News Archive

On October 19 WADE Canada released its three year business plan and is now working with members and affiliates to implement the following strategies outlined in the plan:
Calgary Herald

• Enabling innovation strategy
• Annual SME sector review
• Research, development and demonstration program (RDDP)
• National needs assessment for policy reform
• Pilot regional needs assessments for decentralized energy training and education programs
• Job placement program
• DE internship program

For more information on WADE Canada Business Plan click here.

WADE Canada has voiced its concerns regarding Bill 50, the Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009. If adopted, Bill 50 will allow the Stelmach government to fast track approximately $15 billion of upgrades to our transmission infrastructure including the construction of new transmission lines. Some industry experts expect this price tag to be up to $20 billion. Bill 50 would give the province authority to do this without a public hearing process held by the regulator. Albertans would be silenced even if it means they will foot the bill.

The role of our regulator is "to protect social, economic and environmental interests of Alberta where competitive market forces do not," says Geraldine Byrne, Vice-President of WADE Canada. "We are asking the government to change its course and hold transparent public hearings to hear what Albertans have to say" says Byrne.

WADE Canada President, Anouk Kendall, hopes that the government will allow Alberta stakeholders to explore alternatives to the expenditures outlined in Bill 50 to ensure that we are investing wisely. "The alternative is found in a balanced and long term transmission plan which factors in improved generation efficiencies, reduced peak demand and advancements in grid management" says Kendall. "We need to sit down with stakeholders and understand our options and their respective price tags."

WADE Canada will be hosting a Round Table discussion with energy experts in Alberta to address the following two questions:

• What are the benefits of decentralized energy for the Province of Alberta?
• Acknowledging these benefits, how does decentralized energy impact the need for transmission upgrades?

WADE Canada's Feature Project of the Month
Renewable Energy Applied Research at Lakeland College

Over the past five years, Lakeland College has been building applied research momentum in renewable energy, conservation, reclamation, and agriculture. Lakeland's 'Renewable Energy Cabin', a new off-grid building at the Vermilion, Alberta campus, is a demonstration facility for various renewable energy technologies. Lakeland will be submitting a proposal to the NSERC College and Community Innovation Program on November 23 for $2.3 million in federal research funding over five years. The College is currently looking for industry partners to join in and support their program of research. The College hopes to raise an additional $50,000 cash and $120,000 in-kind per year for the project.

The College is in its second year of delivering the 'Renewable Energy and Conservation' program that aims to train the next generation of leaders in renewable energy and energy conservation. Their 'geo energy exchange - installation' course is approved by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition as a pre-certification course. Lakeland plans to develop its solar courses to align with Canadian Solar Industry Association and North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners standards. Lakeland's applied research efforts focus on the integration and adaptation of various technologies to develop a hybrid systems approach at the homeowner level to visualize and maximize energy generation efficiency.


For further inquiries, please contact:

Mel Mathison
780.853.8741
mel.mathison@lakelandcollege.ca

Diane Harms
780.875.2763
diane.harms@telus.net
appliedresearch@lakelandcollege.ca

Patricia is a Communications professional specializing in environmental and sustainable development issues. Patricia has extensive communications experience in the field of urban sustainable development and is on the Board of Directors of the Montreal Urban Community Sustainment Project. Her industry sector experience also stems from her work with Canada's Telecommunications Hall of Fame.

Fluent in three languages and a traveler, Patricia's interests remain varied. She is dedicated to supporting the multifaceted mission of WADE Canada.