Canmore Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

The intended feasibility study is to identify a small number of renewable energy or low-carbon energy projects that the Town of Canmore could pursue to meet its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. Along with the expected GHG reductions, the study will examine the technical feasibility and financial and risk implications associated with each possible project.

Phase one of the study will be a pre-feasibility scan: a preliminary, unbiased analysis comparing the relative high-level costs, risks and abatement potentials of different renewable energy options. This phase will generate four to five recommended options. Phase two will identify appropriate locations for the recommended options and determine the following: GHG reduction potential; required investment; ongoing maintenance and operations requirements and costs; potential revenue generation or cost savings; pertinent regulatory requirements, risks and other implications; and scaling options.

The expected environmental benefits targeted by this study are to identify renewable energy electricity sources that can reduce Canmore’s GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2050 (compared to 2015 levels). This aligns with the town’s 2018 Climate Action Plan. Any local renewable or low-carbon projects identified by the study are also likely to have economic development benefits, such as local revenue generation and local green jobs for building and/or ongoing maintenance and operations. Local electricity generation could offer social benefits as well, such as some resilience benefits in case of grid failure, and potential opportunities for residents and businesses to invest in local or imported renewable energy projects.

Innovative aspect(s):

Canmore’s energy needs are almost entirely provided by conventional electricity and natural gas. The renewable or low-carbon approaches under consideration represent new knowledge, policies, practices, technologies and financial models for the town.

Replicability:

While the solutions for every community differ, this project could help inform other municipalities that want to move forward on their renewable energy and climate change strategies but lack sufficient information to do so.