Renewables to Lose Billions, Oil Writer Sees ‘Political Intrigue’ as Smith Blames Ottawa for Moratorium

While Alberta renewable energy producers warn of billions in lost investments, and a veteran oil and gas writer suggests “political intrigue” behind the decision, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has come up with a novel way to blame Ottawa after her government slapped a seven-month moratorium on new wind and solar projects over a megawatt in size.

Smith says the federal government is preventing development of the natural gas backup she apparently thinks the renewable energy systems would need, The Canadian Press reports.

Smith, whose government surprised the province’s renewable energy industry last week by announcing the freeze, told her province-wide radio call-in program Saturday that backup plants powered by natural gas are needed for when wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining, CP writes.

That rationale was confusing for one of the province’s leading energy economists, as well as a representative of a renewable energy industry group, who said there’s no requirement in Alberta’s market for generators to be able to supply power 24-7.

“If somebody adds solar to the grid, you don’t need to add backup to compensate for it,” said the University of Alberta’s Andrew Leach.

“Good gawd Premier, give yer head a shake,” Iron & Earth Communications Director Mike Spear advised on LinkedIn.

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