Debates of November 28, 2007 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Wind Energy Conference opens today in Tuktoyaktuk. In recognition of this event, I want to talk about renewable energy and what it can mean to the Northwest Territories.

Wind energy is about one form of renewable energy, which includes hydro, solar, ground source heat, and biomass such as wood or peat. Renewable energy is carbon neutral; that is, it produces very few greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change. Almost all our greenhouse gas emissions come from fossil fuel energy such as oil, gas or coal. Renewable energy is also a form of energy that is much more labour intensive, producing long-term locally rooted jobs.

Amazingly, production of wind energy has been increasing by 30 percent per year around the world. After running into technical glitches in the ‘70s and ’80s, adjustments were made to correct those problems. Wind generators are now being produced in units that can produce 2.5 megawatts and greater under good wind conditions, enough to power a community of 1,200 people.

The countries that did the development work are, of course, the ones that adopted it quickly and now export this technology around the world.

Wind energy has become a major tool in reducing a country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Its growth continues while costs decline; again, especially relative to fossil fuels.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT experimented with wind energy in the 1980s when this technology was problematic, but we did not move with the times and realize the great opportunity afforded by the new technology. The wind conference in Tuk is an indication of progressive movement to get back on track and capitalize on the opportunities that wind can offer.

In a larger way, it highlights many of the opportunities we in the North have been missing to reduce our costs while also reducing our contribution to climate change. All of the forms of renewable energy are applicable in the Northwest Territories. This is because of the fortunate pattern of renewable energy being roughly equally available around the globe.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, renewable energy is of a scale that fits our communities and is ideal for small business and local economies with the appropriate supports and policies in place. But I stress the right policies and support. The removal of barriers requires broad thinking from Aurora College programs in renewable energy to grid-tied renewable energy, to local business training. Mr. Speaker, let’s get it done. Thank you.

---Applause