I know there’s been a lot of talk about “grid parity” for solar PV without subsidies, and in which year this milestone is likely to be reached. The date I’ve heard the most is 2015, and even then, only in places with lots of sun and expensive electricity — like California. One could argue this is a pointless discussion, given that conventional forms of electricity generation are also subsidized (though this isn’t transparent) and don’t take into account externalities like the impact of pollution on the environment, health and the climate. But I digress.

At the Canadian Solar Industries Association two-day annual conference in Toronto today Andrew Kinross from Navigant Consulting said he expected grid parity in Ontario to be reached between 2020 and 2023. This is based on an expected increase in fossil fuel prices and the expectation that CO2 emission credits will be valued at $70 per ton. While 2020 might sound like a long time, one has to consider that Ontario currently has relatively inexpensive electricity prices in a North American context (and certaintly compared to Europe) and there are less hours of sunlight over a year compared to, say, California.

As much as 12 years sounds like a long time, I don’t see it that way. (more…)

What’s a promising way of removing carbon from the atmosphere? Scientists attending climate talks in Poznan, Poland, are trying to sell the idea of biochar, a type of charcoal produced when biomass like agricultural and forest residue is “baked” in the absense of oxygen. This process, called pyrolysis, also produces syngas and bio-oil that can be used as a renewable fuel. But it’s the char or “black carbon” that’s capturing scientists’ imagination. The pyrolysis process locks carbon into the char, which remains stable for hundreds, potentially thousands of years. (more…)

The Ontario government, after much reluctance, has finally decided it will allow low-speed electric vehicles on public roads, assuming certain safety requirements are met.

New rules will be introduced later this winter, and will require all LSVs to have windshield wipers, heating, defogging, doors, three-point seat belts, brakes on four wheels, safety glass, and a “slow moving” identification emblem on the back. They must also meet federal standards for occupant protection, can’t drive on roads faster than 50 km/h, and can’t carry children.

A company like Toronto-based ZENN Motor appears to meet all those requirements, though there’s enough ambiguity around “federal standards for occupant protection” that it’s difficult to get excited until the final rules are released. (more…)

I had the honour of moderating a discussion on Tuesday evening between Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki and Ontario Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman. The event, aimed at promoting the creation of a Green Energy Act for Ontario, included a free showing of The Suzuki Diaries (you can watch it in full online). It’s an entertaining and insightful one-hour documentary that follows the European travels of Suzuki and his daughter Sarika as they explore the creative use of renewable-energy technologies in Germany, France, Spain, and Denmark. In addition to the focus on renewables, there’s a message in there about the need for parents to give their children hope that we have the means today of changing the world for the better.

If you’re interested in learning about the Green Energy Act initiative in Ontario, click here. The envisioned act would give renewables and conservation priority in electricity system planning and grid access, make advanced renewable energy tariffs the primary mechanism for developing green energy in the province (as opposed to RFPs), aim to support such projects with low-interest financing, promote development of the smart grid, and stimulate community and First Nation projects, all with a mind to creating green-collar jobs.

Environmental groups are introducing the envisioned act on Friday in hopes the Ontario government will adopt parts or all of it. So far Smitherman, who appears to have a genuine interest in raising the bar on renewables and conservation, has indicated his support for such legislation and is apparently making steps toward that goal. It will be interesting to see how far the government does go, but if this initiative ever does make its way into legislation it would make Ontario THE hotspot for renewable energy development in North America.

If you’re interested in seeing some YouTube video clips of the Q&A with Suzuki and Smitherman, then click through to the next page. Thankfully somebody in the audience shot the videos (I haven’t a clue who, but probably with a BlackBerry) so pardon the quality. (more…)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory just put out a report on the potential of combined heat and power (CHP) deployments in the United States and has concluded that it is one of the “most proven and effective near-term energy options” available to reduce CO2 emissions, improve energy security, relieve grid congestion, make industry more competitive, and create green-collar jobs. (more…)