CanCORE Statement: Federal government move to price carbon emissions will accelerate transition to renewable electricity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Federal government move to price carbon emissions will accelerate transition to renewable electricity October 3, 2016—The Canadian Council on Renewable Electricity made the following statement in response to the federal government’s announcement that it will ratify the Paris Agreement and establish a national price on carbon emissions: QUOTES “Now, more than ever, Canadians are looking for ways to decarbonize our economy, and renewable electricity will play a crucial role in this shift. A national price on carbon pollution can help accelerate this transition.” — John Gorman, Canadian Solar Industries Association   “A carbon price will accelerate the integration of clean, renewable generation sources into Canada’s electricity grid. And the more we electrify our economy—from transportation, to industry to buildings, —with non-emitting renewable resources, the faster and deeper we can cut greenhouse gas pollution and ensure Canada delivers on its commitments.” — Robert Hornung, Canadian Wind Energy Association  “Pricing carbon emissions on its own won’t enable Canada to reduce emissions in line with our targets—other complementary measures will be required. One such measure is for the federal and provincial governments to adopt and facilitate achievement of national targets for electricity generation that move us close to 100 per cent zero-carbon electricity by 2050.” — Jacob Irving, Canadian Hydropower Association  “This is a positive step that will drive innovation, and as markets  increasingly demand renewable energy solutions there is an opportunity increase the export of Canadian renewable electricity, technologies, services and products to markets around the world.” — Elisa Obermann, Marine Renewables Canada KEY FACTS

• Renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, and water currently meet 65 percent of Canada’s electricity needs.
• Canada has the cleanest, most renewable electricity generation system in the G7, and the fourth largest renewable energy capacity in the world.
• A recent report for the United Nations identified boosting renewable electricity production—in combination with electrifying buildings, industry, and transportation—as a key step on a path Canada can take to “decarbonize” its economy. (Source: Pathways to Deep Decarbonization – Canada Chapter, Sustainable Development Solutions Network & Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, 2014.)
• A recent study by more than 60 of Canada’s leading academics identified renewable electricity as a key climate change solution. They note that Canada could completely decarbonize its electricity systems by 2035, which would make it possible for our country to adopt long-term pollution reduction targets consistent with our international obligations to act on climate disruption. (Source: Acting on Climate Change – Solutions from Canadian Scholars, Sustainable Canada Dialogues, 2015.)

RESOURCES

• SUBMISSION: Let’s Talk Climate Action—Recommendations for Capitalizing on Canada’s Renewable Electricity Advantage
• REPORT: Powering Climate Prosperity: Canada’s Renewable Electricity Advantage

Established in 2015, the Canadian Council on Renewable Electricity is a non-partisan organization that allows Canada’s leading national renewable electricity industry associations to collaborate, educate and pursue common opportunities as a solutions provider to the critical challenge of decarbonizing the North American energy system while bolstering economic growth. Follow us on Twitter @RenewableCanada Visit www.renewableelectricity.ca