pissed off': Quit-or-commit moment for Tristan Jarry, NHL expert says Cult of Hockey

'He's got to get really pissed off': Quit-or-commit moment for Tristan Jarry, NHL expert says

Advertisement 1Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.document.addEventListener(`DOMContentLoaded`,function(){let template=document.getElementById(`oop-ad-template`);if(template&&!template.dataset.adInjected){let clone=template.content.cloneNode(!0);template.replaceWith(clone),template.parentElement&&(template.parentElement.dataset.adInjected=`true`)}});

Alberta to impose restrictions on MAID, limiting it to those with terminal illness who will die in the next 12 months Politics

Alberta to impose restrictions on MAID, limiting it to those with terminal illness who will die in the next 12 months

Volatile oil prices could bring shocking energy bills to Albertans with renters most as risk News

Volatile oil prices could bring shocking energy bills to Albertans with renters most as risk

Edmonton police chief challenging $80k human rights ruling in case of Black men pepper sprayed after reporting crime Crime

Edmonton police chief challenging $80k human rights ruling in case of Black men pepper sprayed after reporting crime

Technology, however, is only part of the equation.

In today’s global environment, supply chains are tight, capital is cautious and competition for investment is intense. Alberta needs to make it easier to build electricity projects, including energy storage.

Members of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association have successfully built and operated energy storage projects elsewhere and are ready to invest here, but they need stable market conditions, fair transmission costs, and long-term policy and revenue certainty. Alberta can help by aligning market rules with how the electricity system actually operates.

That is why we are bringing policy-makers, regulators, system operators and industry leaders together at the Energy Storage Alberta Summit on April 16. The goal is to create alignment — prioritizing storage in market and transmission decisions, streamlining permitting and approvals, and positioning Alberta to lead rather than follow.

Energy storage is ready today. Alberta has the expertise, an open and competitive market, and a strong history of innovation. What we need now is strong support throughout the project development cycle and the right rules so that storage can strengthen reliability, attract investment and support an affordable, resilient and modernized electricity system.

Reliable electricity is the foundation of modern life. Albertans expect a power system that supports growth and prosperity. Energy storage is essential to delivering on that expectation.

Vittoria Bellissimo is the president and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, the voice for wind, solar and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s future. 

Jason Doering is a retired power system engineer and leader with expertise in maintenance engineering, long-term transmission planning, operational planning, and power system and electricity market operations. 

Share this Story : Edmonton Journal Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

© Edmonton Journal