Despite all the environmental concerns, the development of alternative sources of energy has moved very slowly.
Moves to the expansion of wind power seem to have stalled, and that is doubly unfortunate as it could provide big gains in employment while reducing our dependence on oil, which pollutes our atmosphere.
There is no reason why our highways are not full of traffic that is bringing wind blades to some new plants. Yet there are too few efforts underway to build transmission facilities based on windpower.
There are all kinds of wind projects waiting to connect to the electricity grid. A windy region like the Midwest would be a good place to start.
It is appropriate now that action replaces talk. There are several proposals to build transmission lines across the plains. Discussions about that began way back in the John Diefenbaker era, but efforts were stymied by lobbyists for the petroleum industry.
The provincial governments and power transmission companies should promptly look at ways to move this process ahead. The stimulus package put forth by the federal government should be used in part to modernize the grid. Our politicians right now should start to mark up transmission plans.
Canada’s grid is complex, with literally hundreds of miles of high-voltage transmission lines stretching across interconnections and, of course, there are many utility companies that must be considered. If wind is to generate, say, about one-quarter of electricity in the next few decades – not an unreasonable assumption – then relatively large sums must be allocated to that goal.
Historically, electricity has been generated close to consumers. Otherwise, power is lost when it must be conducted over some distance. Hence, windpower “farms” ideally are located near population centres, and needless to say, in windy zones.
Federal regulations are essential as transmissions cross provincial borders. The costs of a project usually fall on local ratepayers, rather than some overall beneficiary such as the nation. That must change, as the development of windpower will provide widespread benefits in reducing pollution and many employment opportunities.
In view of the snail-like pace of most government projects, it is not surprising that delays have become commonplace.
Lots of people with some claims of authority have hampered the process.
It is about time, in fact overdue, that officials address this issue. Federal legislation is required to implement this complicated plan. All kinds of jobs would be forthcoming. We no longer should tolerate getting bogged down by naysayers. It is in the interests of us all to produce a greater share of energy from environmentally friendly sources.
First and foremost should be wind power.