Sustainability Reporting Initiative
Air
Our projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner air so we can all breathe easier.
By avoiding fossil fuel combustion for electricity generation, renewable energy projects promote cleaner air while reducing greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions. Our hydroelectric, wind and solar facilities produce no air pollution and no significant GHG emissions.
In 2018, Innergex produced 6,372,388,000 kWh of renewable electricity, reducing fossil fuel usage. With the US marginal emissions factor, this would save 4,506,241 metric tonnes of CO2, an amount equivalent to the yearly emissions of 956,739 gasoline passenger vehicles1.
Carbon Emissions
Our operational hydro, wind, and solar facilities generate electricity with little to no significant amounts of GHG emissions. Our facilities also help contribute to reducing GHG emissions in the countries where we operate.
In 2018, Innergex produced 6,372,388,000 kWh of renewable electricity. With the US marginal emissions factor, this would save 4,506,241 metric tonnes of CO2, an amount equivalent to the yearly emissions of 956,739 gasoline passenger vehicles1.
Across its operations, Innergex had Scope 1 GHG emissions (mainly attributable to fuel combustion in maintenance vehicles) of 0.00016 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per MWh in 2014. Our activities have not significantly changed materially in the meantime, and we will update this figure with 2019 data.
Our Scope 1 GHG emissions in 2018 mainly stem from:
- Combustion of gasoline in company-owned cars, utility vehicles such as pick-up trucks, all-terrain vehicles, boats and snowmobiles used by facility operators for on-site operations and maintenance. We are increasing the number of electric vehicles that are part of our fleet;
- Combustion of diesel in heavy equipment (e.g. boom trucks, backhoes) and emergency back-up generators; and
- Combustion of propane used in small power generators in remote locations.
1 Based on Innergex’s consolidated generation plus its share of the Joint Ventures and Associates (excluding HS Orka) of 6,372,388,000 kWh, and calculated through https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator
Project Construction
During construction periods, due to their very nature, there are measurable amounts of GHG emissions from activities. These emissions are the result of operating heavy-duty machinery, transportation of materials, project assembly and other related works. Construction phases at our facilities, depending on their type and size, can be completed in as little as 12 months up to as long as 36 months.
In 2018, Innergex had one project, the Flat Top wind project in Texas that completed construction activities and two projects that began construction, the Phoebe solar project and Foard City wind project, both also located in Texas. Construction will continue on these projects throughout 2019 with expected completion dates in Q3 and Q4 respectively.
Policies
Innergex’s policies are designed to guide the Corporation and its employees to ensure compliance in all aspects of its business. These policies ensure the sustainable growth of the Corporation through supporting employees with information-sharing and training, providing transparency with shareholders and the public, and clearly laying out the Corporation’s vision for ethical and acceptable behaviour. The policies are reviewed on an annual basis and updated accordingly.
Please note: On May 23, 2019, Innergex completed the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary Magma Energy Sweden A.B. which owns an equity interest of approximately 53.9% in HS Orka hf (“HS Orka”). The activities of HS Orka included two geothermal facilities, one hydro project in development and prospective projects in Iceland and are now treated as discontinued operations. As a result, they are not included in the Sustainability Reporting Initiative.
