(Credit: teachandlearn via Flickr)
Ontarians have a choice. We can continue to support an energy system that creates lasting jobs and investment dollars for Ontario, or we can sacrifice our leadership position and become economic laggards in the North American energy industry.
In just over two years, Ontario has almost doubled its wind generation and become second in North America for solar generation. Ontario's Green Energy Act, Long Term Energy Plan, and Feed-in Tariff program form the fundamental foundation of our energy future, and need to be supported in the next provincial election. The Green Energy Act benefits homeowners, workers, businesses, and communities. As of September, the Green Energy Act had created 13,000 jobs in renewable energy R&D, manufacturing, installation, and operation.
Positioning Ontario in the Booming Renewable Energy Industry
With the Fukushima nuclear disaster, conflicts in fossil-fuel supply, and health concerns over pollution, the winds are changing in Ontario. The province needs to replace 43% of its electricity generation within the next 10 years — mostly due to coal plants being phased out and old nuclear reactors reaching end of life. A myopic dependence on fossil-fuels will create a perverse scenario that 'locks in' Ontarians for decades. Since Ontario needs to replace the electricity capacity anyways, we should develop economic opportunities for Ontario by supporting widespread renewable energy development.
In 2010, the global renewable energy industry attracted $211 billion of new investment — representing a 32% annual jump. China, America, and India are already moving quickly and investing heavily in renewable energy. Canada needs to position itself strategically within the future energy industry — or be left fumbling in the dark for band-aid alternatives. A stable renewable energy policy coupled with strong investor confidence leverage the same entrepreneurial and human talent that propelled Ontario innovations such as the Blackberry worldwide.
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The Feed-in Tariff Program and Maintaining Ontario's Credibility
Ontario's Green Energy Act and Feed-in Tariff program were launched in 2009 and designed to develop an entire renewable energy industry. While the Feed-in Tariff program is not perfect, it can be improved during the next review period expected in the Fall. Ontarians need to accept that development — of all types — takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day — and, likewise, we need to recognise that this program is part of a long-term energy vision.
In contrast, a cancellation of the Feed-in Tariff program for myopic and political reasons sends a detrimental signal about Ontario's commitment to business development. Reneging on Feed-in Tariff contracts for project developers will reverberate throughout the international business community. This would be disastrous to Ontario's business credibility and hinder investment in other Ontario industries as well. Continued support for the Feed-in Tariff program, however, attracts domestic and international interest in Ontario's economy.
Industrial Revitalisation, Job Creation, and Cost Effectiveness
As Canada's manufacturing heartland, Ontario already has the factories and skilled workers that could develop solar panels, wind turbines, and other equipment. The Feed-in Tariff program has spurred factory retrofits and employee retraining in Ontario. It also provides strong domestic demand for renewable energy systems made and serviced by Ontarians. These demand and supply forces revitalise and strengthen Ontario's manufacturing sector from future economic downturns.
In addition to industrial revitalisation, the Green Energy Act will create 50,000 Ontario jobs by the end of 2012. The Pembina Institute recently modeled two cost scenarios and supported the cost-effectiveness of these jobs and economic benefits. In the medium and long-term, Ontario ratepayers will have lower electricity rates if we invest in more renewable energy — and higher rates if we neglect such investments. Developing renewable energy today effectively reduces our exposure to rising (and volatile) fossil-fuel prices in the future.
Local Communities, Local Power, Local Benefits
The Green Energy Act also benefits local communities. Unlike an acid rain inducing coal plant, many renewable energy systems can be installed within communities, by community members. Community power projects create local jobs, know-how, and renewable energy for the direct benefit of the local economy. Such projects keep local investment dollars inside the community where they can be spent by local members on local businesses. As a result, the economic multiplier (of up to 3 times) can promote more local jobs and economic resilience.
So far, 111 community and aboriginal groups have received Feed-in Tariff contracts to install locally-owned renewable energy projects in Ontario. Thousands more are being installed on individual homes, businesses, and farms. These projects allow neighbours, farmers, and community members to control and benefit directly from the electricity produced.
Preventing 'Brain Drain'
My colleagues and I have been fortunate to take part in this shift to renewable energy. We have worked on projects for Ontario schools, First Nations, policy-makers, manufacturers, and international NGOs. I am proud to collaborate with passionate professionals around the province committed to advancing Ontario's energy industry. Ontario is investing in our skills and, in turn, my colleagues and I hope to give back by advancing Ontario's energy industry. Of course, we need the Green Energy Act and Feed-in Tariff to continue with our work.
Make no mistake: the worried discussions around the water-cooler are already happening. A generation of skilled, forward-thinking, and educated Ontarians will follow the green energy jobs — even if this means leaving the province. Moreover, these Ontarians may not return. The Green Energy Act will prevent this 'brain drain' and maintain Ontario's energy leadership.
Our Energy Future
On October 6, I merely ask that you consider the importance of Ontario's energy future for your children and future Ontarians. The long-term viability of our energy system is just as critical as Ontario's economic competitiveness, education, or healthcare. After all, renewable energy powers the businesses, schools, and hospitals we all rely on — and Ontarians, of all ages and political stripes, now must take ownership in the energy future that is being built.
Tom Du is an energy researcher at the Sustainable Energy Initiative and a York University graduate student. He volunteers with various environmental and energy groups in Ontario, and also works part-time as a sustainability consultant.
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1 Comment
2:37 AM
Ontario's renewable energy project is a good live example for the world to think in this direction. However, is there any future plan to use geothermal or biofuel? http://www.brightgreentalent.com/green-jobs/green-energy-jobs/
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