Abstract
This paper explores the viability of relying on wind power to replace upwards of 60% of electricity generation in Alberta that would be lost if coal-fired generation is phased out. Using hourly wind data from 17 locations across Alberta, we are able to simulate the potential wind power output available to the Alberta grid when modern, 3.5 MW-capacity wind turbines are spread across the province. Using wind regimes for the years 2006 through 2015, we find that available wind power is less than 60% of installed capacity 98% of the time, and below 30% of capacity 74% of the time. There is only a small amount of correlation between wind speeds at different locations, but yet it remains necessary to rely on fossil fuel generation. Then, based on the results from a grid allocation model, we find that CO2 emissions can be reduced by about 30%, but only through a combination of investment in wind energy and reliance on purchases of hydropower from British Columbia. Only if nuclear energy is permitted into the generation mix would Alberta be able to meet its CO2-emissions reduction target in the electricity sector. With nuclear power, emissions can be reduced by upwards of 85%.
Highlights
The Government of Alberta promised to make the province a world leader in renewable energy
The purpose of the current study is to investigate whether it would be possible for Alberta to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% or more, replacing two-thirds of the lost coal-fired power with wind generated electricity
For Alberta to reduce CO2 emissions from the production of electricity by 30% or more will likely require something more than investments in wind energy, with nuclear energy looking most promising despite its high costs
Summary
The Government of Alberta promised to make the province a world leader in renewable energy. All coal-fired electricity generation facilities are to be phased out by 2030, with two-thirds of the lost electricity production to be replaced by renewables, primarily wind and solar power, with natural gas to be used for generating baseload power (and as backup to intermittent energy sources). The purpose of the current study is to investigate whether it would be possible for Alberta to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% or more, replacing two-thirds of the lost coal-fired power with wind generated electricity. The costs of developing and operating renewable (wind- or solar-powered) generating assets can be substantial and may only be viable for firms when governments provide subsidies or other inducements. We focus only on wind power because potential solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity output is more difficult to model and beyond the scope of the current study. [3] found that adding a predictable tidal power output profile to a wind profile had no impact on the management of a power grid on Haida Gwaii off the Northwest coast of British Columbia
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
