January 15, 2021 – Public Services & Procurement Canada (PSPC) has launched Requests for Proposal to buy new, clean electricity in Alberta to power federal operations in that province.

Additionally, Canada will purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) from new, clean energy generation in Canada. This will enable Ottawa to attribute its energy consumption as “clean” in regions where clean renewable sources are not yet available.

Through these competitive procurement processes, PSPC “will be a key purchaser of clean electricity”, and support the growth of “new, clean electricity and renewable power infrastructure”.

The Government of Canada’s Clean Electricity Initiative plans to use 100% clean electricity by 2022 (where available) to reduce GHG emissions and “stimulate growth in clean renewable power infrastructure”.

PSPC has applied those goals to its specific requirement for net new, clean electricity generation to power federal operations in Alberta.

These procurements will support economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses, adds PSPC, by encouraging participation in the move toward clean energy. Each RFP incorporates mandatory requirements for Indigenous participation through equity holdings or set-asides under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business.

According to PSPC, Government of Canada’s combined electricity consumption includes about 532,000 MWh annually from GHG-emitting sources of electricity. Federal buildings in Alberta consume 31% of that total, with an additional 23% consumed in other regions where local clean electricity initiatives will not be available in the near term.

The approach for the procurement of clean electricity in Alberta involves entering into one or more Power Purchase Agreements with clean electricity generators. These PPAs will secure renewable electricity by using funds that the Government of Canada already spends on utility bills.

Requests for Proposals

Alberta New Solar Electricity Generation (EW038-210082/B)

Alberta New Solar Electricity Generation – PSAB Set-Aside (EW038-211946/A)

National Renewable Energy Certificates (EP959-211948/A)

Renewable Energy Certificate – PSAB (EP959-211993/A)

Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business

.