As the renewable energy framework team gets ready to present their draft policy recommendations — an extensive study conducted by town-contracted Urban Systems is recommending the town explore two of the five options researched as renewable energy possibilities.
A stakeholder consult will take place at the RancheHouse from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 20, followed by a public consult from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Five renewable energy options were examined over the last several months, including solar (both solar thermal and solar photovoltaic); geo-exchange; small wind (turbines); biomass district energy; and micro-hydro pressure reducing valves.
“Urban Systems did a study on a number of different renewable energy options for renewable energy power generation in Cochrane,” explained Jared Kassel, manager of development for the town.
“The most viable renewable technologies for our town are solar energy and district energy fueled by biomass (a central fuel source that pipes energy to adjoining buildings, generated from a biomass source).”
Kassel acknowledged that it might be possible to look at the other three alternative energy sources down the road — but the likelihood of implementing these technologies in Cochrane is unlikely in the near future.
“Following the public meeting we’ll be going back to council (by early 2015) with our recommendations (to develop the renewable energy framework),” said Kassel, adding that the coming stakeholder and public consults offer an opportunity for individuals and groups to voice their concerns.
This type of grassroots movement was demonstrated by the No Turbines in Town coalition of Cochrane Heights residents who vehemently opposed the green energy project proposed by Cochrane High School students to erect a small 60-foot high wind turbine.
The coalition maintained that not enough research had been done with respect to small wind technologies to satisfy possible health and safety concerns for both animals and humans, that the 60-foot high construct was an eyesore, that noise may be a concern and that the school did not properly consult with the area residents on a project of this proportion.
Rocky View Schools voted in favour of putting the project on hold in early 2013 until Cochrane developed its renewable energy framework.
