You Say You Want a Revolution

A recurring theme at the recently held fourth World Future Energy Summit (WFES) was that the transformation to a clean energy future requires a new way of thinking. That new way of thinking was best described by Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, London School of Economics. “In order that climate change targets can be achieved, we face the need for a new industrial revolution. That industrial revolution needs policy change as a driver to reach the scale of change required. With fundamentally strong policy, we can also increase the pace of that change.”

One such policy shift described at the summit is government fuel subsidies. “Government subsidies of energy fuels leads to inefficiencies and waste through artificially high use,” said Dr. Fatih Birol, Chief Economist of International Energy Agency. “Coupled with the current gas glut this poses a real threat to future investment in renewables.”

Another policy shift is to refocus sustainable infrastructure development from established economies to emerging economies. “Developing countries offer a ‘clean sheet’ for renewable technologies as they often do not have the old technologies and infrastructure that developed economies have”, said Rene Umlauft, CEO Renewable Energy, Siemens, Germany. “This means that they can ‘leapfrog’ the problems that developed countries have in replacing old energy systems, making them a key investment market.”

Closer to Home

But policy shifts that drive green energy and sustainability are more than just ideas voiced at environmental summits. Closer to home, the Ontario government’s policies are the drivers of change.

In 2007, the Ontario Power Authority developed a 20-year energy policy that focused on “creating a sustainable energy supply, targeted to improving current natural gas and renewable assets at a sustainable and realistic cost.” That plan included the very successful Feed-in-Tariff program wherein small energy producers using renewable energy sources were paid for surplus power supplied to the grid.

In 2009, the Ontario government introduced its Green Energy and Green Economy Act and its Long-Term Energy Plan (660KB PDF) as an update of the 2007 plan.

During the 1990s, five coal-fired plants, all operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), supplied up to 25 per cent of Ontario’s electricity. With the Long-Term Plan, all coal-fired units will be phased out by December 31, 2014. In doing so, Ontario will become the first jurisdiction in North America to eliminate coal-fired generation.

Closing coal plants actually started in 2005 when OPG decommissioned the Lakeshore generating station in Mississauga, Ontario. In 2010, it shut down two units at Nanticoke and two at Lambton generating station. Two more units at Nanticoke are scheduled to be shut down in 2011. Nanticoke was the largest coal-fired generating station in North America and the largest single emitter of greenhouse gases in Canada.

To make up for lost generating capacity, the single unit at the Atikokan plant in northern Ontario is being converted to burn biomass consisting of wood pellets and agricultural by-products. Two of the three units at Thunder Bay will be converted to natural gas. As well, units at Nanticoke and Lambton may be converted to burn gas or biomass.

Ontario expects that nuclear power will continue to provide up to 50 per cent of its electricity. This may call for refurbishment and modernization of units at the Darlington, Pickering and Bruce nuclear generating stations as well as the addition of two to four new reactors at Darlington.

The province will add capacity through upgrades to, and new construction of, hydropower facilities, wind farms and solar parks. Ontario already leads the country in wind and solar capacity.

Existing Feed-in-Tariff programs, which initially included biomass, biogas, landfill gas, wind, solar and small hydro, will be expanded to include small combined heat and power projects.

While policy is driving change in Ontario, it may not be the only driver. The first Industrial Revolution was driven by innovation and technology that allowed mass production. Similarly, recent advances have contributed to the economic viability of renewable resources such as wind power and solar photovoltaic energy and to the more efficient use of conventional fuels in new technologies such as combined cycle gas turbines. Without these advances, implementing policy change might be prohibitively expensive.

Held in Abu Dhabi and hosted by Masdar, an Abu Dhabi based renewable energy and sustainable technology organization, the WFES is an annual event that promotes innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and the environment. This year’s meeting was attended by more than 26,000 visitors from 137 countries. Delegates included political leaders, international policy makers, industry experts, investors,and academics.

Fuel Switching Part 2: Canada

Unlike the United States, there are federal government policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, and they may result in gas to coal fuel switching. On June 23, 2010 the federal government announced regulations regarding the gradual phase-out of inefficient coal-fired generation in Canada in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The regulations will apply to new coal-fired facilities as well as those reaching the end of their economic life, defined as the longer of 45 years from commissioning date or the expiry of the power purchase agreement in effect when the policy was announced.

The performance standard will be the equivalent of the emissions intensity of natural gas combined cycle technology, which is between 360 and 420 tonnes per gigawatt-hour, and will come into effect in mid-2015.

