PICogeneration Case Studies
During the follow-up for each of your projects, we complete a survey so that others can share your experience and learn how they want to develop their own alternate enery project. We are also accumulating alternate energy project case studies from around the world and will make that information available to you as well. If you have information that you would like to pass along, please drop us a line at Mailbox.
From other community stakeholders
Community Research Connections - Sustainable Community Development
A Microgerneration Strategy for Canada - Part 1
Case Summary
This case provides an overview of the potential for microgeneration policy in Canada. It does not provide a detailed analysis of existing or recommended policy options. The purpose is rather to draw attention to the opportunities that microgeneration represents, and to show how that opportunity is being taken by other jurisdictions while Canada lags behind. The report is based on a review of relevant literature and on interviews with stakeholders involved in the microgeneration industry.
The case makes the case for microgeneration technologies as part of a transition to a low carbon economy. It explores the way in which microgeneration has captured the imagination of public and policy-makers alike in the UK. The barriers to microgeneration in Canada are considered as well as an outline of government initiatives to overcome those barriers. The case is completed by suggested elements for a microgeneration strategy for Canada. See full study and comments
A Microgerneration Strategy for Canada - Part 2
Detailed background for case study
Capturing the public imagination: microgeneration in the UK
The leader of the opposition wants to install a wind turbine on his roof (Clover, 2006). The Mayor of London believes that his measures to foster distributed generation in London will be one of the most important parts of his legacy (Livingstone, 2006). Major privatised utilities are buying significant stakes in emerging microgeneration companies (Scottish & Southern Energy, 2006). Over the last few years, small energy has become a big deal in Britain.
The explosion of interest in microgeneration has come about as a result of sustained concern about climate change in energy policy circles, together with concerns about rising energy costs and about the need to make a transition to a sustainable, low carbon energy system. The context in the UK is of course very different from that in Canada, with liberalised electricity markets for over 15 years, rather than the near monopoly situations that exist in many Canadian provinces, and substantially lower electricity prices. However, many of the issues are the same ‐ interconnection, codes and standards, rewards for generation, local planning issues, and high upfront costs faced by consumers. The experience in the UK illustrates how microgeneration can become an empowering and positive way to engage the public in energy and climate change issues. See full study and comments
Deep Water Cooling
Case Summary
Deep water cooling involves using naturally cold water as a heat sink in a heat exchange system, eliminating the need for conventional air conditioning. We compare deep water cooling systems in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Toronto, Ontario, and find that this technology has large ecological benefits and long term economic benefits. This technology requires that a client with a large cooling need is near a deep, cold body of water, and payback times vary depending on the site. Diffusion is hindered by the low cost of energy. The Toronto approach in which many buildings are serviced at once while piggybacking on existing water piping and pumping capacity can deliver cost savings on a shorter time span. Many other locations in which heavy air conditioning users are located next to deep, cold water bodies could use this technology to encourage sustainable building. See full study and comments
Energy Efficiency for Homeowners
Case Summary
As a Kyoto Protocol signatory, Canada has initiated some programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EnerGuide for Houses (EGH) program provided a financial incentive to encourage homeowners to increase the energy efficiency of their homes (related to heating and cooling). Despite the allure of government grants and the financial benefits from energy savings, the number of homeowners following through with upgrades in the EGH program was relatively low. This research examines why homeowners took part in the EGH program and what types of barriers they encountered during, or prior to, renovations. 75 participating homeowners in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) were surveyed, and 8 experts were interviewed. Financial reasons were the main reason for taking part, while also being the main barrier to completing upgrades. An analysis of this case suggests some recommendations for a successor to the EGH program. See full study and comments
Energy Performance Contracting
Case Summary
The City of Toronto has actively provided support for the use of energy performance contracting (involving comprehensive energy and water retrofits and building renewal initiatives) with respect to both private and public buildings located within the City of Toronto. The City exercises this support through the Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) located within its Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE). BBP and OEE form an integral part of the City efforts to contribute to global climate change. (Please refer to the Governance case study entitled “Mid-term Objectives: An Urban Experience, Toronto, Ontario”.) See full study and comments
Renewable Energy in Prince Edward Island
Case Summary
Despite its population of just 138,000, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has undertaken an ambitious renewable energy strategy that has delivered innovative policies, public engagement strategies and economic benefits. PEI was the first province in Canada to adopt renewable energy tariffs as a policy mechanism to encourage wind development. The tariff is balanced with a renewable energy portfolio standard goal of 15 percent of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2010; but because this goal will be met by 2007, the Minister increased the target to 30 percent of all of Prince Edward Island’s energy requirements by 2016. In order to initiate wind energy development, the provincial government, through the PEI Energy Corporation, constructed the first two wind farms and in so doing set the bar in terms of public consultation and financial benefits for future private developments. See full study and comments
Wind Power Generation
Case Summary
Wind power as a source of electricity has many advantages from a sustainability perspective. Aside from equipment manufacture, it carries with it little ecological impact; produces no green house gases; physically takes little room for implementation (one reference quotes 2 per cent of a farmer’s field); and substitutes for a number of environmentally problematic technologies such as the burning of coal or gas, the creation of new hydro reservoirs and/or the use of nuclear energy. Consequently, many see wind power as a potential, if not an integral part of a sustainable solution for Canadian communities. See full study and comments
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