It doesn’t happen often. Energy companies, government, academics and environmental groups have achieved consensus on something. All are in agreement that Canada needs an energy strategy.
As energy users, we all need to be involved in mapping Canada's energy future. Photo credit: iStockphoto.
The good news is that discussions on the topic are well underway and include a range of participants, initiatives and ideas.
Businesses that produce, transport and consume energy have formed the Energy Policy Institute of Canada, an advocacy organization, to further the debate.
Leaders from key think tanks, such as the Pembina Institute, Conference Board of Canada and Canada West Foundation, are working together as part of the “Winnipeg Consensus” in pursuit of a “Canadian clean energy strategy.”
And oil and gas producers, such as Shell Canada, have put forth their vision of what’s required. Suncor, too, was an early advocate of developing a sustainable energy strategy for our country.
While there are varying ideas on what the strategy needs to include, most agree it must take into account Canada’s long-term energy needs and identify the mix of proven and potential sources to meet those requirements. Most also agree the strategy should look at how energy is both produced and consumed, and include clear targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Thus far, the discussion is encouraging. There are a couple of vital conditions, however, we think need to be in place before the dialogue will flourish into a bonafide energy strategy.
First, discussions about energy need to reflect the view that energy is really a complex system (like the diagram shown below). There are various primary forms of energy spread across Canada’s regions, such as hydro plants in Quebec, nuclear power in Ontario and oil, natural gas and renewables in Alberta. Understanding these energy sources and how primary energy gets converted for consumer use is critical if we are to meaningfully discuss the choices and tradeoffs we’re facing.
(To better understand energy as a complex system, check out Energyville, an online game developed by Chevron and The Economist Group. It allows players to control a virtual city’s energy mix and discover the inter-related economic, environmental and financial impacts of their decisions. Whether it’s energy from a river dam, solar panels or an offshore oil platform, how the lights come on in Energyville is entirely up to you.)
Second, discussions about energy need to focus on pursuit of a strategy that’s a process versus a one-time product, such as a report, document or study. The goal should be to spell out a systematic series of actions to evaluate progress and revisit and adapt the strategy to evolving circumstances, such as changing commodity prices, technological breakthroughs or natural disasters.
Even though a national energy strategy might still be some time away, it’s encouraging to see fruitful discussion on this important topic. We all use energy in various forms every day so all of us need to be involved in mapping our energy future.