Our challenge: Renewable energy policy is expected to deliver in three areas: energy security, climate change mitigation, and economic development (job creation). However, this is not always the case and there can be significant trade-offs among them. For instance, large biomass heat and power plants can generate new employment opportunities in rural communities, but may have a negative CO2 balance due to land-use change and transportation of feedstock over relatively long distances. Similarly RE is in most instances a capital-intensive activity, and energy as a whole represents a small share of employment in regional economies. Small-scale installations typically source labour and equipment from international suppliers, so the impact at the community level in terms of job creation is rather limited. Listed in the table below are some of the factors helping or hindering renewable energy in achieving its three goals. Focusing on ensuring the supportive ingredients are present will be a step forward in putting renewable energy to work in rural communities.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 19:11:20 +0000
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