Words are powerful and a new sustainability report from Calgary’s primary electricity provider illustrates this, highlighting how the utility is powering the transition to a lower-carbon future.
“At ENMAX, we view ourselves as an enabler of the energy transition,” says ENMAX president and CEO Mark Poweska.
Indeed, ENMAX’s recent Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report outlines the utility’s progress in helping Calgary residents and businesses move toward a net-zero future.
“The report really highlights our ongoing commitment to energy affordability and advancing electrification of energy use more widely.”
When it comes to advancing these ESG goals, ENMAX — whose sole shareholder is the City of Calgary — walks the talk.
The new report highlights its concrete advancements, including how ENMAX’s own emissions from operations have fallen 65 per cent below 2015 levels and are targeted to fall to 70 per cent by 2030.
Of course, ENMAX is also providing low-emission energy to its users to reduce their own carbon footprint.
“We generate electricity using natural gas and wind,” Poweska explains, noting ENMAX has one of the most efficient natural gas generation portfolios in Alberta.
Still, more can be done to reduce emissions. That is why ENMAX has undertaken innovative projects, including Canada’s first hybrid gas/battery plant, which combines natural gas and battery storage technology.
It is also exploring carbon capture technology to reduce emissions from existing gas-powered turbines that generate electricity.
In addition, ENMAX is working with the City of Calgary to increase solar power use, installing panels on community centres and developing a two-way power flow system allowing solar installations in dense urban areas to send power back to the grid, Poweska adds.
“We’re also working on a pilot project for electric vehicles — EVs — to better understand their impact on the grid and ensure we meet customer demand as they become more widespread.”
Its efforts to become more sustainable go beyond the environment and climate change.
ENMAX is also advancing social and governance issues, fostering greater workplace diversity and helping make energy accessible through unique affordability initiatives, including a range of community partnerships and customer support programs.
“Electricity is an essential service,” Poweska says. “We are always bringing in new ways to help our vulnerable customers.”
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.