IPPSA Intelligence

Alberta Electric System Operator

AESO’s July stakeholder newsletter outlines critical dates including a REM Modelling Workshop on July 29 and the Cluster 2 Connection Project List release on July 25 and details financial obligations for connection applicants. It also spotlights the tariff workstream led by the Benefit of Service Consortium, gathering consumer feedback on revised demand rates.

These developments signal a broader policy shift toward decarbonization and grid modernization in Alberta, integrating renewables, optimizing infrastructure, and encouraging market participation. Economic impacts include investment in transmission assets and clearer cost-sharing frameworks. AESO also received a connection request from Dolcy Solar Inc. to tie a Wainwright-area 240 kV solar and battery facility into line 948L via a T-tap addition, requiring new transmission equipment and upgrades. Parallel efforts include ATCO Electric’s proposed Dobbs 2061S Substation near Grande Prairie, addressing regional load growth.

References:

1. Empowering Stakeholders: AESO's July Newsletter on Alberta's Evolving Electricity Market
2. Advancing Renewable Energy: The Dolcy Solar + Energy Storage Project and Its Connection to Alberta's Power Grid

CER on Projected Growth and Innovations in Clean Energy

Canada’s energy storage capacity is poised to more than double from 552 MW in 2024 to 1,149 MW by 2030, driven by a dozen large-scale construction projects and 27 additional approvals that could push capacity to 2,768 MW.

Three core technologies dominate the landscape: pumped storage hydropower (PSH), compressed air energy storage (CAES) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). PSH leverages gravitational potential, with Ontario’s Sir Adam Beck facility standing as the country’s largest. CAES uses underground or surface reservoirs to hold compressed air, while BESS, led by lithium-ion batteries, has become the fastest-growing segment. Federal initiatives like the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program offer targeted funding, underscoring policy commitments to modernize infrastructure and meet climate targets.

References:

1. Canada's Energy Storage Revolution: Projected Growth and Innovations in Clean Energy

Medicine Hat City Council Pauses Plans for Power Plant Management

Medicine Hat’s council has opted to delay forming a municipally controlled corporation to oversee its historic power plant in response to financial, market, and environmental pressures. Needing $1.1 billion in upgrades to meet growing demand and stricter emission standards, the plant’s profitability plunged last year due to low electricity prices, undermining the city’s dividend revenue.

Council debate exposed deep divisions: some members fear ceding direct political oversight would trigger rate hikes and weaken accountability, while advocates argue a specialized board could more effectively navigate regulatory complexities and market volatility. A consulting firm’s guidance against full privatization further influenced the pause, pointing to potential confusion over stakeholder roles and responsibilities.

References:

1. Medicine Hat City Council Pauses Plans for Power Plant Management Over Market and Environmental Concerns

Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan Sign MOU

Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan have forged a memorandum of understanding to streamline energy infrastructure and interprovincial trade, signaling a shift toward provincial collaboration in electricity and resource development. Provincial leaders argue that federal measures such as the Impact Assessment Act and the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act unduly restrict project approvals and stifle job creation in the energy and mining sectors.

They propose amending or repealing these regulations to reduce red tape, accelerate approvals and foster economic growth. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe emphasize responsible resource development, local employment gains and reinforced market competitiveness.

References:

1. Strengthening Provincial Ties: Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan Sign MOU to Enhance Energy Infrastructure and Trade

Alberta's Circular Economy Initiative: Turning Waste into Jobs and Sustainable Products

Alberta’s latest circular economy push channels $49 million from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction program into 18 projects that aim to transform waste streams into high-value products while generating nearly 1,600 jobs.

By turning agricultural plastics, wood waste and residual materials into sustainable building components and novel carbon-based products, these initiatives target about 3.4 million tonnes of emissions reductions by 2030. Energy and environment ministers stress that strengthening local manufacturing capacity will reinforce Alberta’s national and global competitiveness. Industry-funded TIER supports innovations in carbon utilization and waste management technologies, signaling a policy shift toward low-carbon economic growth.

References:

1. Alberta's Circular Economy Initiative: Turning Waste into Jobs and Sustainable Products

British Columbia's New Trade Agreements with Ontario, Manitoba, and Yukon

Significant trade agreements between British Columbia and Ontario, Manitoba and Yukon have been crafted to dismantle barriers, bolster economic ties and enhance energy security. Discussions around interconnecting electrical grids highlight a strategic push toward a more integrated and resilient power network, capable of balancing supply, optimizing resource use and improving reliability across regions. This cooperative approach emerges amid ongoing economic uncertainty, underscoring a shared commitment to fortifying internal markets and safeguarding long-term sustainability.

Collectively, these accords unlock potential economic gains estimated in the billions, paving the way for increased investment, job creation and innovation. They reflect an evolving policy landscape that prioritizes regional collaboration over fragmentation, recognizing that a unified domestic front can enhance competitiveness against external pressures. 

References:

1. Strengthening Provincial Ties: British Columbia's New Trade Agreements with Ontario, Manitoba, and Yukon

The Promise of High Entropy Alloys in Reactor Technology

Advances in high entropy alloys (HEAs) at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories promise safer, more efficient nuclear reactors amid the global clean energy shift. Comprising five or more elements in near‐equal atomic ratios, HEAs exhibit superior mechanical strength, ductility and corrosion resistance compared to conventional stainless steel. Results revealed enhanced performance under extreme heat and radiation, with the alloy forming controlled defect structures that maintained integrity better than traditional alloys.

These findings suggest HEAs could withstand harsher operational environments, reducing material degradation and extending component lifespans. However, the technology remains experimental, requiring extensive characterization and regulatory approval before industrial deployment. Economic implications include potential reductions in maintenance and downtime costs, while environmental benefits stem from improved safety margins and reduced waste.

