Renewable Energy
The NSFC is interested in promoting sustainable renewable energy solutions for the region that could help to:
· Develop new industry opportunities
· Cut energy use costs for residents and businesses
· Stimulate greater self sufficiency in energy generation
· Encourage the region to become more environmentally conscious
For communities to understand the basics of renewable energy and the potential surrounding it, NSFC conducted a study to entitled Renewable Energy Opportunity Profile for the NSFC Region. This report provides an overview of renewable energy and a basis for communities to be able to consider and develop renewable energy projects.
To ensure that the region, its communities and First Nations could be opportunity ready and to further identify the potential for alternative energy projects within the region NSFC has now completed an energy use survey and compiled the NSFC Regional Energy Industry Asset Profile.
The energy use survey was conducted to determine existing energy usage within the region and to determine the current regional energy market for different energy options. Residents were surveyed regarding their sources of home heating as well as their awareness of renewable energy options and their views about switching their current energy source to more environmentally conscious sources.
To increase awareness, NSFC has prepared a Renewable Energy Information Kit for residents. This kit was sent to all survey participants, community economic development corporations and is also part of the NSFC library.
The continuation of this project will include inputing data into a GIS system and creating community maps. These maps will be used to identify cluster in communities that might be considered for development of a district heating system.
The next steps are to map the results of the heat source study and continue the awareness building of opportunities.