The future of solar and renewable energy is looking brighter, according to Alisha Clancy.
Clancy, manager of science and policy at the David Suzuki Foundation, is the keynote speaker at Energy; our present, our future, a one-day symposium coming to the Penticton Secondary School April 22.
Related: First Things First grows annual symposium
Clancy’s role with the Suzuki Foundation includes work with national campaigns like the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate. The framework includes longstanding campaigns to phase out coal in Canada and long-term commitments on infrastructure projects including sustainable transportation and green infrastructure.
While topics like climate change and energy can be divisive, Clancy wanted to take a positive approach. Her background in global economics made for an interesting transition to the Suzuki Foundation.
“It was really, really interesting. I learn so much every day, but I also bring a different perspective to the conversation which I really enjoy,” Clancy said. “I’m going to talk about positive global market trends for renewable energy and what that means for North America.”
Worldwide, solar PV panel installations have increased dramatically since 2000. According to Natural Resource Canada, the country’s use of solar energy has increased in recent years, although it remains relatively small in terms of market penetration. Installed capacity for solar thermal power has seen annual compound growth rate of 13.8 per cent since 2004.
The momentum in the renewable energy sector in Canada is continuous, she said, citing the increasing wind and solar energy capacity globally, and the mirrored trends in the U.S. and Canada. The increased capacity for renewables is breaking expectations set by the International Energy Association.
“That is the good news side of it, but there’s also another side where I’ll be talking about worldwide countries and people are seeing the devastating effects of climate change,” Clancy said. “The cost is very high, the social cost and the economic cost.”
Costs that are disproportionately affecting developing or vulnerable countries.
“But developed countries, emerging countries and developing countries have solutions that are possible,” Clancy said. “So I’m trying to give a presentation that focuses on solutions and saying yes to new opportunities.”
Solutions including the dramatic decrease in cost for solar energy systems.
“Examples of this in economics show that countries, especially emerging countries, can leap frog old technology and go right to new, and in this case cleaner, technology because of the affordability,” Clancy said. “That is sort of the base of the positive trend. Not only is it a cleaner alternative, it is also becoming more and more affordable without subsidies.”
Taking a positive approach is important to Clancy, who sees a lot of opportunity in renewable energy. She said detractors often say the economic case isn’t there for renewables.
“And it is,” Clancy said. “I’m not against ‘no’ campaigns, but I’m more a solutions, policy-focused individual.”
Included in her positive outlook, Clancy mentioned the commitments made by the Canadian government during the Paris climate talks.
“In order to do that, some of these solutions are going to be paramount to doing that. Building sustainable cities and communities. Those global targets feel far away, but a conference like the one in Penticton feels very inspiring because you get to see communities coming together and working on these renewable energy projects,” Clancy said.
The free symposium is organized by First Things First Okanagan, an environmental group whose 2016 event attracted over 600 people. The all-day event will feature 24 speakers giving 40-minute presentations on topics including the Okanagan wind energy project, building passive houses and B.C. energy policy.
Those interested are encouraged to pre-register to reserve their space, with the symposium starting at 9 a.m. Clancy’s keynote address takes place at noon.
“Last year we were overwhelmed with attendees, so this year we have moved to Penticton Secondary School which has a large space for our energy fair as well as our speaker sessions,” said conference organizer Jim Beattie. “Generous sponsorship from energy companies and local businesses has allowed us to bring in top-notch speakers from around B.C. for this free event. It’s a chance to see new technology, learn about energy-saving programs and ask questions of the experts. There will be an electric car as well as a vehicle that runs on vegetable oil.”
For more information visit firstthingsfirstokanagan.com.