Some Futuristic Power Proposals
Design and Power
STUDENT Eric Baczuk, Dalhousie University
LOCATION Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
World energy demand is increasing. The devastating effects of climate change, unprecedented volatility in the world's energy markets and the destabilizing effects of transnational energy corporations all indicate that the existing global energy structure demands radical amendment. Environmental awareness, mounting concerns over energy security, and increasingly frequent power outages have recently amplified public interest in energy issues. Today, people are demanding more from their utility providers than unlimited supply at rock-bottom rates. Social awareness is driving issues such as transparency, equality and environmental accountability to the forefront of the global energy agenda. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, have already witnessed marked increases in production capacity and efficiency over recent years. However, they continue to remain largely overlooked as significant contributors to most power distribution networks. The aim of this thesis is to demonstrate the "real world" viability of large-scale renewable energy production in Nova Scotia and illustrate how socially engaging building program and typology could help redefine the public's overall perception of the energy industry.
Renewable energy differs intrinsically from conventional power production in that it, by its very nature, is regionally specific. Unlike coal or oil, which can be transported and combusted in power plants virtually anywhere, renewable energy developments require a very specific set of geographic, climatic or geological criteria such as strong winds, clear skies, volcanic vents, etc. The massive tidal range of the Bay of Fundy in Eastern Canada offers one such example; with ocean currents over 10 knots and tidal ranges exceeding 17 metres, the Bay of Fundy is the most promising site on earth for tidal in-stream energy conversion (TISEC). By focusing on the systemic connections between nature, technology and society, this project puts forth design interventions that simultaneously respond to both the unique cultural and physical characteristics of the region while demonstrating the awesome potential of TISEC technology.
This project proposes that a suite of TISEC facilities could be installed throughout the Fundy basin, supplying jobs and clean tidal power to the region. The prototype and flagship installation of this tidal-energy program would be F-TEC(1), or Fundy Tidal Energy Conversation Station #1, located 10 kilometres southwest of Parrsboro on the northern tip of the Minas Channel. At mid-tide, more water passes through this Channel than all the rivers and streams on earth combined. This fact, coupled with well established electrical and transportation infrastructure, makes Parrsboro stand out as the ideal location for a large-scale TISEC development. At this 150-square-kilometre ocean site, up to 150 TISEC units could be deployed (spaced on a one-kilometre grid), generating up to 900 MW of carbon-free ocean energy. Electricity produced at off-peak times would be used to create and store hydrogen gas, which could be later spent in fuel cells--like a giant battery--that would supply the grid in times of high demand.
Additionally, a unique hydrogen-fuelled submarine ferry service would offer visitors an alternative to driving from Halifax or the Annapolis Valley. This system, which would be built off of the turbine infrastructure, was developed to reduce the number of cars rounding the Minas Basin, and offers visitors an unparallelled, undersea experience of tidal turbines in action while socially connecting the communities from across the channel.
The land-based components of F-TEC(1) would consist of 16 distinct buildings and landscape interventions, accommodating a whole host of services, from power upgrading and hydrogen storage to kayak rentals and the performing arts. Each building was thoughtfully designed to work within the environmental context of the development, while responding to the specific geographic constraints of its site. Compact building footprints, minimized tree clearing and nominal earth-moving ensure that the development would have as little impact as possible on the existing watershed and ecosystem.
F-TEC(1) aims to demonstrate how nature and the energy industry might coexist to offer a viable and sustainable energy future for Nova Scotia. Walking paths, bicycle rentals, and regular shuttle service from Parrsboro all encourage guests to visit and explore the site through a variety of low-energy means. Campgrounds, park spaces, lookouts, bookstores, restaurants, an amphitheatre and a renewable energy science centre all place human perception at the centre of the F-TEC(1) experience. These features and activities aim to overcome the social and psychological barriers that exist in conventional power stations. By creating an atmosphere that is open, transparent and welcoming to the public, F-TEC(1) promises to redefine the commercial energy industry in Nova Scotia.
GH: This proposal is a "future world" concept, where we are able to create new institutions to celebrate our relationship to nature and the resources we require from her. This is a brave design with heroic aspirations. I can detect more than a hint of cautious cultural commentary.
JPL: When looking at this presentation, I see the expression of a great deal of hope as well as lots of worries about our future and our planet.
