Renewable Energy: A Solution to Pollution Tim Weis, P.Eng., Ph.D. Alberta Regional Director May 1, 2014

About Tim Alberta Regional Director Professional Engineer M.Sc. research on ice adhesion to wind turbine blades in subarctic Ph.D. research on off-grid renewable energy

Climate change “….could be the biggest global health threat of the 21st century” The Lancet 3

Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions Source: Environment Canada, National GHG Inventory Report 2009

Air pollutants from electricity sector

How do we compare?

Source: Clean Air Strategic Alliance. Fine particulate matter in the capital region (2010) PM formation - Edmonton

Costs of air pollution from electricity generation USA - National Research Council at request of 2005 Energy Policy Act – Effects of air pollution on human health, grain crop and timber yields, building materials, recreation, and visibility of outdoor vistas – Average damages: 3.2 ¢ /kWh (2008) Greenstone and Looney: – 3.4 ¢ /kWh for non-climate damage (2010)

So why wind? Efficiency Electrify Renewables Heat + Power 9

So why wind?

Wind is a cost effective option Source: Solas Energy Consulting New Electricity Supply Costs in Alberta

Wind can be developed at high levels

Wind can be developed quickly

Integrating Renewables (NREL study) Net: CO 2 ↓ 31.5% Net: NO x ↓ 19.5% Net: SO 2 ↓ 18.5%

Integrating renewables

Denmark update 52% wind by % renewable electricity by % renewable energy by 2050 – 171 Parliamentarians voted for 8 against. “The conclusion being it has a cost to make a green transformation, but it also has a cost not to do it. I think this will work out to be the best insurance Denmark has ever (bought).” – Energy Minister Lidegaard

Closer to home: Ontario

18 50Hz 60Hz Ross Island Wind/Diesel Courtesy of Powercorp, Australia

Conclusion Renewables can significantly reduce air pollution We have working examples of renewables being deployed quickly and at high levels Challenges remain – policy drives energy decision

Thanks Tim Weis