Ethanol at the pumps part of Alberta's new energy strategy

Alberta will require gasoline to contain five per cent ethanol as part of a long-term plan when it comes to producing and using energy.

Premier Ed Stelmach and Energy Minister Mel Knight released a new Provincial Energy Strategy, a glossy booklet outlining the province's "energy vision," in Calgary on Thursday.

The report includes few specifics and no timeline, but does mention adopting a standard of five per cent ethanol in gasoline and two per cent renewable content in diesel by 2010.

"The strategy hopes to set the stage for the future of energy development in Alberta," said Stelmach. "This strategy is being released at an opportune time. I say this because the energy sector is truly at a crossroads, not only in Alberta but around the world. Despite its many successes, this sector is clearly not immune from global economic pressures."

The province should be looking at alternative and renewable energy resources while aiming to "produce and consume fossil fuels in a far cleaner way," according to the report.

"The strategy acknowledges that hydrocarbons will continue to fuel both our economy and the global economy for many years to come. It also recognizes the urgent need to lessen the environmental impact of developing these resources," said Stelmach.

Dave Collyer, president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said the document sends the right message.

"I think it has got all the key elements in it, but it needs more specifics and I'm sure that will follow," he said.

The aim of the strategy includes:

Encouraging the development of renewable energy and addressing the "environmental footprint of energy."Investing in the development of gasification technology and carbon capture and storage.Exploring "ways in which value will be added to Alberta's energy industry."Aggressively marketing Alberta's energy globally.Changing energy consumption behaviour of industry and ordinary Albertans.Increasing investment in research, development, demonstration and deployment of energy technology.Strengthening the electrical transmission system by "identifying requirements, technical solutions, timing, and updating of the approval process."

In a release, the provincial government promised to "report annually to Albertans on progress implementing the strategy."