Provincial energy strategies PROVINCE / Newfoundland and Labrador Focusing Our Energy (2007) Environmental Leadership; Energy Security; Sustainable Economic Development; Maximizing Electricity Export Value; Maximizing Long Term Value of Oil and Gas, and Effective Governance. Assume an ownership interest in the development of energy resources where it fits provincial strategic long-term objectives. Leverage non-renewable oil and gas wealth into a renewable future by investing a significant portion of non-renewable resource revenues in renewable energy infrastructure and development. Make an initial investment of $20 million over the next three years through the Energy Corporation to purchase existing proprietary seismic data for reevaluation and acquire new data to fill in gaps. Make an initial investment of $5 million over the next two years through the Energy Corporation in a Petroleum Exploration Enhancement Program to boost new onshore petroleum exploration in western Newfoundland. Establish a policy to obtain a 10 percent equity position in all future oil and gas projects requiring a Development Plan approval, where it fits our strategic long-term objectives. The Energy Corporation shall negotiate payment of its share of the historic exploration and pre-development costs incurred by the licence co-venturers as well as contribute its share of subsequent development and operations costs. Lead the development of the Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Project, through the Energy Corporation. The Energy Corporation will coordinate all new hydro and wind developments.
Explore opportunities for Upper Churchill to make a greater economic contribution to the province. By 2015, target the elimination of 1.3 million tonnes of GHG emissions per year, as well as all other pollutants from Holyrood, by building Lower Churchill and the Labrador- Island Transmission link. This will ensure more than 98 per cent of electricity generated for the province s use comes from renewable sources. Work with industry and other stakeholders to develop a GHG strategy for the energy sector. Adopt a policy that 25 percent of all new provincial government car and SUV purchases during 2008-2011 period will be energy efficient vehicles. Establish an energy use reduction target for provincial buildings and work towards its implementation, and adopt, where appropriate, LEED standards for new provincial government buildings. A strategy for existing buildings will be developed. Support and implement the recommendations of the Skills Task Force. Require large-scale energy project proponents within the jurisdiction to include employment plans for women that address employment equity and work with other governments to accomplish the same goal where resources are jointly managed. Invest $5 million to provide detailed advice and recommendations on planning, implementing and financing energy innovation.
Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Toward a Greener Future: Energy Strategy (2009) Renewable Electricity Plan (2010) Protect the environment; Build a strong economy; Help Nova Scotians adjust to rapid changes in energy markets Move Nova Scotia away from carbonbased electricity towards greener, more local sources. Conservation and Efficiency Increase energy efficiency in the province by 20 per cent by 2020. Renewable Energy Require and encourage more renewable electricity energy. Electricity To enhance energy security, the province will use less imported coal, and more diverse sources of clean, local, and renewable energy. Offshore Petroleum Encourage renewed offshore exploration and development, with its enormous potential for building future prosperity. Onshore Petroleum Encourage onshore energy exploration and development. Technology and Knowledge-Based Growth Support Nova Scotians ongoing participation in a changing energy industry. Downstream Energy Opportunities Nova Scotia s energy markets will remain competitive and open for imports and exports. Social Accountability The province will continue to consult widely and seek advice on sustainable energy policy. 25% Renewable Electricity by 2015: This plan commits the 2015 target of 25% renewable electricity to law.
