By Glenn Hicks

Planning a renewable energy future for First Nations communities

Sep 7, 2017 | 5:00 PM

The technology of renewable energy production is now well-established, but many argue not the wider political will to put it to work – especially in remote First Nations communities.

This from Greg Poelzer, a faculty member at the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Environment and Sustainability who is touring the province to try to change that.

“We’re looking at formalizing, as we say somewhat tongue-in-cheek, a ‘coalition of the willing’ in terms of First Nations, Metis, municipalities, industry, researchers and international partners …to help communities participate [in renewable energy production],” Poelzer said.

He’s working with players like SaskPower, engineering firms, as well as experts from Alaska, Finland and Norway to create more projects in remote communities.

“The world is transitioning away from fossil fuels, and with Saskatchewan’s goal of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, these projects offer a tremendous opportunity for Indigenous communities to participate in,” Poelzer said.

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Biomass (the burning of wood waste), solar and lake water source pumps are seen as the biggest opportunities in the northern region, not only to improve reliability in supply, but also for job and income generation.

Poelzer said, for example, most people don’t realize solar power is at its peak late winter, not summer.

“The highest production in northern places is typically March and April because of the reflection off the snow. It’s almost like super-charging the solar panels,” he said.

The abundance of northern lakes are a big asset with Poelzer citing the example of a school on Deschambault Lake that uses a water source pump for its heating. Alaska is seen as a successful model for Indigenous communities.

“They’ve had Indigenous owned and operated-utilities since 1967. They’re fifty years ahead of Canada.” Poelzer said. “Alaska Village Electric Co-op has 58 native communities with their own power source”.

Poelzer is on a tour of major centres in Saskatchewan speaking to community leaders and delegates about the importance of helping remote communities come onboard.

He said training is also part of the bigger plan.

“For example, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is looking at developing a renewable energy diploma so we can train our future residents to participate.”

Glenn.Hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: princealbertnow