3.1 Project Highlights

3.2 Common Elements

Much can be learned from the experience gained through the profiles of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Some of the common elements of the projects are discussed below.

Local Self-Sufficiency

One of the evident driving forces of the profiled projects is a move towards local self-sufficiency. This makes practical sense and offers multiple benefits for Aboriginal and Northern communities such as:

• reduced reliance on outside energy sources and suppliers of energy;
• increased control over the delivery of energy and the associated costs;
• opportunities for local capacity building and employment;
• revenue can be directed to energy system enhancement or other community development;
• optimal use of local waste products (energy, heat, materials);
• reduced transportation and transmission costs; and
• reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Selective Application of Technology

The profiled projects emphasize the importance of being selective in matching energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to a community's situation and needs. The selection of an energy source and the technology or technologies used to harness it depends upon community-specific factors. The following questions should be considered:

• What is the current form of energy supply? Are there any issues related to the cost, control, efficiency or environmental implications of this supply? How might those issues be improved?
• What is the geographic and physical setting of the community? Does this setting offer opportunity for a particular type of energy efficiency or renewable energy?
• What is the proximity of the energy source to the location of consumption?
• What technology or technologies would be most effective given the scale of energy requirements?
• Is the project intended to create energy for purposes of supply to a grid or directly and specifically for community use?
• What human and financial resources are required for the project, and is the community capable of providing those resources, either directly or through partnerships?
• Is the technology under consideration capable of providing a consistently stable and reliable energy supply to its consumers? This is essential for gaining the confidence of community members, partners and financers.

Some technologies, such as hydro plants, and to a lesser extent, wind generation, involve significant capital costs, and in order to be cost-effective, are best applied at a relatively large scale in order to take advantage of economies of scale. Pic River First Nation took advantage of the hydro resources found in the area, and was able to overcome the high capital cost of the construction of a hydro generating station. The location on the provincial grid allowed the construction of a big enough plant to make it worthwhile. Piikani Nation is another example of a First Nation taking advantage of its location and wind resources. Once again, by connecting to the provincial grid, the First Nation entered into a joint venture and was able to negotiate a long-term contract in order to finance the construction of the wind turbine.

Benefits of Simplicity

The prominent forms of renewable energy used in Aboriginal and Northern communities are, in themselves, basic: wind, sun, water and wood. However, the technologies used to effectively and efficiently harness those energy forms can become somewhat complex. This can become problematic, particularly in remote locations where climatic conditions can be harsh and access to technical expertise may be limited. Therefore, the best technical applications in Aboriginal and Northern communities are often the most simple and robust ones. The Solarwall is a good example of a simple reliable technology, with few moving parts. The modest capital cost makes it achievable for most communities considering the construction of a school or recreation building.

Reasonable Expectations of Progress

The shift of society away from its present level of reliance on fossil fuels will be a gradual one. While the percentage of alternative fuel vehicles on our roads is minimal, and the number of solar panels and wind turbines on our landscape is few, evidence of these new technologies is an initial sign that change is on the way.

Aboriginal and Northern communities offer an excellent opportunity for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to be developed at a reasonable scale. While the profiled projects may not represent a full-scale shift of entire communities to alternative approaches, they do represent fiscally responsible undertakings that are advancing the use of energy-efficient processes and renewable energy forms. This is a significant contribution to the control of climate change and shift to a sustainable way of life.

Although some of the projects profiled experienced a slightly longer pay-back period than first projected, all of the projects have experienced significant benefits, some of which are:

• reduced greenhouse gas emissions;
• reduced risk of transportation and storage of diesel fuel;
• recycling of waste products;
• increased local employment, training and capacity building;
• reduced house fires; and
• smaller heating bills for residents.

Importance of Community Support

By nature, some individuals are most comfortable with tried-and-true methods of approaching things, while others are interested in adopting innovative approaches. As with any technological advancements, it is inevitable that the development of innovative energy efficiency and renewable energies will be accompanied with challenges and the ongoing need for refinement. It is therefore essential that those pursuing and managing projects in this area gain the support of community members to ensure long-term commitment.

Those interviewed for the profiled projects emphasized the importance of community support. The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte started by involving the community members and listening to their concerns in designing its housing program. The Kahnawake Kanata Healthy House Program also emphasizes the need to change perceptions and effect lasting changes in lifestyles.

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