The New Goal: 40% Renewable Electricity by 2020: By 2020, this goal means more than 500,000 homes will be running on renewable power - more than enough energy for every residential customer in Nova Scotia. Community Projects: Fixed Price: This plan establishes a community-based feed-in tariff for municipalities, First Nations, co-operatives and nonprofit groups. Businesses who operate through a CEDIF (Community Economic Development Investment Fund) also qualify. Individuals and Small Business: Enhanced Net Metering: Projects up to one megawatt and connected to multiple meters within a single distribution zone will be eligible to use two-way meters. Excess power will be purchased at retail rates. Large Projects: Regulation + Competition: Half of all large- and medium-scale projects will be set aside for Independent Power Producers, with bidding to take place under a competitive system. All bid processes will be managed by a new authority, the Renewable Electricity Administrator. NS Power (NSPI) will be responsible for the other half, with projects evaluated and approved by the NS Utility and Review Board. Tidal Power: Small and Large Support: A feed-in tariff will be offered for small-scale and largescale projects. Solar: Qualifies under Net Metering: Solar will qualify as a renewable resource under the
enhanced net metering program. Biomass: Proceed with Caution: Forest biomass will play a role in meeting the 2015 target but there will be caps on new generation. Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island Energy Strategy Securing Our Future: Energy Efficiency and Conservation (2008) To ensure a prosperous future for residents and businesses of Prince Edward Island based on the objectives of energy security, environmental sustainability and economic development. Adopt minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances, equipment and other energy consuming devices; Building standards and an implementation timeline will be set with escalating targets for energy efficiency over the next 5-10 years; Government is currently reviewing the feasibility and cost of the transportation initiatives with a view to implementing and introducing several new efficiency programs; Develop a number of comprehensive public awareness and education programs directed at energy efficiency for all residents, businesses and institutions; The Provincial Government will double its renewable energy portfolio standard from 15% to 30% by 2013; Continue to support the installation of small-scale renewable heating technologies like solar and geothermal heating systems through grants, loans, tax and other financial incentives; Review existing codes and regulatory barriers affecting the further development of biofuels; Consider the introduction of escalating Renewable Fuel Standards for ethanol and biodiesel. A Provincial E5 and B10 (or B10 renewable equivalent) mandate will be introduced by 2013 and doubled by 2018; The Provincial Government has identified the renewable energy sector in PEI as a priority and will actively market and support the development of a green technology cluster.
New Brunswick Quebec New Brunswick Energy Blueprint (2011) Using Energy to Build the Quebec of Tomorrow (2006) low and stable energy prices; energy security; reliability of the electrical system; environmental responsibility; and effective regulation. Six objectives: Strengthen provincial energy supply security; Make better use of energy as a lever for economic development. Priority is given to hydro-electricity, wind energy potential, hydrocarbon reserves and the diversification of our natural gas supplies; Local and regional communities and First Nations must be given more say; Use energy more efficiently; Become a leader in the sustainable development field; Electricity rates must be set at a level that promotes provincial interests and ensure proper the amalgamation of the NB Power group of companies into a single, vertically integrated Crown utility; a review of the natural gas distribution model to achieve lower rates; subjecting all NB Power operations and rate changes to a strengthened and more transparent regulatory oversight system; the establishment of an office of the public energy advocate; an increased commitment to renewable energy sources; and a new focus on energy efficiency and better managing energy demand. Launch new major hydroelectric projects totalling 4,500 MW; Increase electricity exports once provincial needs have been met; Limit the role played by nuclear energy by developing hydroelectric resources; Consolidate the structured development of wind energy; Launch a call for bids for the supply of a further 500 MW, reserved for regions and First Nations; Instruct Hydro-Québec to strengthen the complementary use of hydroelectricity and wind-generated electricity; Introduce combined wind/diesel generation for independent supply systems; Continue to invest in wind energy research and innovation; Adopt ambitious energy savings targets for all forms of energy, including petroleum products; Reduce consumption of petroleum products by taking specific action; Extend the scope of energy efficiency measures for natural
Developing the Value of Forest Biomass (2009) management of resources, thus improving price signals while protecting consumers and the industrial structure. Make forest biomass available from public forests; Encourage the replacement of fossil fuels; Support investment; Support innovation; Stimulate demand for forest biomass. gas; Take specific action to develop a renewable fuel industry; Support the development of geothermal and solar energy; Prepare for the future use of hydrogen fuels; Introduce regulatory incentives to encourage private initiatives; Create the necessary conditions for the development of Québec s oil and gas resources; Diversify natural gas supply sources; For refined petroleum products, give priority to secure supplies at competitive prices; Take the necessary legislative and regulatory steps to harmonize standards for the reliable transmission of electricity with those of our North American partners. Provide a more effective response to the situation of lowincome households. Define a clearer analysis process for energy projects, to further uphold the principles of sustainable development. Forest Biomass Allocation Program, which sets out rules for forest biomass allocation in public forests; Heavy Fuel Oil Consumption Reduction Program, which offers companies that use heavy fuel oil a way to reduce their energy consumption and GHG emissions while improving their competitiveness through the power of sustainable development and green energies. Financial aid is available for analytical studies and development of energy efficiency measures, specifically regarding heavy fuel oil or conversion to greener energy sources such as natural gas and forest biomass.; Program to Promote Energy Efficiency, which finances
