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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-04-09, Page 17THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2003. PAGE 17. Alternate power proponents provide feasibility info By Janice Becker Citizen staff Dozens gathered at Goderich and District Memorial Community Centre April 1 to learn more about alternative powers through the Harvest the Wind seminar. Developed by Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) with financial support from The Ontario Trillium Foundation, the session dealt with large scale applications of wind power and community projects as well as considerations for individuals. Melinda Zytaruk of OSEA spoke on renewable energy technologies (RET) and when they would be considered feasible or necessary. In the usage of wind power, Zytaruk said a large-scale turbine is necessary so the energy is economical. However, individual users cannot consume that amount of production. To that end, OSEA is working with hydro providers such as Hydro One, to allow small-scale electricity producers to feed the excess back into the grid, thereby reducing their overall costs. This can be done through two methods, either net metering where the meter actually runs backwards when the grid is being fed, or through the use of separate meters. The separate meters for use and feedback had not been well accepted in other locales, said Zytaruk, as users pay one rate for electricity taken from the grid, but often are paid a lower rate for energy given to the grid. It is hoped the Ontario government will agree to net metering beyond a producer’s consumption level, she said, with an increased threshold of up to 200 kW. When using RETs such as solar (photovoltaics), wind, bio-energy or micro-hydro, Zytaruk said one must look for efficiencies. “We can take any bio-product and burn, digest or decompose it to create heat or electricity. It may be cost effective to get some of the old dams regenerated and productive,” she said. As well as using production methods that are cost-effective, Zytaruk said each homeowner must find the most cost effective way to manage usage. “Get rid of that old fridge to cut down costs. For every dollar spent on energy efficiency saves $3 needed to be spent on producing photovoltaic energy.” And saving on the amount of energy, needed to be produced by a RET can drastically impact the cost of the installation. One watt of production capability by a photovoltaic panel costs $10. A 100- watt panel, which costs $1,000, will provide enough power for six, 100- watt light bulbs, on a sunny day. Zytaruk suggested cost-effective uses would be water pumping, pond aeration, electric fencing, back-up power or remote needs. It is not cost effective to use for heating and cooling requirements unless the hydro rate is more than 18 to 30 cents per kWh. Wind power is also suited best to specific purposes such as remote locations, large-volume water pumping and power back-up. Small wind power systems are not economical unless the hydro rate rises to 12 to 16 cents/kWh. The Ontario rate is currently frozen at 4.3 for smaller users. The cost to install a wind power system may also be cost prohibitive as the price on a smaller unit with a 1,500 watt rating starts at more than $12,000 just for the turbine, controller and tower and the cost of each watt produced is more than $8. Efficiencies only come with large systems. Though Zytaruk said hybrid photovoltaic and wind power systems are better, the total cost would near $50,000 and the watt price would be extremely high. Anaerobic digestors or bio-energy systems have been quite successful in the United States, said Zytaruk, with some farmers making more profit from their manure than the animals that produce it. While there are environmental benefits to decomposing manure, input capital costs are high and it is recommended for operations with more than 300 head of cattle unless a multi-farm system is used. Once again, feeding back into the grid is key to profitability. Understanding the wind Before any consideration can be given to an individual or group wind-power system, a study of the resource must be undertaken, said Martin Ince of the Positive Power Co-operative. One must determine the average yearly speed of the wind at the chosen location to know whether a wind turbine would be economical. “The wind blows from the west 17 per cent of the time and the fastest average winds are five metres per second (36 kilometres per hour). Speed is the most critical component in determining the amount of power,” he said. Though more power comes from higher winds, there is also a cut-out point where the turbines turn out of the wind. This is usually around 25 metres per second (90 km/h), as determined by the manufacturers. There is also a cut-in speed at around 3.5 metres per second where there is not power in the wind. Martin said there are geographic features to help locate good wind sites such as near the shoreline, higher altitudes or a ridge perpendicular to the wind direction. A one-year assessment with the use .of an anemometer will measure the wind resource to determine if the available power is worth the large capital inxestment, said Martin. Even the study can cost $20,000 to $30,000. As for large-scale systems, Martin said they do not yet compete with existing nuclear or coal-fired generation plants for production, but they are cheaper than building new ones and are “greener”. One turbine producing 750 kW would cost approximately $1.1 million for a do- it-yourselfer, said Martin. A wind developer would want five to 20 mW turbines with as many as 100 on a site for 200 mW. One Bruce nuclear reactor produces 750 mW. It was suggested that a “green premium” was needed to even the playing field. When asked about the $1 million price tag to construct and install one turbine, Martin said much of the cost was due to the turbines being shipped from the manufacturers in Denmark and the immense size when considering installation equipment. Toronto project Deborah Doncaster of OSEA spoke about a co-operative wind power project undertaken by a group of citizens in Toronto. The initiative was begun in an effort to keep energy dollars in the community, said Doncaster. “Seventy-five cents of every energy dollar leaves the local economy,” she said, “so by recirculating the dollars, it makes for a wealthier