When it comes to renewable energy, it seems Canada has a fair way to go. It's only logical that you should use what you have most of, and with its vast coastline, Canada has a huge, predominantly untapped energy source - tidal and wave energy.
According to Industry Canada, the annual potential wave power off Canada's Pacific Coast is approximately 37,000 MW (megawatts), while that along the Atlantic Coast is roughly 146,500 MW. In addition, the potential tidal energy resource in Canada has been estimated to exceed 42,000 MW. That's a total of 225,500 MW.
Recently released data from Statistics Canada showed that Canada's use of natural gas, refined petroleum products and coal rose seven per cent from 2006 - 2007, while production of energy from wind, solar and tidal sources accounted for less than 0.5 per cent of total electricity generation.
According to Industry Canada, the annual potential wave power off Canada's Pacific Coast is approximately 37,000 MW (megawatts), while that along the Atlantic Coast is roughly 146,500 MW. In addition, the potential tidal energy resource in Canada has been estimated to exceed 42,000 MW. That's a total of 225,500 MW.
Recently released data from Statistics Canada showed that Canada's use of natural gas, refined petroleum products and coal rose seven per cent from 2006 - 2007, while production of energy from wind, solar and tidal sources accounted for less than 0.5 per cent of total electricity generation.
Meanwhile, Scotland is stepping up its efforts to become a world leader in renewable energy, with the construction of its first commercial wave farm on the Isle of Lewis, in the Western Isles. The 4 MW wave farm will have the initial capacity to power around 1,800 homes.
The Scottish government's energy consents unit is currently processing 30 renewable energy project applications, with the aim of meeting 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020, and 31 per cent by 2011.
"We want the Scottish Climate Change Bill to set tough targets to drive Scotland towards a low-carbon economy and clean, green energy will be an important part of that transition," said Dr. Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland.
“Scotland is a world leader on exploiting wave power and continued support for these green energy schemes will deliver huge export benefits in technology and expertise."
It may be a difficult energy source to commercialize, and the financial costs may currently be high but maybe Canada should step up its own investment in wave and tidal technology. If a 4 MW wave farm can power 1,800 homes, then theoretically, Canada's potential 225,500 MW of energy could power (deep breath)...
101,475,000 homes.
wave power
renewable energy
climate change
WWF
Efforts in Canada to harness renewable energy seem to be hampered by a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding of the impacts on the localities where things like wind farms would be located -not to mention an ignorant government. What is needed is a lot more accurate, official information put forward for the public.
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