Is there a Future for Nuclear Power? Wind and Emission Reduction Targets in Fossil-Fuel Alberta

<br><p>This paper explores the viability of relying on wind power to replace upwards of 60% of electricity generation in Alberta that would be lost if coal-fired generation is phased out. Using hourly wind data from 17 locations across Alberta, we are able to simulate the potential wind power output available to the Alberta grid when modern, 3.5 MW-capacity wind turbines are spread across the province. Using wind regimes for the years 2006 through 2015, we find that available wind power is less than 60% of installed capacity 98% of the time, and below 30% of capacity 74% of the time. In addition, there is significant correlation between wind speeds at different locations, so it will always be necessary to rely on fossil fuel generation. Then, based on the results from a grid allocation model, we find that CO₂ emissions can be reduced by about 30%, but only through a combination of investment in wind energy and reliance on purchases of hydropower from British Columbia. Only if nuclear energy is permitted into the generation mix would Alberta be able to meet its CO₂-emissions reduction target in the electricity sector. With nuclear power, emissions can be reduced by upwards of 85%.