Key Insights

• EPCOR is actively working towards net-zero operations in response to increasing public and regulatory pressure to address climate change while promoting sustainability.
• Water utilities are facing the challenge of balancing emissions reductions with maintaining high-quality, affordable services in rapidly growing communities.
• EPCOR has significantly invested in renewable energy projects with solar and wind farms to accelerate progress towards net-zero emissions.
• The integration of advanced systems such as the battery energy storage system (BESS) and distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) is crucial for optimizing energy use.
• To achieve the net-zero goal by 2050 set by EPCOR, a 3-step plan was created to implement net-zero initiatives.
• The 3-step process in the net-zero plan includes developing an energy and emissions baseline, strategic planning, and building a road map to net-zero.
• Water utilities will benefit from utilizing net-zero pathways and knowledge sharing networks like Canadian Water Network (CWN) in building resilient systems.
• There are government grants available to accelerate greenhouse gas emissions reduction through adoption of new technologies.
• Scope 3 emissions are a challenge due to lack of disclosure by third-party suppliers.
• Technology continues to be developed to measure and mitigate impacts of greenhouse gas emissions from the wastewater sector.

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