THIS WEEK
Canada gets a clean fuel standard (and why you should know what that means), plus gasoline is so 2015—just ask a garbage truck
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ELECTRICITY
Feds send coal to an early grave
Canada's clean energy transition got a boost last week, when the federal government announced it would move up the deadline to stop burning coal for electricity. Under the new rules, plants that could have continued operating into the 2040s will now have to shut down by 2030 or use technology to cut carbon pollution to levels that match cleaner electricity sources.
Of course, the outlook for coal south of the border is a touch hazier given the looming Donald Trump presidency. But as CBC's Éric Grenier observes, our prime minister has little to gain from propping up the dying industry, especially when it comes at the expense of Canadians' health and wellbeing. And with 73 per cent of Canadians on board with coal's early departure, there's a strong case for flipping the switch—especially when it means cleaner air, new economic opportunities and progress toward Canada's climate goals.
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Stick to the (carbon pricing) plan: biz leaders
Major Canadian business leaders want Ottawa "to reduce emissions, stimulate innovation and drive energy efficiency" through carbon pricing. The 67 signatories include oil and gas, manufacturing and other high-carbon industries—and us.
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Gasoline has lost its sheen, IEA says
Going, going, gone are the days of the all-mighty automobile—those equipped with an internal combustion engine, that is. By the International Energy Agency's forecast, "peak gas" is here, and demand will just keep falling as EVs take off.
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A bright new horizon for remote communities
Access to clean, consistent and affordable electricity is critical—but largely lacking—for residents of remote indigenous communities across Canada. New efforts to supply that power—or better yet, produce it locally—hope to break the cycle of energy poverty.
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Power in paradise
OK, now Elon Musk is seriously showing off: he's hooked up the entire Samoan island of Ta'u to clean, renewable energy, replacing expensive and high-carbon diesel. All it took was some 5,000 solar panels, 60 Tesla Powerpack batteries, and seven hours of sunlight.
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VIDEO: Solar City and Tesla's Tau Microgrid
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Canada is getting a clean fuel standard
The federal government announced Friday it would be working with governments and Canadians to implement a clean fuel standard nationally. The policy already has a proven track record in B.C. For more on how and why the policy works, read our explainer.
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Mining for gold... medals in renewable energy
Mining companies were celebrated last week in Toronto for their efforts in renewable energy. The awards included such categories as "Best use of Energy Storage" and "Best use of Solar Thermal." Here's a look at what Goldcorp is up to at one of its mines.
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A new milestone for EVs: electric garbage trucks
Stench-related jokes aside, this is positive news. Chinese automaker BYD has partnered with U.S. firm Wayne Engineering to manufacture electric garbage trucks. BYD estimates the truck could cut operating costs by 58 per cent—plus, no more diesel exhaust fumes.
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A new electricity market for Alberta
Last week, Alberta announced changes to its electricity market to ensure a stable transition off coal-fired power—a goal it plans to achieve by 2030. The province will now have a capacity market; here's a look at just what exactly that means.
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More money, fewer problems actually
Canadian clean technology startups will soon have access to another $135 million in venture capital. The Business Development Bank of Canada last week announced it's committing as much to a fund for startups that focus on energy efficiency for business.
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Clean Energy Review is sponsored in part by Genus Capital Management, a leading provider of fossil-fuel-free investments.
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FRONT BURNER
Renewable Industries Forum
Nov. 28-29 | Ottawa
Are you ready for the low-carbon economy? Join members of government, industry leaders and academics for a two-day forum on adapting to a world changed by climate. One that comes with both challenges and opportunities, particularly in renewable fuels and bio-based products. Lively discussions will be had. Learn more.
Dec. 5-6 | Toronto
Solar Canada Conference and Exposition
This is Canada's biggest solar show, as thousands of attendees and hundreds of vendors descend on the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in December. Network, discover new technologies and learn from likeminded renewable energy entrepreneurs. Learn more.
Dec. 9 | Vancouver
Is the Paris Agreement on Track?
Last December, nations from around the world convened and ultimately adopted the Paris Agreement to combat the effects of climate change. In November, countries once again met, this time in Morocco, to figure out the ways in which they'll implement that agreement. Join Carbon Talks for a discussion on how we're doing so far. Learn more.
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