If Albertans continue on the same electricity supply path — relying primarily on coal — pollution will continue to increase and Alberta will keep its title as the province with the dirtiest electricity generation.

A phenomenal 66% of the energy in the Alberta electricity system is currently wasted in the form of heat lost up the stacks. A move to renewable electricity would significantly reduce this waste.

Pembina's Green scenario envisions a path towards long-term sustainability. Such an abundance of renewable resources exists in Alberta that it would be possible to phase out coal-fired power plants altogether if Albertans so chose. This scenario reduces carbon pollution from electricity generation by close to 70% over 20 years.

Pembina's Pale Green scenario envisions a diverse mix of clean technologies to meet growth in electricity demand. Using off-the-shelf technologies — mainly efficiency, wind and industrial cogeneration — Alberta can reduce its carbon pollution from electricity generation by 15% over 20 years, and it can provide reliable electricity without building any new coal or nuclear power plants.