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Renewable Energy: A Solution to Pollution Tim Weis, P.Eng., Ph.D. Alberta Regional Director timweis@canwea.ca 780.667.6519 May 1, 2014
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About Tim Alberta Regional Director Professional Engineer M.Sc. research on ice adhesion to wind turbine blades in subarctic Ph.D. research on off-grid renewable energy
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Climate change “….could be the biggest global health threat of the 21st century” The Lancet 3
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Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions Source: Environment Canada, National GHG Inventory Report 2009
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Air pollutants from electricity sector
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How do we compare?
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Source: Clean Air Strategic Alliance. Fine particulate matter in the capital region (2010) PM formation - Edmonton
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Costs of air pollution from electricity generation USA - National Research Council at request of 2005 Energy Policy Act – Effects of air pollution on human health, grain crop and timber yields, building materials, recreation, and visibility of outdoor vistas – Average damages: 3.2 ¢ /kWh (2008) Greenstone and Looney: – 3.4 ¢ /kWh for non-climate damage (2010)
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So why wind? Efficiency Electrify Renewables Heat + Power 9
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So why wind?
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Wind is a cost effective option Source: Solas Energy Consulting New Electricity Supply Costs in Alberta
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Wind can be developed at high levels
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Wind can be developed quickly
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Integrating Renewables (NREL study) Net: CO 2 ↓ 31.5% Net: NO x ↓ 19.5% Net: SO 2 ↓ 18.5%
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Integrating renewables
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Denmark update 52% wind by 2020 100% renewable electricity by 2035 100% renewable energy by 2050 – 171 Parliamentarians voted for 8 against. “The conclusion being it has a cost to make a green transformation, but it also has a cost not to do it. I think this will work out to be the best insurance Denmark has ever (bought).” – Energy Minister Lidegaard
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Closer to home: Ontario
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18 50Hz 60Hz Ross Island Wind/Diesel Courtesy of Powercorp, Australia
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Conclusion Renewables can significantly reduce air pollution We have working examples of renewables being deployed quickly and at high levels Challenges remain – policy drives energy decision
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Thanks Tim Weis timweis@canwea.ca 780.667.6519
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