What's New in Renewable Energy
Does Canada's infrastructure stand prepared for the surge of the electric vehicle movement?
As Canada aims for all new cars, SUVs, and light trucks to be electric by 2035, assessing the readiness of its current infrastructure is crucial. With electric vehicles making up only 5.3% of new registrations in 2021, the challenge ahead is clear.
Read More
The federal government's commitment to build 84,000 charging stations over four years addresses part of the need, but vehicle availability and charging station reliability remain concerns.
Significant developments in local manufacturing, like the forthcoming Volkswagen 'gigafactory' and a General Motors facility poised to produce 50,000 electric vehicles annually by 2025, mark progress. However, with over 20,000 public charging points already, adapting the electrical grid for increased load and considering the heavier weight of electric vehicles, which could impact road safety, are essential.
As Canada pushes forward with its electric vehicle goals, expanding and improving infrastructure, alongside addressing safety, will be key.
Today, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) released its 2022 industry report, highlighting significant growth in Canada's wind and solar sectors.
In 2022, Canada marked a 10.5% increase in renewable energy capacity, surpassing 19 GW, led by a significant solar expansion and contributing to over a quarter of the country's total installed capacity.
Read More
Western Canada, especially Alberta and Saskatchewan, was at the forefront of this growth, which also sparked an 86% rise in industry-related jobs, supporting 4,462 person-years of employment. Despite these gains, the progress still falls short of CanREA's 2050 Vision for net-zero emissions, necessitating more ambitious efforts in wind and solar energy deployment.
Looking ahead, with over 2 GW of projects underway and 6 GW in planning, CanREA anticipates adding more than 5 GW of wind, 2 GW of solar, and 1 GW of energy storage by 2025. This growth is part of a broader strategy to meet future targets and address policy, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges, aligning with Canada’s commitment to a sustainable, decarbonized future. The year also saw solar energy surge by 25.9%, reaching nearly 4 GW, with Alberta contributing significantly. Wind energy grew by 7.1%, bringing the total capacity to over 15 GW. Meanwhile, energy storage expanded by 30.5%, highlighting the dynamic growth across Canada's renewable sectors.
A revolutionary flying car approved for testing can also be driven on roads.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Alef Aeronautics a Special Airworthiness Certificate for its groundbreaking "Model A" electric flying car. This pivotal certification paves the way for Alef to conduct official flight tests, edging closer to their goal of revolutionizing commutes with an eco-friendly, rapid transit solution.
Read More
This pioneering startup, hailing from California, has begun accepting pre-orders for the vehicle, tagged at $300,000, which impressively combines vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities with the functionality of a low-speed road vehicle. Alef anticipates the commencement of these avant-garde cars' deliveries to their eager customers by late 2025. Engineered for a dual-mode journey, the "Model A" promises a driving endurance of 200 miles and an aerial distance of 110 miles, perfectly sized for two occupants and meeting low-speed vehicle standards.
Furthermore, Alef is in the development stages of an even more ambitious project, the "Model Z" flying car, aiming for a 2035 launch. This model is expected to eclipse its predecessor with a staggering 300+ miles of air travel and over 200 miles on road. Although the peak altitude for Alef's vehicles is yet to be disclosed, they are poised to compete with industry peers targeting altitudes up to 10,000 feet. This trailblazing advancement in transport technology is set to redefine our commuting experiences, offering a thrilling peek into the trajectory of future mobility.