PR: This thesis has a very provocative title. It is concerned very much with energy but it recognizes political struggles in the future of development with respect to energy projects. It's a bit of a fantastical project that looks into the future, and tries to have renewable energy facilities to not only provide energy but also stimulate the local economy. The whole tone of the incredibly rich and evocative graphical and design expression of this presentation possesses a nice blend of anticipating both a scary and optimistic future. This scheme engages people--the attempt to provide social and tourist amenities as well as jobs is a great one. This is an exciting exploration, as it handles a large landscape at an appropriate scale with this suite of buildings and facilities.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Copenhagan Climate Conference
From the Associated Press
China: Climate talks yielded "positive" results
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (left on picture, with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao) praises the outcome of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen for upholding the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" recognized by the Kyoto Protocol.
Associated Press
20/12/2009 10:45
China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, lauded Sunday the outcome of a historic UN climate conference that ended with a nonbinding agreement that urges major polluters to make deeper emissions cuts — but does not require it.
The international climate talks that brought more than 110 leaders together in Copenhagen produced "significant and positive" results, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said.
Disputes between rich and poor countries and between the world's biggest carbon polluters — China and the United States — dominated the two-week conference. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets to demand action to cool an overheating planet.
The meeting ended Saturday after a 31-hour negotiating marathon, with delegates accepting a US-brokered compromise. The so-called Copenhagen Accord gives billions of dollars in climate aid to poor nations but does not require the world's major polluters to make deeper cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions.
Yang said the positive outcomes of the conference were that it upheld the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" recognized by the Kyoto Protocol, and made a step forward in promoting binding emissions cuts for developed countries and voluntary mitigating actions by developing countries.
"Developing and developed countries are very different in their historical emissions responsibilities and current emissions levels, and in their basic national characteristics and development stages," Yang said in a statement. "Therefore, they should shoulder different responsibilities and obligations in fighting climate change."
He said the conference also created a consensus on key issues such as long-term global emissions reduction targets, funding and technology support to developing countries, and transparency. He did not go into details.
"The Copenhagen conference is not a destination but a new beginning," Yang said.
China: Climate talks yielded "positive" results
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (left on picture, with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao) praises the outcome of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen for upholding the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" recognized by the Kyoto Protocol.
Associated Press
20/12/2009 10:45
China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, lauded Sunday the outcome of a historic UN climate conference that ended with a nonbinding agreement that urges major polluters to make deeper emissions cuts — but does not require it.
The international climate talks that brought more than 110 leaders together in Copenhagen produced "significant and positive" results, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said.
Disputes between rich and poor countries and between the world's biggest carbon polluters — China and the United States — dominated the two-week conference. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets to demand action to cool an overheating planet.
The meeting ended Saturday after a 31-hour negotiating marathon, with delegates accepting a US-brokered compromise. The so-called Copenhagen Accord gives billions of dollars in climate aid to poor nations but does not require the world's major polluters to make deeper cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions.
Yang said the positive outcomes of the conference were that it upheld the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" recognized by the Kyoto Protocol, and made a step forward in promoting binding emissions cuts for developed countries and voluntary mitigating actions by developing countries.
"Developing and developed countries are very different in their historical emissions responsibilities and current emissions levels, and in their basic national characteristics and development stages," Yang said in a statement. "Therefore, they should shoulder different responsibilities and obligations in fighting climate change."
He said the conference also created a consensus on key issues such as long-term global emissions reduction targets, funding and technology support to developing countries, and transparency. He did not go into details.
"The Copenhagen conference is not a destination but a new beginning," Yang said.
Labels:
Copenhagen climate conference
Bay of Fundy News
From ADEDA
NOVA SCOTIA LOBSTER AND LOCAL RESTAURANT GET A BOOST FROM TV SHOW
Television host and master chef, Lynn Crawford, once famous for her $1000 lobster omelet, begins her new series, Pitchin’ In, with an episode that features Nova Scotia lobster and some familiar faces from Digby Neck. This is a bit of publicity that should give a nice boost both to our fishery and to Annapolis Digby as a travel destination.
FUNDY GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM RECEIVES $1M IN FUNDING
The Bay of Fundy is indeed our region’s most defining physical feature. Knowledge of our rich geological heritage will be enhanced thanks to funding from the provincial and federal governments in support of the Fundy Geological Museum. Increased numbers of geo-tourists are sure to be drawn up and down the Fundy shore, and we must position ourselves to take best advantage of this opportunity. Remember, Roger Brooks made particular mention of the Balancing Rock’s potential; further, the Bay of Fundy is the only Canadian site in the New7Wonders competition. Better get ready…
RARE CRATER FOUND CLOSE TO FUNDY SHORE
Scientists are studying a meteorite crater south of Bridgetown, with the possibility of proving that other meteors collided with Earth here thousands, if not millions, of years ago. This is yet another opportunity for our region to build a geo-tourism niche.
