With better storage, perhaps we can fill our emergency energy reserves (or even operational capacity) through accumulated solar charging technology?
https://www.sciencedaily.com/release...1120131309.htm
Scaling and cost would certainly be an issue (at least in today's dollars), but solar should theoretically still be viable as part of a viable mix of energy sources for a jurisdiction. I do think we are just in the infancy though, and seeing private investment in solar farms in Alberta is a good sign there is a market for this in the future. However, if we took an approach of a decentralized and small scale system, some communities could be powered through renewables, as well be energy-independent. A good listen for this topic, and on batteries and renewables is located on
The Documentary Podcast.
I also like the idea of a thermoelectric generator to generate electricity; this means our cold temperatures could actually work to our advantage.
http://theconversation.com/researche...ff-grid-123464
Greater temperature differences could generate more power with thermoelectric generators, and it works better in drier environments (such as Alberta's, compared to a Vancouver or Toronto). Again though, scaling would be an issue.
Nuclear fusion (as opposed to fission) could also be a future technology to look at as well. And there are private interests already at play:
https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/27/a-...million-boost/
Exciting to see new technologies perhaps one day increase the ability of renewable energy to power Alberta in conjunction with our unique place in the world and our environmental properties. Hopefully in our lifetime that "perfect mix" could be attained.