In the news this week - British Columbia Renewable Energy
- In a newspaper editorial by Harvie Campbell of Pristine Power, British Columbia's massive forest industry is poised to take a leadership role in bioenergy. By using BC's abundant timber residue, bioenergy technologies can take the forest industry's "leftovers" to create renewable power that is GHG neutral. The economic and environmental benefits of bioenergy are significant. To me, this makes too much sense and no doubt it is a welcome opportunity in many communities across British Columbia that are facing new challenges with the forest industry. The solution may just be as simple as diversification into renewable energy.
- Terasen Gas opts for Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Program (CNGV) to promote clean, efficient natural gas vehicles as an energy alternative in B.C.'s transportation sector. Just another example how the private sector is innovating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- BCTC files with BCUC for proposed 500 kv, 255 km transmission line from Merritt to Coquitlam, BC. The line is needed to service the growing population of Vancouver's Lower Mainland and if approved is expected to be completed by 2014. You can expect many more new high-voltage transmission lines to be built in British Columbia in the next decade.
- Wind, Water, Tide and Garbage will power Vancouver Island say proponents of alternative energy on Vancouver Island. With less than a week remaining before proposals are to be submitted to BC Hydro in response to the Clean Power Call, British Columbia can expect to see a series of clean power projects coming online in the next few years.
- Applause for BC's Carbon Tax at the Global Climate Summit in California. British Columbia is the only jurisdiction in North America to have a carbon tax. While it has proven to be a political lightning rod here at home, leadership at the highest political levels on reducing greenhouse gases is few and far between in North America. Reminds me of a quote:
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Albert Einstein
