The Government of Canada is investing in renewable energy and upgrading the electricity grid to make clean, affordable electricity options more accessible in communities across Canada.
Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, has launched a $964-million program to support smart renewable energy and grid modernization projects that will lower emissions by investing in clean energy technologies, like wind, solar, storage, hydro, geothermal, and tidal.
“Our new Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program will increase our grid’s renewable capacity and improve its reliability and resiliency. This means a cleaner, more reliable electricity supply for Canadians,” said O’Regan.
The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) supports building Canada’s low-emissions energy future and a renewable, electrified economy through projects that focus on non-emitting, cleaner energy technologies, such as storage, and modernizing electricity system operations.
Investing in these technologies reduces greenhouse gas emissions by creating a cleaner, more connected electrical system that helps Canada reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
O’Regan launched the program during the Canadian Electricity Association’s (CEA) virtual regulatory forum on Electricity Regulation & the Four Disruptors – Decarbonization, Decentralization, Digitalization and Democratization. The launch also coincides with Canadian Environment Week, which celebrates Canada’s environmental accomplishments and encourages Canadians to contribute to conserving and protecting the environment.
Through SREPs and other programming, the government is working with provinces and territories, utilities, Indigenous partners and others, including diverse businesses and communities, to deliver these clean and reliable energy initiatives. With Canadian innovation, technology and skilled energy workers, we can provide more communities, households and businesses with an increased supply of clean electricity and a cleaner electrical grid.
To help interested stakeholders find information on SREPs, a new webpage has been developed that includes a comprehensive guide for eligible projects.
This supports Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Canada is advancing projects that support the clean grid of the future.
$1B in to build up renewables and modernize our electrical grids.
To make the grid cleaner and more reliable.
Better performance. Lower emissions.
More info here: https://t.co/LeaQiOZVXE @CDNelectricity pic.twitter.com/ztoqgftLm3
— Seamus O'Regan Jr (@SeamusORegan) June 3, 2021