LOBSTER CATCHES UNDER MORE SCRUTINY
The lobster industry can expect greater scrutiny of market-bound lobsters at the US border. Fisherman are required to ensure that undersized lobsters and egg-bearing females are not part of a catch. If either are found at the border, entire shipments may be turned away.
BAY FERRIES ENDS YARMOUTH SERVICE
Bay Ferries has announced that it will end its high-speed CAT ferry service out of Yarmouth. The change takes effect in the spring of 2010. Although we do not yet know exactly how this will impact the Princess of Acadia service between Digby and Saint John, we will update you as we move forward. Here’s the announcement from Bay Ferries.
In the spirit of the season — and the magnificent Bay of Fundy — don’t miss Christmas in the Cove, another original production by local playwright Hal Theriault, in a limited two-performance run beginning tonight. So, from all of us here at ADEDA, we wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season, Kathleen!
NOVA SCOTIA LOBSTER AND LOCAL RESTAURANT GET A BOOST FROM TV SHOW
Television host and master chef, Lynn Crawford, once famous for her $1000 lobster omelet, begins her new series, Pitchin’ In, with an episode that features Nova Scotia lobster and some familiar faces from Digby Neck. This is a bit of publicity that should give a nice boost both to our fishery and to Annapolis Digby as a travel destination.
FUNDY GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM RECEIVES $1M IN FUNDING
The Bay of Fundy is indeed our region’s most defining physical feature. Knowledge of our rich geological heritage will be enhanced thanks to funding from the provincial and federal governments in support of the Fundy Geological Museum. Increased numbers of geo-tourists are sure to be drawn up and down the Fundy shore, and we must position ourselves to take best advantage of this opportunity. Remember, Roger Brooks made particular mention of the Balancing Rock’s potential; further, the Bay of Fundy is the only Canadian site in the New7Wonders competition. Better get ready…
RARE CRATER FOUND CLOSE TO FUNDY SHORE
Scientists are studying a meteorite crater south of Bridgetown, with the possibility of proving that other meteors collided with Earth here thousands, if not millions, of years ago. This is yet another opportunity for our region to build a geo-tourism niche.
LOBSTER CATCHES UNDER MORE SCRUTINY
The lobster industry can expect greater scrutiny of market-bound lobsters at the US border. Fisherman are required to ensure that undersized lobsters and egg-bearing females are not part of a catch. If either are found at the border, entire shipments may be turned away.
BAY FERRIES ENDS YARMOUTH SERVICE
Bay Ferries has announced that it will end its high-speed CAT ferry service out of Yarmouth. The change takes effect in the spring of 2010. Although we do not yet know exactly how this will impact the Princess of Acadia service between Digby and Saint John, we will update you as we move forward. Here’s the announcement from Bay Ferries.
In the spirit of the season — and the magnificent Bay of Fundy — don’t miss Christmas in the Cove, another original production by local playwright Hal Theriault, in a limited two-performance run beginning tonight. So, from all of us here at ADEDA, we wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season, Kathleen!
Does Renewable Energy Harm as much as Help the Environment?
Blogger's Note: IMO renewable energy is great, as long as there are protections for the environment, the other living creatures of this world, including humans, protections for landscapes and nature areas, and do not deplete the resource past sustainability.
Biomass debate heats up
Professor says practice will make N.S. more green, profitable; environmentalists fear forests will be harmed
By KRISTA ARMSTRONG The Canadian Press
Mon. Dec 21 - 4:46 AM
About 260 hectares of woodland near Caribou Mines, 10 kilometres south of Upper Musquodoboit, were clearcut this summer by Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corp. for pulp and biomass at its Abercrombie plant.(JAMIE SIMPSON)
A debate is brewing between the Nova Scotia government, focus groups and environmentalists over the sustainability of harvesting trees and burning low-grade wood to meet the province’s energy needs.
This energy source, known as biomass, has been used for heat and electricity in Europe for years and, on a small scale, in many Canadian provinces.
It is being recommended by a government-commissioned consultation team as a component of a provincewide renewable energy strategy, but some worry that Nova Scotia doesn’t have the necessary regulations in place to go ahead with any large-scale forest biomass projects.
Prof. David Wheeler, dean of the faculty of management at Dalhousie University and leader of the consultation team, says biomass will help the province achieve its goal of producing 25 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy generation by 2015.
In an interim report released last week, he said biomass would generate about 15 per cent of the province’s renewable energy in the short term, with large-scale and com-munity wind farms making up the additional 85 per cent.
In an interview, Wheeler said biomass could make significant contributions economically, ecologically and socially to the province, provided it is done to the "highest possible standards."
He said biomass is a rel-atively cheap energy source because it uses non-commercial wood, such as knotty trees, tree stumps and branches, to fuel power plants.
