There is evidence to show that as we improve the efficiency of our end use—so as houses become more efficient—there is a tendency for people to buy bigger houses. So the average price or size of houses has increased over the last decade. Even though the efficiency has increased, the actual energy consumption has gone up. Obviously, there has to be a limit to unbridled growth in all sectors. Clearly, I think what we have to realize is that the best approach here is to have a diversified energy structure. There has been lots of talk about the energy grid, energy diversity, and various sources. I believe we have a responsibility to try to have this mixture. I believe it provides energy security in the “energy patch”, if you will.
The increase in solar energy and alternative renewable energies is not going to add to greenhouse gas emissions, generally. There are variations depending on the technology, but it's very well held that solar photovoltaic electricity and solar thermal are effectively benign when it comes to CO2 production. I think the best approach here is to have a mix and to try to look for niche markets where we can apply these technologies. One of them I've mentioned is seasonal storage of solar energy in remote communities. It looks like a wonderful application that has a good potential in Canada. Applying these technologies in appropriate niche markets, I think, is the best approach.