We all know the expression about teaching a man to fish being more powerful than giving him a bunch of fish, so why isn’t this idea applied more readily to renewable energy development?
Go Small or Go Home
Communities have shown much more enthusiasm for renewable energy when it’s their own, as opposed to belonging to an outside developer. Many Ontario communities have been actively opposed to the development of wind turbines, both on and offshore, in their backyards for various reasons, ranging from their appearance, to the effect on property values, to the health impacts of living next to a turbine. My theory – why fight the people when you can just join ‘em?
Judging by the myriad of rules and regulations Ontario recently announced, they are getting the message. Minimum set back limits of over 500 meters for wind means that many proposed projects won’t be able to go ahead as originally planned. At the same time, bonuses are available to community owned projects, grants and loan guarantees have been created specifically for community energy projects, and smaller projects get automatic front of the line access to the provincial electricity grid.
The underlying message is clear – smaller, distributed generation owned by the rural communities of Ontario is preferable to large scale wind farms owned by a few corporations.
Communities in Transition
Empowerment is the fundamental principal that makes the Transition Town concept so powerful and successful. Preach all you want about the dangers of climate change, people may be interested and possibly change a few habits, but they will not be motivated into action. Sit in a big circle and ask everyone for their ideas on how to improve your community, and then put those into action with the people managing the projects, and you will get real change. The best part is that it’s contagious. More and more people will want to get involved because in the end, they’re the ones with the most to gain from the transition.
Our Tool Box is Getting Full
With financial and regulatory support from the province and organizational support from your local Transition initiative, it is now easier than ever for Ontario communities to build, own and operate renewable energy projects.
Stop waiting around for the fish monger to make his delivery, it’s time to cast off and catch your own. ReGenerate can help you grow local value and create jobs in your community – with biogas. Talk to me to find out how.
photo credit a_real_horrorshow_devotchka
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