Coal is used by five provinces as a primary fuel for generating electricity and accounts for 13 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.

However, some fuel-switching has already taken place. Since 1998, Alberta has added 615 megawatts of coal capacity and decommissioned 603 megawatts. Over the same period, as the demand for electricity rose, the province added 4,376 megawatts of natural gas fired electricity while decommissioning 877 megawatts.

Saskatchewan forecasts replacing its entire generating system by 2033. In the short term, it will focus on natural gas projects, including partnering with a natural gas power provider to build a 261 megawatt power station.

Ontario will phase out coal-fired generation by 2014, replacing switching to natural gas or biomass.

Sure EVs are Small, But is the Market Big Enough for all of Them?

By early 2012, there will be at least eight electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers competing for market share in North America. The question is, is there a market?

Low speed and short range aren’t the issue. The 125 kilometre per hour average top speed of an electric car is about 75 kilometres per hour over the normal urban speed limit. And, according to Electric Mobility Canada, 90 per cent of Canadians have a round-trip commute of less than 60 kilometres, which is well within the 130 kilometre average range of an electric car. Further, according to Natural Resources Canada, 60 per cent of the distance travelled by Canadian cars is made up of trips of less than 25 kilometres.

The issue is, when Canadians purchase cars, we still think distance, not practicality. We think about trips to the cottage, to the campground, to hiking trails, bike paths and ski hills, even to other cities. We look at electric cars as being “second cars.” For city use.

Is there a demand? So long as we purchase vehicles based on less than 40 per cent of our driving, there won’t be.

Wind Matters from the Canadian Wind Energy Association

In Ontario the Gosfield Wind Project has opened. Owned by Brookfield Renewable Power, the project (a 50MW facility) will produce power for the Ontario Power Authority. Close on its heels is the construction start of another Brookfield project. Its new Comber Wind farm (a 166MW facility)is expected to be on line in a year. Together these two projects will power over 70,000 average Ontario homes.

Also in Ontario, the government is seeking public input into its long term energy plan. Log on and share you thoughts.

In Nova Scotia the Nuttby Mountain Wind Farm (a 45MW facility) is powering up. If you’ve never had the change to visit a facility, have a look at the pics below. They’ll give you a good sense of scale and better understanding of what’s involved in building a project like this. The green colour bands on the posts are new – nice idea. Thanks to Nova Scotia Power for the slide show.

DIY fuel efficiency

Sometimes, when it comes to fuel efficiency, you can’t wait for companies to provide the solutions: you just have to seize the bull by the horns. And then you have to bend those horns into a more aerodynamic shape.

Right?

If you’re not into bull bending, though, there are still unique ways of environmentally tricking out your ride. Take this photo gallery of DIY efficiency modifications made to a variety of vehicles. From a motorcycle with an aerodynamic shell to a minivan with a plastic tail, these street-legal creations go to show that even existing products can be turned into energy-efficient ones.

Of course, if you’re not willing to commit the time and engineering expertise required for completely modifying your vehicle, you can still improve your fuel efficiency just by changing your driving habits. There are a host of sources for energy-saving tips in the car, including the Office of Energy Efficiency; provincial government websites, like the BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure; and of course our own Canadian Centre for Energy Information.

Still, if you find yourself seized by the urge to seize your own proverbial bull by the horns, and you’ve got the wherewithal to make it happen, why not take a stab at it?

Via Popular Science

Image: Technological University of Malaysia vehicle competes in the Shell Eco-marathon fuel efficiency challenge at Sepang.

Is a picture worth a 1,000 watts?

LCDs and plasma televisions are the Donald Trumps of the energy world: power hungry.

New efforts are being made to scale back energy sucking flat-screen TVs by requiring retailers to sell only the most energy-efficient models by 2011. LCD televisions use around 43% more electricity, while plasma screens use three times more power than conventional models.

In California, televisions account for about 10% of the average monthly household electricity bill. The Golden State’s Energy Commission is searching for inventive ways to save and redistribute power consumption.

On average, 4 million more television sets are being sold per year. Regulating televisions would reduce energy needs by an amount equivalent to the power consumed by 86,400 homes per year. The regulations, phased in over two years, would save homeowners anywhere between $18 and $30 a month on their power bills.

This is nothing new for other home appliances such as refrigerators, which have had efficiency standards for more than 30 years. An average refrigerator made in 2001, for example, was 146 percent more energy efficient that a similar model made in 1980.

