By Darren Rathwell

Official discusses more expensive green energy

Update delivered on future of MH’s energy plan

Oct 14, 2021 | 5:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat officials are addressing the community’s energy needs with an update at city hall, noting the use of more expensive green energy is likely on the rise here.

The energy and utility committee was set to hear Thursday a breakdown of a number of elements in the city’s energy plan, including how the process of phasing out hundreds of gas wells continues.

About 1,700 gas wells are in the reclamation process, with another 800 still in operation.

Meanwhile, the Unit 17 power plant is under construction, and exploration continues on the possible use of hydrogen, including large scale production as part of a so-called “hydrogen hub”.

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Also, a future power plant could be fueled at least partly by hydrogen, made from renewable sources.

The city’s managing director of energy & infrastructure, Brad Maynes, told CHAT News such change would be expensive, but the city’s hoping other levels of government will help cushion the cost for ratepayers.

“As a city we try to do everything we can to mitigate both the impact of the carbon tax and mitigate impact of transition costs to our consumers.. I believe the proud legacy we had with oil and methane is going to be there for hydrogen and for renewables.. as a resident of the city I’m excited to see what the future is going to look like,” Maynes said.