SFU Study Champions Solar Mega-Projects for Canada's Green Energy Future

A new study from Simon Fraser University's Clean Energy Research Group (CERG) is urging Canada to embrace large-scale solar power projects to accelerate its transition to green energy. The research highlights the significant, yet largely untapped, potential of solar energy across Canada, including in regions like northern British Columbia and the prairies.

Solar's Untapped Potential in Canada

Researchers Anil Hira and Prasanna Krishnan argue that Canada is significantly behind other developed nations in its adoption of solar power. Despite a dramatic 90% drop in solar panel installation costs over the past decade, solar energy accounts for only 0.5% of Canada's electricity generation, compared to 4% globally. This underutilization stems from a policy focus on smaller, decentralized solar installations rather than utility-scale projects.

• Canada's solar potential is underestimated, with significant opportunities in the prairies, Ontario, and parts of British Columbia.

• Utility-scale solar projects, combined with battery storage, offer a more efficient and cost-effective approach to green energy transition compared to smaller, distributed systems.

• Canadian solar policy lags behind countries like Germany and the United States, which have implemented supportive measures such as feed-in tariffs and tax incentives.

Advantages of Utility-Scale Solar

The study emphasizes that utility-scale solar projects are approximately 64% cheaper than residential and 50% cheaper than commercial solar installations. These large-scale projects can generate substantial amounts of electricity, contributing significantly to the national energy mix. Furthermore, solar energy can diversify Canada's energy sources, reducing over-reliance on hydroelectric power, which is vulnerable to climate change impacts like droughts.

Addressing Concerns and Policy Recommendations

While land use is a common concern for large solar farms, the researchers suggest concentrating these projects in marginal areas with maximum sunlight and minimal alternative uses. This approach can also mitigate community acceptance challenges. The study also acknowledges the issue of solar panel waste but argues that it should not deter the adoption of solar, advocating for the development of circular economy principles for materials.

Key policy recommendations include:

1. Prioritizing the rapid deployment of utility-scale projects in optimal sunlight locations.

2. Implementing national policies to streamline the development of large-scale solar and storage farms.

3. Reforming grid interconnection processes to facilitate efficient integration of renewable energy.

4. Government financial support and proactive policies are crucial to harness solar's full potential.

The researchers express concern that a lack of political will and support for solar energy in Canada could lead to a step backward in renewable energy efforts, especially in light of potential policy shifts in both Canada and the United States.

Sources

• SFU researchers see potential for solar in northwest B.C., Terrace Standard.

• SFU study urges Canada to build solar mega-projects, NNSL Media.

• SFU study urges Canada to build solar power mega-projects - SFU News, Simon Fraser University.

• SFU researchers laud potential of solar mega-projects in B.C., Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News.