Canada

Promoting the full inclusion of Indigenous peoples in Alberta’s renewable energy market is a key facet of the Alberta Climate Leadership Program. To achieve this, the Alberta Government has allocated CA$151 million, equating to around 2.8% of projected carbon levy revenues, to support Indigenous community participation in renewables over the next three years.

In a new report, the Canadian National Energy Board has identified the regions with both the highest and lowest solar energy potential. Overall, the future of solar in the country appears bright, as power prices are expected to increase considerably over the next two decades.

The news came with Canada’s Fall Economic Statement. Through the new policy, the business case and access to finance will be improved to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy resources. This February, Canada proposed phasing out coal generation by 2030.

The Canadian province will provide an additional CA$7.5 million for projects run by municipalities, while offering more advantageous conditions for businesses and non-profits.

Mercedes Benz execs join Eguana Technologies to help drive Calgary-based business’ global expansion plans.

The Government of Alberta has opened Requests for Proposals (RfPs) for 135,000 MWh of solar – equivalent to around 55% of its annual electricity generation.

The Chinese-Canadian module manufacturer says its P4-based BiHiKu panel, for large commercial and utility-scale solar projects, is able to provide up to 30 per cent additional output from the rear side.

A new study from the University of New Brunswick confirms that homeowners are more likely to install a residential PV array if they live in areas with a high concentration of rooftop solar power generators. Investments from public entities installling rooftop solar, according to the study’s authors, can indirectly promote renewable energy just by making it more visible to people.

Canada-based Silfab Solar has invested US$40 million in U.S. solar PV module manufacturer, Itek Energy, LLC’s Bellingham, Washington production facility.

Shares of Canadian Solar soared earlier this week after U.S. investment firm Lion Point Capital revealed that it had initiated discussions with a number of undisclosed third parties about the possibility of funding the privatization of the solar PV module supplier.