Evidence of meeting #13 for Natural Resources in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was homes.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
That's an interesting opportunity. Fascinating. I'm sure we all knew about that, though, right?
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Mr. Johnston and Mr. Shields have talked already about the feed-in tariffs that have recently been implemented, I gather, in Ontario. Is that entirely a provincial question, or is there something the Government of Canada needs to do to encourage this? It seems to me this is needed across the country. What's your reaction to what's happening there and what needs to happen across Canada?
Executive Director, Canadian Solar Industries Association
My life is the Ontario feed-in tariff right now. Because of the way energy jurisdiction is done, it would be great if there were a national policy, but realistically I doubt that would happen. Gordon is agreeing with me.
That being said, I think to support or shine a light on successive projects, etc., is where the federal government can play. Certainly if buildings are built or there are retrofits, etc., where the combination of a feed-in tariff and federal government involvement—I think we are going to see a huge uptake in Ontario because of the combination of programs where the departments have a very good relationship together and are looking at various programs, including the feed-in tariff, to see if it will work and what it will do.
If the federal government can do some things to even push that along, then that helps a great deal. In addition, some tax issues may affect residential uptake. The CRA has apparently declared that anybody who is gaining money from the grid becomes a business, which may be a problem. It could be a disincentive. We're looking at it. Certainly, the Ontario government is looking at it, but there is some concern about that being a disincentive.
Bloc
Christian Ouellet Bloc Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I much appreciate the fact that you are all talking about the same thing, namely integrating the various energy sources to arrive at something. There is a term that I have not heard often, but it was used here, and it applies to all buildings. I am talking about passive solar, which is of extreme importance. There is nothing to sell, but it is of extreme importance. Codes and requirements could help reinforce this concept, and this is already in place. There are countries that use passive solar on a broad scale. You talked about Germany, and I am very familiar with the situation there.
You talked about geothermal, you in particular, Mr. Oliver. You talked about geothermal within your overall system. Geothermal really represents the future, but we must not forget that deep geothermal can produce electricity. Natural gas remains a non-renewable resource.
There are 24 countries that produce electricity in this way. In the United States, a lot of research is being done. Are you not of the view that Canada should, it too, undertake research on deep geothermy, in other words, at a depth of 2 to 5 kilometres, as a means to produce electricity.
Executive Director, Pollution Probe
I think the government should try to map out where those resources might be and then determine whether or not it's an effective way.
It sounds to me, though, that if you have an opportunity to generate power using a geothermal resource deep underground and it's close to a community, then that's consistent with the integrated urban energy systems approach of utilizing power generation close to the consumers and cutting out the inefficiencies in between. I don't know enough about it to specify what Canada's resources are or what our foregone opportunities might be, but it definitely bears further study.
Bloc
Christian Ouellet Bloc Brome—Missisquoi, QC
I think that you have put your finger on it. The government must carry out research to determine where the richest sources lie. In fact, everywhere, right up to the Far North, the earth contains heat at those depths, and it is quite consistent. This is what has been discovered in the United States. This is therefore energy for the future.
Geothermy should be exploited for agricultural purposes in particular. It is an extraordinary renewable resource. Are you doing research on geothermal?
Chair, Olds College School of Innovation, Centre for Agricultural Renewable Energy and Sustainability (CARES)
At Olds College we are working with industry, especially those in the greenhouse industry, to look at geothermal as a source of energy. We are actually going to be having two companies coming on campus, and we are working with them on their research to see how efficient it is and compare it with traditional greenhouse management.
So definitely, we are.
Looking at CARES, we are trying to look at those regional differences to be able to work on those. Also, our colleagues at the University College of the Fraser Valley are working in that area.
Bloc
Christian Ouellet Bloc Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Might I answer David's question?
David, can I answer your question?
You asked a question about an underground house. I myself have built several houses in the ground, and I can tell you that the cost is too high in relation to the energy savings. It must be said that when you take into account energy, it is the entire energy cycle that you must look at. The construction of such a house consumes too much energy compared to what it can give back.
However, such houses are built in areas where there are hurricanes and tornados, in the American Midwest and on islands that are hurricane-prone. In France, there are entire villages that are covered in earth.
Liberal
The Vice-Chair Liberal Alan Tonks
I'd like to say that Mr. Ouellet has been on our committee, and he's visiting, and we welcome him--
Liberal
The Vice-Chair Liberal Alan Tonks
I'm sure there are many who would support such a move. But we do appreciate the input.
Rather than have an opportunity for rebuttal or reply, I'm going to, on behalf of the committee, thank our witnesses. In regard to those reports that have been cited, as you know, we are moving towards a report that the committee will be putting forward. It will be in draft form, and we hope those reports will be available so that our analysts can use them as a basis for some possible recommendations, or sharing the experience you've had.
I'd like to take this opportunity as the acting chair to suggest that perhaps we should have a visit to Germany--
Liberal
Executive Director, Canadian Solar Industries Association
Mr. Chair, I think if you talk to the German Chamber of Commerce, they will, as they have for many people in the renewable energy area, make it an absolutely outstanding.... Actually, you should look into it. You would be surprised how happy they would be to have you.
Liberal
The Vice-Chair Liberal Alan Tonks
We will take that under consideration.
Thank you so very much for being here.
Members of the committee, we have also a notice of motion, and I'm told by the clerk that it will be dealt with at the next meeting of our committee. If there isn't any other business, we'll see the clock at 5:30.
Thank you very much. We're adjourned.