Calgary’s Path to Net-Zero

Source: · CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT · | February 14, 2022

Source: Calgary Economic Development

The first New Economy LIVE of 2022 explored Calgary’s unique value proposition as a net-zero leader with the talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and industry collaboration required to make an impact in the global energy transition. The event series engages Calgarians in the economic strategy, Calgary in the New Economy, and the vision for the city to be a place where bright minds and big ideas come together to solve global challenges.

“If you have a great idea no matter where you are from in the world, Calgary is the place where you can build it and be successful,” said, Chris Brown, Business Development Manager Energy and Environment, Calgary Economic Development.

Ahead of the industry expert panel discussion, Brown presented insights from the Alberta Energy Transition Study, which concluded the pursuit of net-zero in the province could create 170,000 jobs in the cleantech sector and contribute $61 billion to GDP by 2050. To meet the opportunity, Alberta will need to invest more than $2.1 billion a year in cleantech by 2030, increasing to $5.5 billion by 2040.

Panelists agreed net-zero is non-negotiable for the future, but there will be highs and lows on the path forward.

“It’s not as much a question of feasibility on a technical level as it is a necessity for how we see our future,” said Meredith Adler, Executive Director, Student Energy. “Over 80 per cent of young people are calling for net-zero to happen in 2050 or sooner.”