Olivia Woods
Canada’s new proposed net-zero electricity regulations, released by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault on Thursday, will allow limited natural gas power development after opposition from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Each province and territory will have a total of 75 days to provide feedback on the proposed rules. The final regulations are expected to open the path for Canada to have a net-zero electricity grid by the year 2035.
Guilbeault described the regulations as “technology neutral” and said that the federal government thinks there’s enough room to meet the energy demands of all of Canada’s provinces and territories.
“What we’re talking about is not a fossil fuel-free grid by 2035; it’s a net-zero grid by 2035,” he said.
“We understand there will be some fossil fuels remaining… but we’re working to minimize those, and the fossil fuels that will be used in 2035 will have to comply with rigorous environmental and emission standards.”
Hydroelectric, wind, solar, and nuclear power plants are all examples of emission-free power generation methods that should have no trouble meeting the requirements of the new regulations.
Carbon capture and storage systems, which will be required to capture 95% of emissions, were cited by federal officials as a means through which existing natural gas power plants may meet that performance standard.
“In other words, it’s achievable, and it is achievable by existing technology,” said a government official on Thursday.
In addition, the regulations will permit a certain amount of natural gas power generation without requiring emissions to be captured. Emissions capture will be exempted in times of crisis and during times of high demand when renewables are unable to meet supply.
Since the standards apply to facilities 20 years after they are commissioned, some more recent facilities may not have to comply with these requirements until the 2040s.
Facilities that begin operations after 2025, when the regulations are likely to be completed, will not be eligible for the two-decade grace period.
Environment Canada estimates that between 2024 and 2050, a total reduction in emissions of 342 megatonnes of carbon dioxide might be accomplished as a result of these measurements.
Canada’s electricity production will need to double or triple by 2050, according to the Canadian Climate Institute.
The federal government expects that upgrading outdated infrastructure and increasing electricity production will cost over $400 billion. The government warns that without these expenses, Canada may be unable to handle pressure from electric heating and cooling systems, electric vehicles, and demographic and economic development.
The regulations are in agreement with similar proposals made by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Biden administration and the G7 countries.
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