and healthier community.” Because it was undertaken as a co­ op development, the group had to deal with land taxes, permit application fees, option and lease fees, but also had access to development funding. They had ownership of the turbine and would profit from the sale back to the grid as a independent company. The community also benefitted from the economic spin-offs in terms of construction, fabrication, maintenance and tourism. The co-op system was seen as the route to take after looking at British attempts by corporations which ran into trouble because there was no community involvement. “There is County councillors hear nutrient management update By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor Huron County Councillor Ben Van Diepenbeek of Ashfield-Colborne- Wawanosh asked at council’s April 3 meeting for an update on the nutrient management act. Planning and Development Director Scott Tousaw said that the regulations continue to be changed, and quite substantially. The intention now is that the smaller farms will have longer to put plans in place. Tousaw also defined the categories for farms, with four being the large intensive livestock operations and one being “quite small, a hobby farm.” “They (the province) have come a long way since the original nonsense,” said Goderich Councillor Deb Shewfelt. Tousaw said municipalities will need to continue to be involved in the process and noted that local regulations could end up as more restrictive than the province’s. “We will have to look at that.” Shewfelt also wondered if there would be financial aid coming for the smaller operations. HEALTH ON THE HILL _ greater acceptance with local ownership,” she said. A board consisting of energy specialists, wind resource assessors, engineers, business people, lawyers, educators and environmentalists oversaw the Windshare project along Toronto’s lakeshore. When the Toronto Hydro Energy Services came on-board, the initiative became an investment co-op where members received a dividend. Lakewinds, a consortium of co-op from across Ontario, is currently investigating the possibility of another wind farm for which residents not of the immediate community could be members and benefit from the investment in green energy. Further information can be found on the OSEA website at www.ontario-sea.org. Chair of the agriculture, public works and seniors committee Paul Klopp, a councillor for Bluewater, responded, “any regulations may have some financial aid. I will only believe that when I see it.” “When the cheque’s in the mail,” added Shewfelt. Saying that farmers want to be involved in better practices, Klopp said, “I’ve never heard of a farmer who didn’t care about polluting. Give me $9 a bushel for soy and $10 for corn and I’ll (make the changes) myself. But if you can’t give me the price there then help another way. That’s the way I feel and I’ll keep pushing it.” Van Diepenbeek complimented Minister of Agriculture Helen Johns and “her group”. “They’ve come a long way from where they started.” Central Huron Councillor Caroi Mitchell wondered what the municipal role will be in the proposed legislation. Tousaw said any provincial regulations supercede a locai bylaw where it deals with the .-ame subject matter. “So I can’t say until I see the regulations.” 2003 BUSINESS REVIEWS “Information Directory” MOTORS LTD. TOYOTA www .toyota.ca WHERE PEOPLE FROM THE AREA DEAL WITH CONFIDENCE When the time comes to buy a new and reliable car informed people know they can’t do much better than to think about Toyota. Today’s car shopping consumer want’s their experience to be pleasant and hassle free. It’s also important to most people that service and support can be provided to maximize enjoyment of their vehicle for years to come. Your experience with STRICKLAND MOTORS LTD. begins with their courteous sales staff who maintains a non-aggressive approach. Customer education takes precedence so you can make an informed decision about financing or leasing of your new Toyota model or Toyota Certified Used Vehicle with 100+ point inspection backed by Extra Care Protection warranty. For 32 years STRICKLAND MOTORS has been taking care of the needs of discerning buyers in and around the area. The management team and staff at STRICKLAND MOTORS know that beyond a good price and in-stock selection, what will keep customers coming back is the exceptional service. To maintain your vehicle’s warranty requirements and high resale value, factory trained service technicians upgrade their training to remain current with the newest technology and service equipment. The service facility can service all makes and models. The parts department carries genuine Toyota parts and is fully equipped to supply any parts that your vehicle may require. If your family, business or recent college/university graduate is looking for a new vehicle, be sure to visit STRICKLAND MOTORS, where they maintain the goal of exceeding your expectations.By: Town Publications A Review of activities at SEAFORTH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL The Hospital greatly appreciates the cooperation of our community in honouring the restrictions on visitors during the SARS situation. We appreciate the inconvenience this causes but are following provincial directives to contain the spread of the SARS virus. We ask that only those patients requiring emergency treatment come to the 'Emergency Department. The patient entrance is currently at the Ambulance entrance where a nurse will screen all patients. Individuals not requiring emergency treatment may be redirected to contact their family doctor. A voice-recorded information line for the public regarding hospital restriction is available at (519) 272-8219. Diabetes: “What’s FACT, What’s FICTION” the informational day 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for people with Diabetes, their family and friends previously scheduled for April 9, 2003 at the Mitchell Golf Club CANCELLED due to the SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome) provincial health situation. Automated Patio Entry for enhanced accessibility for individuals in wheelchairs has now been installed; our thanks for donations received from the Hospital Auxiliary’s Tree of Lights fundraiser. First Aid & CPR Courses information of upcoming courses are available by contacting the Canadian Red Cross at 519-877-8802.