Today, the Federal Government submitted: "Canada's Mid-Century Long-Term Low-Greenhouse Gas Development Strategy" to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a document detailing what a long-term low-greenhouse gas emission society will entail. In which Canada outlines an emissions abatement pathway consistent with net emissions falling by 80 per cent in 2050 from 2005 levels. This is consistent with the Paris Agreement's 2°C to 1.5°C temperature goal.
Solar energy is highlighted in this strategy. The chapter titled Decarbonisation and Expansion of Canada's Electricity System presents solar electricity generation increasing significantly to reach levels between 18 TWh (1 per cent of total generation) and 99 TWh (6 per cent) in 2050 representing approximately 10 to 60 GW of cumulative installed capacity in operation. This implies a Canadian solar market of 100's to 1,000's of MW per year for the next three decades.
The importance of this document is that it sends a clear signal that while 2050 is decades away, changes to all decisions with long-term energy implications will need to start today and that solar energy will soon become a mainstream part of Canada's energy future.
CanSIA will continue to review and comment on the report in consultation with Members. We expect further energy and environmental policy announcements in preparation and conclusion of the First Minister's Meeting in early December. Attend Solar Canada 2016 to gain insights and perspectives as to what these developments will mean for the solar industry in the coming years and decades.
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Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) is a national trade association that represents the solar energy industry throughout Canada. Since 1992, CanSIA has worked to develop a strong, efficient, ethical and professional Canadian solar energy industry with capacity to provide innovative solar energy solutions and to play a major role in the global transition to a sustainable, clean-energy future. Follow CanSIA on Twitter and Facebook.