Private Hydro Power Generation in BC
Posted by Peter Endisch on July 31st, 2009 at 12:07 PDT (Environment, Global Climate Change)
Here’s an issue that is brewing in BC and having huge negative repercussions. It is the issue I also spoke about yesterday on the french CBC radio. The interview is by one of the champions of the cause – he is an extraordinary fellow who devotes a lot of his own time filming the issue, touring the province and making people realize how our government is scamming us.
The issue of private hydro power generation in BC is a perfect example of a government taking the issue of climate change and capitalizing on it. Unfortunately, their plan benefits private companies, has detrimental effects on our environment, our economy and does not help much with climate change.
The issue can be complex and on the surface one would think “what is wrong with hydro /wind power – it’s so green!”. The problem is, these installations produce power intermittently – you cannot rely on them – in many places – throughout the whole year and we have not yet found a way to actually store electricity. As soon as we generate it, we must transmit it and consume it. Creating more demand for electricity (or, in the case of BC government, fabricating a demand that isn’t there) is not helping the environment. There is no 100% clean power – everything we build has some environmental impacts. Building no new power generation and instead increasing electricity available through conservation is the cheapest and greenest energy of all.
Worst yet, the BC government is telling us all these private hydro installations are used to offset fossil fuel generated power. But guess what? Most hydro power from this small installation can only supply power when the glaciers on our mountains melt – spring and then when we have heavy rains in fall. But in winter, when we really need electricity, they are enable to generate it for us. Instead, these installations will be supporting new coal and mining operations planned for BC and the rest will be exported. And again, even the exported electricity is not guaranteed to offset existing fossil fuel power plants; no, it will most likely be adding to the ever increasing consumer demand for electricity. This is simply unsustainable.
I invite you to listen to this audio, and then visit http://saveourrivers.ca and stand up with us against this power grab and environmental destruction. Remember, keeping silent when our environment, economy and democracy is being eroded will have severe direct consequences in the future for every single one of us. You can make a difference by educating yourself on the issue, and then speaking out, writing to the newspapers, your friends and your MLAs.
Thank you
Angela Squires said,
March 2, 2010 at 02:50 PST
Hi Peter:\nI actually agree with a lot you express on this website. I fought hard for Save Our Rivers by spreading the word. I continue to investigate the BC Cancer Research establishment vis a vis environmental toxin research leading to removal of these to prevent cancer and the effects of environmental estrogen on both men and women. \nI will still argue for people to use their cars to get around in because I know many who must do so and I will defend their right and mine until we have door to door transit, robots to carry our stuff, and no rain, snow, cold or baking hot weather! I’m a 30 year member of the Billy Bishop Legion, joined when I was a teenager :) \nI happen to live in a more sustainable way than most; using far less water, little heating fuel, no hydro (solar panel), and drive less than 7,000 km a year. I live in a motor home on the ways and byways of our province. \n\nCheers, Angela
Peter Endisch said,
June 30, 2010 at 00:59 PDT
Angela, thanks!
Indeed, our opinions converge on most matters. My biggest (and other enviros as well) dilemma is how to we deal with out societal problems and climate change when scientists tell us we have mere few years to turn the tide around? How do we reduce emissions by 40% below 1990 levels in MERE TEN YEARS? Surely we can’t do it by going about it as business as usual with token gestures.
I don’t know what the answer is, and there are probably many, which need to be employed in concert. But the urgency of the issue is truly devastating
Your carbon footprint is admirable, and probably lower than mine. I admire your perseverance and genuine interest in doing your part