Ottawa, June 29, 2016 – The Canadian Electricity Association welcomes the North American Leaders’ Summit announcement of a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership. The Honourable Sergio Marchi, President and CEO of the Association, made the following statement.
“Tomorrow’s economy must be built on a solid foundation of clean, sustainable growth. Finding the balance between economic and environmental outcomes is a generational challenge, and CEA commends our Prime Minister and the Presidents of Mexico and the United States for taking a collective North American approach.
We also recognize the efforts they are making in deepening the stability and solidarity of our region. These are key steps towards moving from a North American Free Trade “area” to a true North American “community” of shared values and ambitions.
Canadian electricity is North America’s clean energy solution, operating at the nexus of economic growth and environmental protection. With a generation mix that is already over 80% greenhouse gas-free, we are uniquely suited to power tomorrow’s competitive, low-carbon and sustainable North American economy and society.
In view of the dynamic transformations occurring in global energy markets, a strategic, cooperative approach to leveraging the continent’s abundant energy potential is needed now more than ever. By harnessing the power of clean, sustainable Canadian electricity we can build a greener and more prosperous future for all North Americans.”
CEA was particularly pleased to see an ambitious Action Plan that address some of its long- standing initiatives, including:
- Increasing clean power generation to 50% by 2025, including research and investments for the integration of renewable
- Collaborating on cross-border transmission projects, including reducing barriers to clean electricity trade, streamlining permitting processes and increasing information
- Increasing the adoption of green transportation, including expanding charging
infrastructure, supporting customer choice and establishing North American clean refueling corridors.
- Accelerating clean energy innovation through participation in Mission Innovation, particularly in the areas of smart grids and energy
- Improving energy efficiency, particularly industrial and commercial
- Strengthening the security and resilience of our integrated North American electricity grid against growing threats such as cyber-attacks and severe weather