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Government outlines long-term integrated future for Alberta’s energy sector


WEBWIRE

August 25, 2006 - Calgary... By taking an integrated approach to the province’s vast and diverse energy resources, Alberta can play a major role in the global energy sector for the long-term, according to a newly released government document.

Alberta’s Integrated Energy Vision provides a new direction for Alberta’s energy sector and identifies the potential long-term benefits of Alberta-based energy resource product upgrading and refining by transforming hydrocarbons into a vast array of value-added end-products. Future energy development in Alberta must also build on the strengths of its non-renewable resources such as water, wind, solar, and biomass energy resources. The document shows how innovation, attitude and a sustainable, integrated approach to Alberta’s vast and diverse energy resources are key to future success.

“Traditionally we’ve looked at Alberta’s resource wealth from the perspective of a series of stand-alone projects. By taking an integrated approach to energy development, efficiency, and conservation we can help the industry reach its full potential, and provide enhanced long-term economic benefits and value-added jobs for Albertans,” said Energy Minister Greg Melchin.

The Vision document also outlines that future policies must include integration and alignment of environmental and land stewardship; human resource training and development; infrastructure, research and technology efforts; and overall economic planning. It focuses on renewable as well as non-renewable resources and the opportunities to build more value-added opportunities.

Alberta’s Integrated Energy Vision provides important background for the Energy Minister as he prepares for the federal, provincial and territorial Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference on August 28 and 29 in Whitehorse. Among items the ministers will discuss are: energy research and technological innovation to responsibly develop long term, reliable and competitively priced energy supplies for Canadians.

“We have the opportunity and the responsibility to make the most of our energy inheritance,” said Melchin. “I want to create a dialogue about the importance of developing value-added products and expertise for both non-renewable and alternative energy sources.” In developing strategies and policies to support implementation, the Department of Energy will work collaboratively with other ministries, industry and stakeholder groups.

The Integrated Energy Vision document is available via the Department of Energy website at www.energy.gov.ab.ca. An online form is available for Albertans to provide comments or ideas that will help further define the Vision.



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