Page 12-13 - Global Renewables Online January 2012

Basic HTML Version

12
13
GLOBAL RENEWABLES ONLINE - JANUARY 2012
GRO: Is a national energy strategy
realistic?
GS: Well, we don’t state-directed
energy entities, and our strength
comes from the freedom of the
industry to pursue its interests.
There is definitely a need for a
strategy across the country that
bridges all energy forms and evolves
as our world evolves. Renewable
energy companies can see an
evolution in energy strategy that
differs from other sectors, but will
enable them in a measured and
planned way to expand their role in
the whole of our energy strategy.
What works in Quebec will work in
Alberta, the difference will be each
region’s natural condition, much
like other parts of the world.
Lessons are being learned, and over
time our energy sector will wind up
hosting a stronger renewable
segment because we are a culture of
growth and development.
for traditional energy develop-
ment. That will be the modern en-
ergy company. For instance, Suncor
is participating in a significant way
in the development of wind farms.
Canada is a bit behind in terms of
mixing up the energy scenario, but
we are going to get there. Our
domestic requirements are not the
same as a country with hundreds of
millions of people. That imperative
doesn’t present itself here—but the
economic imperative, the corporate
imperative—does.
GRO: So what is the longer term role of
the Council?
GS: Our big focus is to engage in
discussions between key players
with informed educated interests.
Our role helps to short circuit the
amount of time that needs to be
taken to discuss energy issues as
they are emerging.
One of the biggest milestones
we’ve reached as a Council is getting
to the point of major industry,
government, and non-profit players
being able to have an adult
conversation occurring regarding a
national energy strategy. People
have been calling for it for years,
and we have seen provincial
governments working on it. We’ve
facilitated those meetings, and we
see that as the focus for the Council
in the coming year.
GRO: Can you comment on Canada’s
withdrawal from Kyoto?
GS: What I’ve seen is what
everyone has seen: industry players
accept our withdrawal as the
Government of Canada’s decision,
and it’s their jurisdiction. I don’t
think anyone in the energy sector
has seen it as a reason to tool down
their efforts. Each industry player,
their individual activities in the
areas of sustainability and
environment continue and will
continue. There are those around
the world who want to move to
perfection tomorrow, but we can’t do
that. There is no one in the
industry that has decided to change
or decrease their environmental
efforts as a result of this withdrawal.
We will see through events that
the Council hosts, we can start
discussions on themes that are
emerging and important, and
provide events that are a practical
utility but not prescriptive. Canada
can help developing countries
establish energy strategies based on
our successes in these areas, and
bring our Canadian practices to
developed countries as a model as
well. We’re not boy scouts, but we
bring our Canadian practices and
values to all that we do wherever we
are.
COVER STORY - ENERGY COUNCIL OF CANADA