BCBusiness

S p e c i a l F e a t u r e A L T E R N A T I V E E N E R G Y to consider that if we commit ourselves more vigorously to clean energy projects, chances are aboriginal groups will be more amenable to the pipeline projects that are an integral part of our energy future." Strictly from an economic viewpoint, one community that could benefit from more renewable power is Tumbler Ridge (population 2,500), whose fortunes have peaked and plummeted in tandem with the performance of the mining sector. Jordan Wall, economic development officer for Tumbler Ridge, says while the number of people leaving town today for brighter work prospects is nowhere near the exodus that decimated his region in 2003, "We're still hurting—but new wind farms are a way to create employment and help us get back on our feet." January saw construction commence on Pattern Energy Group LP's $400-million Meikle Wind energy project near Tumbler Ridge, one of 20 independent power projects given purchase contracts in 2010 by BC Hydro. In addition to being the province's biggest wind farm (with 61 turbines capable of delivering 588 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year to BC Hydro), the project is also generating 175 construction jobs. And while the farm will have only nine long-term operating jobs when it is complete next year, Wall points out they are secure jobs for the 25-year term of the Pattern/BC Hydro contract. All told, there are $2 billion worth of wind projects currently under environmental assessment in the vicinity of Tumbler Ridge. "The prospects are exciting," says Wall, adding that mining is the major consumer of power and it's only a matter of time before that industry rebounds. "We're pushing hard for clean energy because it's a great opportunity. We have some of the best wind in North America, far better than the wind patterns in Alberta." Concurrent with the growth of renewable energy is the ongoing evolution of Net Zero Energy Homes (i.e., homes that generate as much energy as they consume). Ken Connolly, owner and general manager of Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd. (who is currently building his second passive energy house on Vancouver Island) notes that while solar panels, advanced heat pumps, high performance windows and other systems contribute to achieving Net Zero Energy, the biggest contributor is "sound design and construction techniques that focus on a better building envelope. With a good envelope, we reduce the amount of heat required to the point that radiant heat from the sun or electricity generated by solar panels alone can provide most, if not all, of the energy that the home requires." Connolly points out that Japan and Germany harvest the most solar energy per household use in the world, even though these countries receive less solar irradiation than does the south coast of B.C. "So we have great potential here, despite our cloud cover." Business-wise, Connolly is in an enviable position, since more and more Clean power is all around us. It charges our smartphones, it allows our kids to play soccer at night, it runs our businesses and industries, and it powers the transit system that gets us to work. British Columbia's clean energy sector responsibly, reliably, and affordably produces renewable energy for more than 1.5 million homes across British Columbia. With over 160 members, Clean Energy BC is proud to be the industry association representing the sector and has done so for the past 25 years Energy BC.indd 1 15-11-24 2:24 PM Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd. Several areas in B.C., including Vancouver Island and the Interior, are looking into the development of wind power projects

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