But it’s a trade-off. In order to save on energy, you have to pay more up-front. For example, a more-energy-efficient washer costs anywhere between $800 and $1,600 compared to the $500 you would pay for a standard washer.

From Boob Tube to E-Tube, in many cases, the ultimate energy savings will offset the extra initial cost and make that Superbowl victory that much sweeter.

Spring cleaning for your car

You’ve been reading lots about how to make your home and office more energy-efficient for the summer. But did you stop to consider how you go from one to the other?

Most North Americans drive to work – it’s just the way things are. While we’re generally aware that driving produces greenhouse gas emissions, we’re not as aware that it could be less.

There are those who believe driving faster is actually better for the environment. Their thinking is that by going faster, the car’s engine is running (and thus polluting) for shorter periods of time. Those people are quite, quite wrong.

While different vehicle reaches optimal fuel economy at different speeds, it’s generally accurate to say slower means greener. Fuel efficiency in most cars decreases rapidly at speeds above 96 km/h, or 60 mph.

Anything faster not only burns more fuel, but more money.

Another way to “green” your car is better planning. The average distance driven per person has increased 36 per cent in the past 15 years. This can be greatly diminished by combining trips. Less fuel is expended on one two-stop shopping trip than two single-stop trips – partly because less distance travelled, but also because cold engines burn more fuel.

Many other easily-adjustable factors affect fuel economy. Generally speaking, slow and steady is not only safer, but greener.

By going easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoiding hard accelerations, reducing time idling and unloading unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight, you can burn much less gas, and produce significantly less CO2.

Energy in Canada #2

With increased pressure to reduce greenhouse gases while continuing to meet increased demand for energy, more Canadians are looking to nuclear as a possible solution to energy security. Read More

EMISSION-FREE ENERGY
North America’s largest source of emission-free energy is nuclear. But Canadians still know relatively little about it, the environmental issues surrounding it and the role it plays in supplying our energy demands. Read More

SECURING OUR ENERGY FUTURE
As Canada looks to nuclear energy to meet future demands for more efficient energy, some are questioning the source’s reliability. But Canada’s nuclear industry continues to be a proven performer. Read More

AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE
When we think of the benefits and impacts of nuclear energy production and use, environmental concerns are often top-of-mind along with issues of safety. But the economics are also important to consider. Read More

BUILDING ON OUR EXPERIENCE
More than 60 years of experience in the nuclear industry has helped showcase Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing reliable and safe energy. Read More

EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES The Canadian Nuclear Association recently launched a new nuclear science technology website for Grade 9-12 students. The learning modules have been developed respecting the Pan Canadian Framework guidelines and provincial curriculum requirements for teachers in general science, environmental science, biology, physics, chemistry, geography, history, social studies and world issues.

The modules focus on eight key areas including: Canada’s Nuclear History, Atomic Theory, What is Radiation?, Biological Effects of Radiation, World Energy Sources, Nuclear Technology at Work, Safety in the Nuclear Industry and Career information.

The new materials help students and teachers examine the science and issues related to nuclear technology. Included are more than 50 lesson plans, classroom activities, project descriptions and questions and answer sheets to support teaching and learning.

Eco-friendly signs

Exit signs are telling electricity: don’t let the door hit you on your way out.

“Exit” is the one sign you definitely want illuminated at all times. Traditionally, building operators simply plug them in and think nothing more of it. McHenry, Illinois-based Jessup Manufacturing has come up with an ingenious – and cool – alternative.

Instead of electricity, Eco Exit signs are charged with ambient light. Jessup claims a building that replaces 100 incandescent exit signs with Eco Exit models can save about $3,450 per year. Even LED signs are pricier – costing around $712 annually to operate.

The Eco Exit uses one of nature’s favourite lighting tricks – photoluminescence. Each sign absorbs and stores ambient light, and uses it when it gets dark. It’s visible up to 100 feet away, and lasts 25 years with virtually zero maintenance.

The chief advantage, of course, is these signs can be off the grid. If an area isn’t wired, or operators simply don’t want monthly electricity bills or installation costs, the Eco Exit is a solid option. It just needs small amount of light during the day to work at night.

Will these replace standard LED exit signs?

Maybe, maybe not. LEDs are still code compliant and relatively energy efficient. The Eco Exit’s chief drawback is it’s not recyclable. But you can’t always have your cake and eat it too.

The Eco Exit may not need electricity, but there’s a tradeoff – no matter what happens, it’s destined for the landfill. Sometimes you have to choose between “reduce” and “recycle.”

Does the thought of winter give you a chill? Cool your heating costs with these hot energy tips

Winter is coming. 