Quebec Plan Nord (2011) A 25-year infrastructure, mining and renewable energy plan for Northern Quebec with private and public investments to total $80 billion. Estimated to create on average of 20,000 jobs a year. Plan Nord will support the realization of projects based on coherent policy directions that satisfy overall the key concerns stemming from the sustainable development approach. Specifically, the policy directions seek to: ensure the application of a sustainable development approach centred on the essential needs of local and Aboriginal communities in the territory that the Plan Nord covers, their identity and cultural heritage; support development that respects the quality of the environment and its biodiversity and allows for collective social and economic projects in various stages of the innovation chain in order to promote the development of new energy efficiency and energy production technologies; Technoclimat Program, a green technologies demonstration program for reducing GHG emissions. Technoclimat has a $110 million budget, courtesy of the Green Fund; Hydro-Québec call for tenders for biomass cogeneration. The provincial government will establish, by adopting legislation, a public coordinating body, the Société du Plan Nord, to confirm its determination to make the development of the North a priority and the essential nature of sustainable development. Plan Nord seeks to enhance living conditions in Aboriginal and local communities. Accordingly, measures are planned in the realms of education, manpower, housing, health and culture. Develop 3, 500 MW of clean, renewable energy; 3, 000 MW of hydroelectricity, 300 MW of wind power, and 200 MW from other renewable energy sources. The requisite investment is estimated at $25 billion. There will be priority initiatives in the forest (supporting energy-based biomass) and mining resource sectors. Ensure environmental protection in the territory that the Plan Nord covers. Commitments include: 1) devoting 50% of the territory that the Plan Nord covers to purposes other than industrial ones, environmental protection, and safeguarding biodiversity; 2) complete the network of protected areas such that, by 2015, the network accounts for
Ontario Ontario s Long Term Energy Plan (2010) enrichment; apply integrated analytical approaches in respect of different uses of the territory that hinge on past or ongoing reflection, bearing in mind existing legislative frameworks, agreements and planning initiatives. Build a clean, modern and dependable electricity system for current and future generations. at least 12% of the area that the Plan Nord covers. Close all coal units by 2014 and accelerate the closure of two more coal units in 2011; Expand hydroelectric power with major projects such as the Niagara Tunnel Project and the Lower Mattagami River hydro expansion; Secure clean and reliable nuclear power as a baseload for half of Ontario's power supply; Help reduce costs for consumers and enhance system efficiency through conservation by targeting 7,100 megawatts and 28 terawatt-hours of conservation by 2030. Increase renewable power supply from sources such as wind, solar and bio-energy by 10 per cent, up to 10,700 megawatts. Move forward with several priority transmission projects and upgrading key transformer stations. Improvements will enable the connection of small-scale renewable energy projects across the province. Manitoba The Government of Manitoba does not have a published energy strategy. Elements of Manitoba s climate change plan relate to energy production, use and efficiency. In 2008 Manitoba released its climate change action plan entitled Beyond Kyoto: Manitoba's Green Future. It is a mixture of existing government actions such as Manitoba Hydro s Power Smart programs related to energy efficiency and actions to take the province to its 2012 emissions reduction targets and beyond. Actions listed under these
Saskatchewan The Government of Saskatchewan does not have a published energy strategy. Elements of Saskatchewan s climate legislation relate to energy production, emission reduction and efficiency. next steps include the Green Building Policy, which requires buildings to be certified at a minimum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standard, funding research into solar power and erecting wind monitoring towers in off-grid, diesel-serviced communities. Among the goals set out in the plan is for the province to become coal-free, although no target date for that is given. Until its closure, the one remaining coal-fired electricity generating station will only be used to support emergency operations such as droughts. Currently 98% of the province s electricity is generated using hydro power. The climate change action plan also required minimum efficiency standards for natural gas furnaces by 2009 and a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of injecting CO 2 into Manitoba oil pools for enhanced oil recovery. On 1 December 2009, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced climate legislation in Bill 126, The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act). It required emissions to be reduced by 20% from 2006 levels by 2020. This legislation was also designed to create a Saskatchewan Technology Fund that would collect payments from large emitters to invest in low-emission and emission-reducing technologies, and a Climate Change Foundation, intended to promote public awareness of and research into low-carbon technologies. This legislation received royal assent on 20 May 2010 and is to come into effect upon proclamation, an event which has not yet occurred. Alberta Launching Alberta s Energy Future (2008) Clean energy production; Wise energy use; Sustained economic prosperity Invest in development and implementation of gasification technology as well as CCS to reduce CO2 emissions;. Incent cleaner industry behaviour through the Specified Gas
