It would seem that George Smitherson's Green Energy Act has most green energy companies waiting anxiously on the sideline. Many investors are excited and ready to invest in what could be one of the cleanest North American energy sectors yet, but much of their decision will be influenced by the restrictions imposed within the act itself. The issues of farmland use and wind setbacks could be deciding factors for the industry and their investment in this province.
The restrictions of farmland use for solar energy harnessing capabilities could be the deciding factor to Ontario getting a $5 billion investment or watching it walk away. The main issue will be access to premium farmland. The Ontario government has said that they will "not compromise access to good farmland". However the energy companies have raised the point that it is often these premium farmlands that have access to the most sun. Furthermore, they are often flatter, allowing for easier installation, and have better access to the electric grid. The Ontario government will have to assess the needs of both the agriculutural communtity and the energy corporations if they plan to have a balanced policy that results in all sides being fairly represented.
Wind setbacks are one of the other main issues set to be laid out in this energy act. Smitherson's department added this restriction to help appease the growing mass of rural and anti-wind energy population that argue that wind turbines make people nauseous and contribute to noise pollution. The rule would impose a limit that requires wind energy to be set back 550m from roads, residences, buildings and property lines. Anti-wind proponents say that 1km is the proper distance while energy producers argue that any restriction imposes on the ability of the industry to act quickly and get renewable energy started. Again, Smitherson's act will have to balance the needs and wants of a passionate electorate and a growing industry.
Despite all of the complications that will come along with this new act, it is hard to deny the positives of a greener Ontario. Not only will it help to decrease our emission levels and help to build on a renewable energy source, but it may lead to the growth of a new manufacturing sector in Ontario. Certainly, the investment of $5 billion in solar energy and $2.3 billion in updated hydro lines (mostly for the delivery of wind energy) would help to boost a srtuggling economy. If Ontario can become a large center for the demand of renewable energy products it only makes sense that the supply will have to increase. This could be the foundations that see Ontario become a leader in the manufacturing area of renewable energy products. Either way, it would appear that the whole issue will rest on Smitherson's Green Energy Act and the restrictions it will place on the industry.
For more information please see:
http://www.greenenergyact.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=1311&SiteNodeID=214&BL_ExpandID=
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/698928
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/09/22/ontario-solar-panels232.html
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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