I have been involved in…

I have been involved in renewable energy debates with people who believe that the only alternatives are fossil fuels and nuclear. However, my research into Europe's renewable energy programme has shown that both solar and wind are a viable third alternative.

Whilst the project hasn't been perfect, Germany, as a case study, has successfully demonstrated that solar and wind power can be an energy backbone whilst enjoying the same access to sunlight as Alaska. Germany has driven its per-capita carbon footprint down to a fraction of North America's. Its GDP growth has been just as good, if not better than, North America's and it enjoys one of the highest living standards in the world. My research has revealed that Germany has shut down all of its nuclear reactors permanently and, whilst coal power continues to make up about 40% of its energy output, this percentage continues to decline each year as renewable energy takes over and power suppliers divest in their fossil assets.

It seems, then, that arguments that renewable energy is completely infeasible are driven either by nuclear or fossil fuel advocates rather than the reality. I admit that my background is neither in science nor engineering, but in business. My sources include The Economist, Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, all of which say that the future is in renewable energy. Ontario can either ride this curve and benefit from the changing world or we can be left behind.

I have also read in The Economist their reports on how economically infeasible nuclear power is, which I understand the province is investing in heavily. Without substantial subsidies and preferential regulatory treatment, nuclear power cannot exist. The Economist, and similar publications, make no such argument about renewable energy. Whilst it's true that most national renewable initiatives have come with special taxes to subsidise the industry, my reading suggests that these investments are necessary to subsidise the initial capital development. Once the panels and turbines are in place, these electrical systems become economically self-sustaining.

Accordingly, I would like to see Ontario seize this opportunity to join the international community in developing and advancing renewable energy. Like in Germany, where this project has taken decades, a similar transition in Ontario will take years. The question is not if we transition to safe and sustaniable energy but when. It seems that the sooner we start working towards a sustainable power infrastructure, the better.

[Original Comment ID: 207073]