Energy Transition

The world is moving quickly towards a clean energy future, spurring dramatic shifts in how energy is produced and consumed. As governments globally commit to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, costs for emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) will continue to escalate, demanding bold and decisive action from energy producers.

Aligning with other levels of government, Medicine Hat is facilitating efforts to transition to a sustainable and prosperous low-carbon future for our community.

Why consider alternative energy?

Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to cut greenhouse gases (GHG) by 40-45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and has further identified key industrial sectors for emission reductions, including transportation, oil and gas, power generation, and agriculture. In support of internationally negotiated climate change targets (to reach Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050), Federal and Provincial legislation has been drafted to reduce allowable carbon emissions with regulations expected to intensify to meet climate goals. As part of Canada's action plan, the Federal government is drafting a Clean Electricity Regulation with an ambition to transition to a net-zero electricity grid by 2035.

In many cases, the ‘roadmap’ to achieve these targets is hard to define because technologies to deliver a combination of ‘clean, affordable, and reliable’ products and services are continually being developed and improved. To meet global commitments on greenhouse gas emissions, solutions need to be pursued across all regions of the country. Medicine Hat’s energy transition initiatives is driving towards a low-carbon future for the region, balancing out a strong economy and healthy environment.