Emitters Regulation; Support renewable energy development & promote a market for its consumption; Give close consideration to the prospect of nuclear power and engage Albertans in a discussion of its potential for Alberta; Explore use of other energy sources such as geothermal or hydropower in the oil sands; Raise energy consumption/emissions awareness; Support transition to lower-emitting fuels; Support greener communities and invest in projects that provide cleaner options to consumers, including mass transit. Work to ensure vulnerable Albertans and sectors can cope with high energy costs in the future; Upgrade/strengthen/increase capacity of electricity system; Improve oil sands productivity unconventional gas resources development; Broaden energy industry s global customer/market base; Create policy that provides the long-term certainty required to attract sustained private investment and highly qualified people. Create a better understanding among stakeholders, including energy customers within and beyond our boundaries, of our efforts to manage the environmental footprint of energy development. Nine Point Bioenergy Plan (2006) Stimulate bioenergy development. Bioenergy Producer Credit Program ($209 million from 2007 2011) ; Biorefining Commercialization and Market Development
Responsible Actions A Plan for Alberta s Oil Sands (2009) 20 year strategic plan for the responsible, collaborative development of the oil sands BC BC Energy Plan (2007) Environmental leadership; Investing in innovation; Energy conservation and efficiency Program ($24 million through 2008 09); Bioenergy Infrastructure Development Program ($6 million through 2008 2009) Develop oil sands in an environmentally responsible way (e.g., CCS, Tailings Management Framework, Land-Use Framework); Promote healthy communities and a quality of life that attracts and retains individuals, families and businesses; Maximize long-term value through economic growth, stability and resource optimization (e.g., added value to bitumen, enhanced regulatory system, better labour force planning); Strengthen approach to Aboriginal consultation with a view to reconciling interests; Maximize research and innovation to further support sustainable development (e.g., Alberta Innovates program); Increase available information, develop measurement systems and enhance accountability in the management of the oil sands (e.g., Better availability of statistics and data and online geospatial information). Move to eliminating or offsetting GHG emissions for all new projects in the growing electricity sector; End flaring from oil and gas producing wells by 2016; Electricity self-sufficient by 2016; Set target to acquire 50% of BC Hydro s incremental resource needs through conservation by 2020; Implement energy efficiency standards for buildings by 2010; Establish $25 million Innovative Clean Energy Fund; Invest $89 million for fuelling stations and fleet of 20 fuel cell buses through a federal/provincial partnership.
BC Bioenergy Strategy (2008) Create new opportunities for rural communities; Spur new investment and innovation; and Help BC attain electricity selfsufficiency by 2016. Establish $25 million in funding for a provincial Bioenergy Network for greater investment and innovation in BC bioenergy projects and technologies; Establish funding to advance provincial biodiesel production with up to $10 million over three years; Aim for BC biofuel production to meet 50 per cent or more of the province's renewable fuel requirements by 2020, supporting GHG emissions reduction from transportation; Develop at least 10 community energy projects that convert local biomass into energy by 2020; Create First Nations bioenergy opportunities; Require methane capture from our largest landfills; Utilize waste wood from phased-out beehive burners to produce clean energy; Support wood gasification research, development and commercialization. Yukon Territory Energy Strategy for Yukon (2009) A sustainable and secure energy sector that is environmentally, economically and socially responsible; developing and using energy resources to meet current and future energy needs and generate benefits both now and for generations to come. Guiding principles: Sustainability; Energy security; Self-sufficiency; Optimize benefits; Priorities for efficiency and conservation: Increase energy efficiency in Yukon by 20% by 2020. Reduce energy consumption in Yukon buildings. Reduce energy consumption for transportation in Yukon. Promote the use of energy efficient products by providing incentives for products that meet energy performance standards. Improve energy efficiency for Yukon government operations. Priorities for renewable energy: Increase renewable energy supply in Yukon by 20% by 2020. Develop a policy framework for geothermal energy. Support and demonstrate renewable energy projects in