References:

1. Advancing Nuclear Safety: The Promise of High Entropy Alloys in Reactor Technology

Kebaowek First Nation v Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Landmark legal scrutiny of Indigenous consultation in Canada has intensified following the Kebaowek First Nation v Canadian Nuclear Laboratories decision, which clarifies the role of UNDRIP and UNDA in administrative processes. The federal court ruled that administrative tribunals must apply a correctness standard when interpreting the Declaration’s relevance, ensuring tribunals cannot sidestep constitutional obligations by invoking limited statutory language. The ruling overturned the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s assertion that a lack of explicit UNDRIP references absolved it from integrating international Indigenous rights standards into its licensing deliberations.

By affirming jurisdiction to evaluate Aboriginal and treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, the court affirmed that UNDRIP functions as an interpretive aid and a binding framework that informs duty to consult and accommodate requirements The case strengthens Indigenous communities’ capacity to seek redress when consultation falls short, reshaping future project approvals and potentially transforming relationships between the state and Indigenous nations by embedding respect for rights at every stage of administrative review.

References:

1. Kebaowek First Nation v Canadian Nuclear Laboratories: A Landmark Case Reinforcing Indigenous Consultation Rights in Canada

Caisse Invests $3.2 Billion in Sizewell C

Quebec’s pension fund manager Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is set to invest up to $3.2 billion for a 20% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk, making it the second-largest stakeholder after the UK government (44.9%). Centrica, EDF and Amber Infrastructure hold 15%, 12.5% and 7.6% respectively. Scheduled for completion in the late 2030s, Sizewell C will generate 3.2 GW, enough to power six million homes, potentially saving consumers £2 billion annually and cutting carbon emissions by nine million tonnes each year.

Its revival reflects shifting policy amid volatile energy prices and geopolitical tensions, prompting governments to reconsider nuclear as a reliable low-carbon source. Historically, nuclear projects have wrestled with safety concerns and cost overruns, often exceeding budgets by over 100%. To mitigate risks and attract private investors, Sizewell C uses a regulated asset base model, ensuring developers receive payments during construction and reducing exposure to delays and expense overruns.

References:

1. Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec Invests $3.2 Billion in Sizewell C: A Game Changer for U.K. Nuclear Energy

Enbridge Invests $900 Million in Clear Fork Solar Project

Enbridge has committed $900 million to develop the 600-megawatt Clear Fork solar installation near San Antonio, Texas, scheduled for commercial operation by 2027. The plant will supply the adjacent Meta data center with renewable electricity, reinforcing the recent push by energy companies to pivot toward low-carbon solutions that meet the surging demand for digital infrastructure. Meta has already secured roughly 1,800 megawatts of clean energy agreements spanning solar, wind and nuclear sources to bolster its network of data centers and support resource-intensive applications such as artificial intelligence.

Although intermittent renewables cannot yet singularly guarantee uninterrupted baseload power, their integration with complementary technologies, including storage, grid interconnections and potential firming assets, helps reduce emissions and relieve pressure on fossil-fired capacity. The Texas renewable sector has witnessed a rapid inflow of capital, with more than $64 billion earmarked for new generation assets as of May 2025, reflecting favorable market structures and policy incentives.

References:

1. Enbridge Invests $900 Million in Clear Fork Solar Project: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy for Tech Giants

Massachusetts and Canada Join Forces for Offshore Wind Energy Development

Massachusetts is exploring partnerships with Nova Scotia to develop offshore wind capacity, tapping into robust wind resources and sharing clean energy across borders. State officials from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have engaged Canadian counterparts as Nova Scotia prepares lease auctions for wind farm projects. Energy and Environmental Secretary Rebecca Tepper emphasized goals of lowering energy costs and enhancing energy independence, while Premier Tim Houston highlighted the province’s suitable conditions and commitment to invest in the necessary infrastructure, including transmission cables to Massachusetts.

References:

1. Massachusetts and Canada Join Forces for Offshore Wind Energy Development

Westlock County Proposes Bylaw Amendments to Regulate Large Data Processing Facilities

Westlock County’s proposed amendment to its Data Processing Facilities Bylaw reflects a surge in high-power digital infrastructure projects, especially cryptocurrency mining and blockchain operations. The revision categorizes facilities by electricity use, minor operations below one megawatt evaluated case by case and major sites at or above one megawatt confined to industrial zones, addressing grid capacity and land-use pressures.

Provisions enabling farmland rezoning to industrial status hinge on public hearings, underscoring community input in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. Noise pollution controls and mandatory mitigation strategies aim to protect residents, while stricter oversight of electrical consumption aligns with municipal objectives to manage utility demand and monitor greenhouse gas emissions.

References:

1. Westlock County Proposes Bylaw Amendments to Regulate Large Data Processing Facilities Amid Growing Cryptocurrency Interest

Alberta and B.C. Forge Collaborative Approach

Alberta is pivoting towards joint energy ventures with British Columbia. Premier Danielle Smith is championing projects such as green ammonia production, liquefied natural gas export, enhanced electricity interties and expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, highlighting shared economic and environmental gains.

British Columbia Premier David Eby welcomes these cooperative efforts but urges prioritization of initiatives with existing approvals and private investment, noting underutilized capacity in current pipelines. Ottawa’s stance, voiced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasizes advancing large-scale infrastructure that generates widespread benefits and aligns with climate commitments, especially as Canada navigates potential U.S. tariffs.

References:

1. Alberta and B.C. Forge Collaborative Energy Initiatives Amid Pipeline Uncertainty

IPPSA's Mandate

IPPSA's mission is to convene industry, providing information, resources, and a forum for knowledge sharing, and to create opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and education. This newsletter is meant to inform members but not advocate for specific outcomes. We always appreciate your feedback at info@ippsa.com.