David Suzuki Foundation Community Renewable Energy Project Ontario Climate Symposium York University May 12, 2017 Gideon Forman, Policy Analyst Overview

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David Suzuki Foundation Community Renewable Energy Project Ontario Climate Symposium York University May 12, 2017 Gideon Forman, Policy Analyst Overview David Suzuki Foundation Community Renewable Energy Project Ontario Climate Symposium York University May 12, 2017 Gideon Forman, Policy Analyst Overview • Climate change mitigation a priority for David Suzuki Foundation. • One key initiative is Community Renewables Project (CRP). • CRP based on experience in Germany where RE build-out facilitated by local ownership of wind and solar arrays. • Goal is to create grassroots culture that embraces renewables – so they're not vulnerable to whims of government. How DSF supports local renewable energy • Meetings with gov't to highlight RE's popularity, cost-effectiveness and ability to create jobs. Note: Enviro arguments are not central! • Developing partnerships with local RE projects such as Solar Share, Green Timiskaming, Beach Community Energy Co-op, Oxford County. • Showcasing RE projects' stories – to inspire others to embrace RE. Green Timiskaming Solar Array (credit: Endura Energy) Case study: Oxford County, Ontario • Oxford has goal of 100 per cent renewable by 2050. • Just opened Gunn's Hill Wind Farm powering almost 7,000 homes. Also building solar panels on barn roofs. • Oxford has fantastic story about clean air, job creation but needs help telling it – to build pro-renewables culture. • DSF helps broadcast stories on social media (486K FB likes) and assists with strategy ("What are you doing for Earth Day? What about energy co-op membership drive?"). Gunn's Hill Wind Farm powers 6,700 homes Case study: Oxford County, Ontario • Oxford wants to do solar "net metering" demonstration project but needs Ontario gov't permission. • It would allow Oxford to generate power where there's lots of space for solar panels (rural areas) and use energy where there's little space (e.g., downtown Woodstock). • DSF arranges gov’t meetings where Oxford can pitch their project directly to ministers' advisers. Conclusion • DSF assists local renewable projects by: • Strategizing on media • Broadcasting their stories • Arranging for them to meet with government THANK YOU! .
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