Climate change coordination; Leadership; Partnerships. communities off the electrical grid to reduce diesel use. Conduct pilot studies to assess the feasibility of renewable energy initiatives. Promote renewable energy sources for heating and transportation. Priorities for oil and gas: Support strategic opportunities to replace imported diesel fuel with Yukon s oil and gas resources. Develop a competitive and comprehensive oil and gas regulatory regime which will emphasize performance-based compliance. Prepare for northern pipeline development such as the Alaska Highway Pipeline. Promote private sector investment in the development of Yukon s oil and gas resources. Finalize and implement an agreement with the federal government for sharing management and revenues for offshore oil and gas. Priorities for electricity: Support strategic investments in infrastructure to increase the supply of electricity from renewable sources. Assess the feasibility of expanding the Yukon transmission system to connect to other communities, industrial projects or jurisdictions. Update and develop a policy framework for electricity that emphasizes efficiency, conservation and renewable energy. Develop and implement demand management programs and incentives to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Support research and development of technologies and policies to optimize the use of hydroelectricity. Consider appropriate roles, responsibilities, and corporate
structure for Yukon Development Corporation and Yukon Energy Corporation to ensure effective management and operation, and optimize the efficiency and reliability of electricity generation and distribution. Priorities for making energy choices: Assess new and existing energy sources that could be developed in Yukon. Hold public consultation on a policy framework for coal bed methane, coal and nuclear power before permitting any development. Monitor implementation of the Energy Strategy and report regularly on progress. The first progress report will be released by the end of 2010. Northwest Territories Energy for the Future: An Energy Plan for the Northwest Territories (2007) Energy conservation and efficiency; Alternative energy and emerging technologies; Energy policy and planning; Energy development & supply; and Reducing the GNWT s energy use. Energy conservation and efficiency programs: CARE Program (low income housing upgrades); EnerGuide for Houses (energy efficiency audits); Energy efficiency financing assistance program; Community Energy Planning; Energy Conservation Program; Expansion of residual heating systems; Energy information and awareness; Increase community presence of Arctic Energy Alliance; Commercial energy efficiency audits. Wind & biomass energy development and support for geothermal technology; Enhance capacity for alternative energy development; Alternative Energy and Emerging Technologies Development Fund; Review of electricity rates, regulation and subsidy programs; Investigate assigning a cost to carbon emissions;
Nunavut Ikummatiit The Government of Nunavut Energy Strategy (2007) Improve the security of the energy system by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, diversifying energy supply to include clean, alternative energy and domestic energy sources; Manage the cost of energy-based services such as transportation, heating, hot water, lighting, and cooking, by reducing the cost of providing energy and improving the efficiency of its use; Reduce the impact on the environment by reducing energyrelated emissions which contribute to pollution and climate change, and Provide business and employment NWT Energy Report and renewal of NWT Energy Plan; NWT Hydro strategy; Promote & support development of oil & gas resources; Induced benefit from oil & gas development; Position communities for conversion to natural gas; Taltson hydroelectric expansion project (on hold as of March 2011); Support mini-hydro development; Capital Asset Retrofit Fund and energy audits of GNWT facilities; Measuring GNWT energy performance; Energy management of public housing; and Planned capital projects. Energy awareness initiative: The Government of Nunavut (GN) will initiate a 10-year program to raise awareness and understanding of energy efficiency and conservation. Energy education initiative: Nunavut Arctic College plays an important role in providing training and skills to those who work with energy. The GN will work with Nunavut Arctic College to help make Nunavummiut more aware of energy issues. Buildings and Equipment Initiative: The GN will encourage and motivate building owners, landlords and tenants to improve the energy efficiency of their facilities and increase the use of alternative energy through the retrofits for existing buildings and energy codes for new builds. Transportation Energy Initiative: The GN will motivate Nunavummiut to purchase energy
opportunities as the Territory increases energy efficiency and uses; and renewable and domestic energy sources. efficient vehicles, to maintain them, and to introduce more efficient energy-management practices through a transportation energy strategy. Policy and Planning: The GN will initiate a technical and economic study to identify and quantify the various clean, alternative energy sources that are available for each of its 26 communities. Actions include undertaking an alternative energy costbenefit analysis to determine the availability and economics of clean, renewable energy sources, and consider developing and implementing, where appropriate, an Independent Power Purchase Policy. Alternative Energy for Electrical Generation: Have hydro-electricity generation where feasible, and replace inefficient diesel generators with more efficient ones, investigate clean fuels, fuel additives and methods of improving the efficiency of existing diesel generators. Alternative Energy for Heat and Hot Water and energy from waste: Implement a series of demonstration projects to determine the feasibility of various alternative energies for heat and hot water such as solar water heating and solar walls., and expand the use of energy from waste. Sustainable Energy Policies: The GN will review all of its key policies for energy impacts and modify them to encourage the adoption of energy efficiency and alternative energy. Uranium and fossil fuel development: The GN will oversee the development of Nunavut s uranium, oil and natural gas resources to ensure that the development is environmentally and economically sustainable.