OTTAWA — A new report released today concludes that there are multiple and significant opportunities for Ontario farmers to benefit from investments in renewable energy on their farms.
The report, Harvesting clean energy on Ontario farms, was written in collaboration with the Pembina Institute, the Heinrich Boell Foundation, the United Church of Canada and Climate Action Network Canada. It uses a trans-Atlantic comparison between Germany and Ontario to examine ways in which Ontario farmers could benefit from Ontario clean energy policies and incentives.
"Farmers and community groups now have the opportunity to participate in the electricity market as owners. Not only does this provide farmers with additional revenues but it can also lead to increased local economic development," says Kristi Anderson of the Pembina Institute.
In conjunction with the report launch, the authors are currently hosting German farmer and renewable energy expert Hans-Detlef Feddersen on a speaking tour throughout Southwestern Ontario. Mr. Feddersen is sharing his experiences in the development of highly successful renewable energy projects on farms throughout Germany.
"Clean energy is the new norm in Germany, and in many ways it is farmers who have driven this shift and it is farmers who are benefitting from the growing economic returns," says Hans-Detlef Feddersen. "Ontario is off to a promising start in terms of the policy, now it is up to the agricultural community to seize the opportunities in front of them and be at the forefront of industries that are without doubt going to define Canada's energy future."
The report illustrates the success that rural Germany has had in leading the development of clean energy and how Ontario has positioned itself to become the clean energy leader in North America.
Highlights from the report include:
- Ontario is the only province in Canada where farmers have the opportunity to build clean energy projects ranging from biogas, to solar to wind, that bring 10% rates of return.
- Ontario has specific incentives for community-owned renewable energy projects aimed at engaging rural and farming communities.
- Germany's success has been driven by long-term, stable support for clean energy across the political spectrum.
"Ontario is on the brink of a huge breakthrough in clean energy, clean air, diversifying its rural economy and fighting climate change," says Graham Saul of Climate Action Network Canada. "It is now time to share success stories and ensure that people who care about our shared future are taking advantage of the incredible opportunities that this energy revolution has in store and standing up for clean energy."
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Learn more:
The full report is available online, along with further details on the speaking tour schedule.
For media inquires or interview requests, please contact:
Lauryn Drainie
647.465.3723
Hannah McKinnon
hmckinnon@climateactionnetwork.ca
613.276.7791
