opinion: renewable energy vital for first nations and remote communities - electrical energy storage systems
Robert Daniel "Bob" Noel served as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
He is now developing energy storage and renewable microgrids for remote communities and First Nations in Canada and the United States.
Canada has more than 630 first-nation governments serving 700,000 people.
Many of these communities are located in the north and in remote areas, off the grid and relying on environmental protection
Unfriendly diesel generators, because their power needs are the source of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and lead to smoke formation that may affect the health of the community.
Diesel is not only bad for the environment, but also expensive and unreliable.
These communities pay more directly and indirectly for their power than anywhere in North America, even with government subsidies and programs.
As former minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, I have witnessed firsthand how the First Nations community has worked to reduce greenhouse gases and understand the importance of sustainable development.
Some First Nations communities have launched solar, wind and small hydropower initiatives, but more needs to be done to ensure that clean and affordable energy is available to all remote communities.
It's time for private businesses and governments to work with Aboriginal people and other remote communities to provide clean, affordable renewable energy.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently announced his support for the development of clean energy in Northern Quebec.
"Our government's investment in innovative clean energy technologies is creating jobs, creating new economic opportunities, and protecting the environment in Northern Quebec and across Canada," the prime minister said . ".
"Through our responsible resource plans, competitive tax rates and investments in skills training, Canadian resource companies are growing, creating jobs and improving the quality of life in northern communities.
As the prime minister has recognized, the first step in changing clean energy technologies is to recognize solutions.
Our country, including provincial/regional and individual communities, needs collective understanding that our energy solutions will not be addressed unless we turn to wind power, solar and hydro solutions and energy storage solutions that are safe, efficient and cost-effective.
"Smart Grid" and "micro grid" are two more and more common phrases --
The key to both is storage.
The goal of the smart grid is to improve the efficiency of power generation, distribution and use of energy, while the micro-grid is
Use renewable energy sources such as wind energy and solar energy to generate and distribute energy.
Neither of these methods works unless you have the ability to store excess power for later use.
Today, I am working with Vanadium Corporation of the United States to provide renewable energy to generate electricity and to combine it with their CellCube energy storage system as a viable means to meet the needs of the community, and for the future of Canada as the First Nation and northern community.
The CellCube energy storage system developed by Gildemeister has been installed around the world after more than five years of on-site testing and practice.
How can we contribute to the future supply of electricity for First Nations and other remote communities in Canada?
We need to evaluate all alternative energy solutions and identify which solutions can provide costs
The value of being responsible for the environment.
We can achieve this by working with governments to develop policies, foster sustainable development for First Nations, recognize opportunities, and build the capacity needed to implement successful projects.
Robert Daniel "Bob" Noel served as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
He is now developing energy storage and renewable microgrids for remote communities and First Nations in Canada and the United States.