What about conservation?

There's lots of renewable energy coverage these days, but conservation not so much. When is the last time you saw conservation hit the news. I've seen a similar trend in government programming - lots of support and drive towards turbines and solar panels, but very little new in the area of conservation.

I learned very early on from the experts that conservation is job one before producers consider entering the world of renewable energy production - when you think about it, it makes sense, dollars and cents. To cultivate conservation for an energy producer means more net energy going to the grid and more dollars in your pocket.

Are you on the conservation bandwagon?

Here is a bright idea!

World estimated electrical consumption for lighting is 17.5% of total. It is also estimated that the U.S. uses 20% of this total at a cost of $40 billion annually. The numbers are huge for lighting alone.

Greenhouse operations would clearly benefit from energy efficient lighting. Other less obvious operations like turkey production also benefit. As an energy savings strategy some turkey producers have employed lighting that increases intensity gradually in morning to simulate dawn and vice versa at sunset. This enhances the turkeys environment and they produce more. It also means significant energy savings.

Sounds like two birds with one stone to me and you have to like that.

High Performance New Construction Program - Apps Close Oct 31

Many producers in Ontario have taken advantage of the High Performance New Construction program...it is worth taking a look if you are building this summer.

Dollars are available to those that are building with energy efficiency and conservation in mind.

Applications are being accepted until October 31, 2010. Find out more through your local Enbridge or Union Gas representative.

CONSERVATION FIRST

I first started writing about renewable energy about four years ago and have heard from numerous experts that conservation first before engaging in renewable energy is an essential policy. To me it is a common sense approach.

Yet 99% of reports on activities related to energy are focused on renewables and it seems government policy points this way as well. Recently applications for support under EcoEnergy, a federal conservation initiative, were unaccepted.

In Ontario the province has purchased thousands of megawatts of renewable power yet there seems to be a gap in programs for conservation.

What do you think, conservation first or fast track to a green energy production emphasis?

Solar Farms - A New Dilemma

There is much discussion in Ontario on solar energy production due to the incentives for energy purchase under the FIT program. If I were a large land owner, perhaps I would consider the business opportunity - or should I? According to some, when it comes to alternative land use we should put photovoltaic (PV) solar collectors on the acres and acres of roof top that exists in urban areas in Ontario first, which makes sense to me conceptually.

On the otherhand, farmers are natually focused on capturing the sun's energy with several that have resources to manage solar energy production as well as crop production enterprises.

Then there is the issue of "visual heritage" or visual assets (as discussed in a previous blog). I literally can't see a view of acres of solar collectors being visually appealing...

It is a complex proposition with many facets - as a start here are some solar energy related resources: Natural Resources Canada: Solar Maps for Canada - www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca and Clean Air Foundation's Go Solar Website www.gosolarontario.ca and Canadian Solar Industries Association www.cansia.ca and Ontario Power Authority: Feed-In tariff Program www.powerauthority.on.ca/FIT .

On a personal note, I took a short hiatus as I lost a dear friend early last week. It sure took the wind out of my turbine. Today, I am grateful for the sun's energy and power to renew me emotionally. Take care.