In Canada, those words have an ominous ring, even scarier than “We need to talk.” Not just because of the impending backbreaking snow-shovelling duties. Not because of the day you know you will spend digging out your windshield scraper. Not even because of malls jam-packed with holidays shoppers scrambling to find the best deal that says “You’re someone special.”

In Canada, that winter is on its way means consumers will need to spend more heating their homes. What’s worse – the cost of heating your home is projected to rise. This winter, Canadian can expect to pay about 10 per cent more on heating. But the good news is there are many simple, yet effective ways to cut heating costs this winter.

Small measures add up to big savings

It’s easy to dismiss small measures as just that – small.  What difference can adjusting, say, the power settings on your computer make?  About $40 per year.  Not bad when you consider that a lot of small adjustments add up and in a hurry.  

Time to pull out your sweater – Adjusting your thermostat to a lower daytime temperature by one degree can save up to three per cent on your heating bills, depending on your home design, heating system and insulation.  It’s a fact that many homes are unnecessarily warmed to summer temperatures all year round. Lowering the temperature even more at night will further cut your savings. 

Ceiling fans – Reversing the direction on your ceiling fan will reverse the air circulation, drawing the air upwards instead of downwards. Just as it promotes more efficient cooling in the summer, reversing your ceiling fan promotes heating efficiency in the winter.

Give your laundry the cold shoulder – Washing your clothes in cold water, instead of hot or even lukewarm, will cut your energy consumption dramatically. 90 per cent of the energy used for laundry is in heating the water. Plus, your clothes will survive more spin cycles.

Put the damper on heat loss – Simply closing the flue damper when your fireplace is not in use will save you an extra $190 per year. That’s because when not in use, the chimney still draws in warm air, from your home. Conservatively, you could be spending an extra $50 per month during the winter months to heat the outside air.

Dodge the drafts – Weatherizing and insulating your home will not only cut costs, but increase comfort. Check for cold air drafts and seal up windows and doors with easy-to-install weatherstripping. Consider adding extra insulation to attics, basements and crawlspaces.

Give your hot water tank a cozy cover – Covering your hot water tank with an insulation wrap is an inexpensive and simple way to improve the efficiency of your system. Costing about $20 for the wrap, the energy savings will pay-off in a few months.

Cut back on hot water consumption – Installing a low-flow showerhead, turning down the temperature setting on your hot water tank or just taking a shorter shower will cut down on your energy bills. On average, consumers spend 15 per cent of their energy costs on heating water. If you are considering upgrading your hot water tank, consider a solar hot water heater. 

Let the sun shine – Opening drapes and window coverings to let the sun in will offset heating costs with free passive solar heat. Be sure to take advantage of prime southern and western exposures.

Flip the switch on incandescent light bulbs – Replacing your outdated incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs will multiply the energy savings. A shocking 95 per cent of the energy used by incandescent bulbs goes to heating the bulb. Compact fluorescent bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer.

If that isn’t enough to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling this winter, check out these energy rebate and incentive programs.

Rewards for Recycling – The Ontario provincial power authority in cooperation with Canadian Tire has launched a recycling incentive program. Consumers will receive Canadian Tire gift cards in exchange for returning used air conditioners, dehumidifiers and halogen lamps. The program will result in a total gross energy savings of approximately 10.38 million KWh, equivalent to the total consumption of over 12,200 households.

Power Smart Rebates – The Canadian government will provide up to $500 for switching to an energy efficient furnace. In many provinces, the provincial government will match or supplement the rebate. For example, Manitoba Hydro offers Power Smart rebate which doubles the federal rebate.

Project Porchlight – Started in Ottawa in 2004, the project is dedicated to making efficient compact fluorescent bulbs available to consumers through a trade-in program. Consumers can trade their old incandescent bulbs for the newer, more efficient compact fluorescents.

Energy Audit – Often sponsored by gas and electricity utilities or local governments, energy audit programs offer consumers free or subsidized energy audits. A qualified energy auditor goes over your home with a fine-tooth comb, looking for energy leaks and suggests ways to reduce your energy consumption with home improvements. Even when paid for out of pocket, the savings will pay for the audit within a few years.

Rebates – Designed to help lower-income Canadians with their energy costs, rebate programs vary widely from province to province. Ranging from rebates to offset higher heating costs to incentives for purchasing energy efficient homes, find out about the programs in your area.

So remember…winter is coming. But by making a few small changes, we can add up the energy savings and beat the cold weather blues.

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