The federal government says transmission projects involving Alberta and Saskatchewan will be priorities as Canada works to build a stronger, more connected electricity grid.<\/p>\n
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced the priority projects following discussions at the Energy and Mines Ministers\u2019 Conference in Yellowknife.<\/p>\n
Ottawa says the work is part of a broader effort to improve energy security, affordability and reliability as electricity demand is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades.<\/p>\n
Alberta-Saskatchewan intertie targeted<\/p>\n
One of the projects being prioritized is an upgrade to the Alberta-Saskatchewan intertie.<\/p>\n
The project would replace and enhance the McNeill converter station near Medicine Hat with updated technology.<\/p>\n
The federal government says the upgrade would increase electricity trade capacity between Alberta and Saskatchewan by about 250 megawatts and extend the lifespan of the existing intertie.<\/p>\n
Ottawa says stronger interties can help provinces share electricity more efficiently, support grid reliability and improve energy affordability.<\/p>\n
Related Stories:<\/p>\n
Saskatchewan-Manitoba expansion included<\/p>\n
The federal government is also prioritizing the Saskatchewan-Manitoba intertie expansion.<\/p>\n
The scalable project would expand transfer capability by up to two gigawatts along the Regina-Winnipeg corridor.<\/p>\n
Ottawa says the expansion would significantly strengthen the energy partnership between Saskatchewan and Manitoba.<\/p>\n
Alberta-B.C. connection also highlighted<\/p>\n
The federal government also identified restoring capability on the Alberta-British Columbia intertie as a priority.<\/p>\n
That work would increase electricity trade capacity between the two provinces by about 150 megawatts.<\/p>\n
Ottawa says the project would support reliability and affordability for both Albertans and British Columbians.<\/p>\n
National strategy in development<\/p>\n