Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should We Use Renewable Energy? (A Carbon Primer)

Industrial society has been built on cheap energy, much of it in the form of non-renewable fossil fuels. These sources of energy have become increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain, and experts are warning that the days of cheap energy are over: production of oil and natural gas has already reached a "peak" in many parts of the globe. As non-renewable energy sources become increasingly scarce, and we need to offset their decline with new energy sources. In addition, as we learn more about the negative effects of our energy consumption on the planet – through acid rain, poor air quality (smog), global warming, oil spills, and the dangers and uncertainties of nuclear, tar sands, and new natural gas extraction methods - we see plenty of reasons to turn to using renewable energy, and to do so now.

What is Wind Power All About?

Wind energy is ultimately a form of solar energy, generated through the movement of heat on the Earth. For millennia humans have captured wind energy for mechanical (and later electrical) purposes. Modern wind turbines are very powerful, efficient and quiet, especially compared to many other energy production systems. The wind's energy is captured by large blades (usually three), and then mechanically directed to a generator, where the mechanical energy is converted to electricity. Apart from the initial construction, the generation of electricity uses no fossil fuels and contributes zero carbon emissions.

Modern wind turbines typically have capacity to generate from 1 to 3 MW (million or mega-watts). A 2 MW wind turbine could power around 500 Canadian homes. Total wind generating capacity in Ontario is now around 1300 MW, and is increasing globally at around 32% per year. Distributed wind generation is not only a clean source of electrical power, it also benefits from being closer to end users, thus avoiding the large transmission losses when power is transported over long distances.

Is Wind Energy Safe?

Like any new technology, wind generation has been the subject of controversy and, in some cases, opposition. Some have raised environmental concerns, especially with regard to birds and bats that may be harmed by turbine blades. Under the Green Energy Act, wind developers must complete a Renewable Energy Approval process before any turbine is erected; the studies include assessment of the dangers to birds and bats, as well as plans to assess post-construction mortality. If the turbine is found to cause damage to bat and bird populations, mitigation measures include seasonal and daily "time-out" periods. Others have raised concerns about the effects of low frequency sounds and motions on nearby residents. While there is little published scientific evidence to support these claims, the industry is aware and responding with quieter turbines and larger setbacks. The Green Energy Act requires that turbines in Ontario be located 550m away from any residence or other noise receptor. The maximum allowable noise level is 40db, about the noise level in a quiet library.

What is Bio-gas All About?

bio-gas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, produced by anaerobic (without oxygen) bacteria as they break down organic material. The natural gas upon which many homes rely for heating and cooking is almost pure methane. bio-gas can be purified and turned into grid quality natural gas (though this is expensive). It can also be burned as-is to heat a greenhouse or a building, or to heat water. It can also be used to power an engine that drives an electric generator. The electricity can then be used on location or sold to the grid. The waste heat from the engine's cooling system and exhaust can also be used to provide heat to the digester, to local buildings, or to heat water. Finding a way to use the waste heat is an important component of efficiency in bio-gas installations, but many farmers have invested in bio-gas just for the economic returns on electricity production. Typically, a bio-gas installation is located on a farm and supplied with manure and other farm and offfarm wastes (feedstock). The feedstock is put into the digester, which is sealed from the air and kept at an optimal temperature to maximize the action of the bacteria. The bacteria then break down the organic matter and produce the methane gas and carbon dioxide that make up bio-gas. What remains is an excellent fertilizer with almost no pathogens, weed seeds or odour that can be applied to a farmer's fields. The technology and skills required to maintain and operate a modern bio-gas facility is complex and costly, and sometimes time-consuming. LIFE is looking at ways to facilitate bio-gas production and to make it more attractive to farmers who might use it.

Why a Co-operative?

The co-operative business model rests on a number of interconnected principles (see "LIFE Co-op and the Seven Principles", below), including voluntary membership, democratic control, and concern for the community. LIFE is committed to the co-operative principles, and invites broad participation from the local community and other members.

The co-op model has been around since the early days of the industrial revolution, and co-operatives were in fact very important in the extension of the electrical grid in North America last century. The co-op model is thus well established, and also a proven success: according to a study published by the Québec Ministry of Industry and Commerce in 2001, the long term survival rate of co-ops is almost twice that of investor-owned companies.

LIFE is a renewable energy co-operative, a new form of co-op that is able to take advantage of the current policy environment supporting renewable energy production. The co-op model makes it possible for members, and especially local residents, to own and help manage the production of renewable energy in the Region. Under the Green Energy Act, and the Feed-in-Tariff Program, co-op members are also able to benefit financially from the Province's renewable energy incentives.

When Are the Projects Going to be Running?

Wind: LIFE Co-op submitted its FIT application in March/April 2011, and is proceeding with a work plan toward a commissioning date in 2013. Many factors will affect this date, including our success in obtaining capital and financing, the speed with which various approvals are processed, and the possibility of regulatory and policy changes at the Ministries or the OPA. We have already undertaken significant time-dependent aspects of the project, including collecting wind data for two years. We have received a substantial grant from the Community Energy Partnerships Program (CEPP) that will help us keep up the pace. We are now seeking to expand our membership and sales of shares to finance the remainder of the development costs and to raise capital for the purchase of the turbine.

Bio-gas: LIFE Co-op is currently interested in hearing from local farmers with an interest in this project. A business plan has been developed, and we have contact with firms that are seeking locations for a pilot project. While we do not as yet have a work plan and schedule, an operation could be up and running within a year of a site being chosen.

How do I Become a Member?

Download and print the Membership Application Form and mail it with your membership fee to:

Local Initiative for Future Energy Co-operative Inc.
Treehaus Collaborative Workspace
260 King St W., Kitchener, ON,
N2G 1B6

It will then go to LIFE Board of Directors and they will approve it at the Board meetings (which happen once a month). You will then receive a membership certificate in the mail. All Members are invited to the annual general meeting.

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