Enbridge Inc.’s chief executive officer says the company is proud to embrace renewable energy while still seeking support for the Northern Gateway oil pipeline proposal.

 

Al Monaco cautions that Enbridge’s shift to operating in a low-carbon economy will be a lengthy process, so a prudent and balanced approach is required.

 

He made the comments on Thursday after participating in a panel discussion at the Globe 2016 conference on sustainable business.

 

“In terms of our company, we have a responsibility to make sure that we’re feeding the energy market with the energy that it wants,” he said. “On the other hand, we are making great strides in renewables. Our company alone has put $5-billion into solar and wind projects. These projects take time to develop. The transition is not going to happen overnight.”

 

Since 2002, Enbridge’s investments in renewable and alternative energy have included wind farms, solar operations, a geothermal project, waste-heat recovery facilities and a hydroelectric plant.