It also helps keep consumer energy prices down, Wheeler said, and helps the province meet its climate change goals by replacing burned fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, that release carbon dioxide into the air.
It may also bring opportunity to small and rural communities since they will be able to generate and sell power to the province, maintaining and creating jobs.
"If money is being diverted, for example, out of the Colombian economy for purchasing coal and, instead, we’re putting that money into the Nova Scotia economy to produce forestry products . . . to the highest possible environmental standards, that’s a win-win," he said. "So we just have to define what those highest possible standards are."
But without knowing how the highest possible environmental standards will be defined, Jamie Simpson, a forester with Halifax’s Ecology Action Centre, can’t endorse large-scale biomass forestry as a renewable energy solution.
Simpson worries that unregulated whole-tree harvesting could remove the tree tops, stumps and branches that traditional forestry leaves behind, which he said provide needed nutrients and shade to the soil.
Guidelines for biomass harvesting are being drafted by the province’s Natural Resources Department, but Simpson said they are for Crown land and will not apply to private lots.
"And they’re only guidelines," said Simpson.
A lack of provincial regulation for biomass harvesting is also a concern for some in Ontario, which has begun to use renewable energy sources after committing to shut down all of its coal-fired plants.
Bruce Lourie, president of the Ivey Foundation, a charitable organization that supports environmental sustainability in forestry practices, said without provincial regulations, there’s a risk that people won’t understand the importance of retaining those parts of the tree that are necessary to regenerate forests.
"I don’t think the (Ontario) government really appreciates the risks that are involved," Lourie said.
Simpson and Lourie both say the long-term economic viability of the Canadian forestry industry may be hindered by a reliance on biomass for energy since it might impede Canada’s capacity to provide for more lucrative endeavours, such as supplying lumber to the U.S. housing market.
"As anyone knows, in terms of Canada’s role in resources, the last thing you want to be doing is exploiting resources at the lowest point on the value chain," said Lourie.
Lourie said biomass makes sense for small plants that are situated near forest operations.
Nova Scotia Power has been following the debate and is testing burning biomass wood pellets with coal at some of their power plants with good results, says Robin McAdam, executive vice-president of sustainability for the company.
Wheeler’s final report is due to the Nova Scotia government by the end of the year.
Biomass debate heats up
Professor says practice will make N.S. more green, profitable; environmentalists fear forests will be harmed
By KRISTA ARMSTRONG The Canadian Press
Mon. Dec 21 - 4:46 AM
About 260 hectares of woodland near Caribou Mines, 10 kilometres south of Upper Musquodoboit, were clearcut this summer by Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corp. for pulp and biomass at its Abercrombie plant.(JAMIE SIMPSON)
A debate is brewing between the Nova Scotia government, focus groups and environmentalists over the sustainability of harvesting trees and burning low-grade wood to meet the province’s energy needs.
This energy source, known as biomass, has been used for heat and electricity in Europe for years and, on a small scale, in many Canadian provinces.
It is being recommended by a government-commissioned consultation team as a component of a provincewide renewable energy strategy, but some worry that Nova Scotia doesn’t have the necessary regulations in place to go ahead with any large-scale forest biomass projects.
Prof. David Wheeler, dean of the faculty of management at Dalhousie University and leader of the consultation team, says biomass will help the province achieve its goal of producing 25 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy generation by 2015.
In an interim report released last week, he said biomass would generate about 15 per cent of the province’s renewable energy in the short term, with large-scale and com-munity wind farms making up the additional 85 per cent.
In an interview, Wheeler said biomass could make significant contributions economically, ecologically and socially to the province, provided it is done to the "highest possible standards."
He said biomass is a rel-atively cheap energy source because it uses non-commercial wood, such as knotty trees, tree stumps and branches, to fuel power plants.
It also helps keep consumer energy prices down, Wheeler said, and helps the province meet its climate change goals by replacing burned fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, that release carbon dioxide into the air.
It may also bring opportunity to small and rural communities since they will be able to generate and sell power to the province, maintaining and creating jobs.
"If money is being diverted, for example, out of the Colombian economy for purchasing coal and, instead, we’re putting that money into the Nova Scotia economy to produce forestry products . . . to the highest possible environmental standards, that’s a win-win," he said. "So we just have to define what those highest possible standards are."
But without knowing how the highest possible environmental standards will be defined, Jamie Simpson, a forester with Halifax’s Ecology Action Centre, can’t endorse large-scale biomass forestry as a renewable energy solution.
Simpson worries that unregulated whole-tree harvesting could remove the tree tops, stumps and branches that traditional forestry leaves behind, which he said provide needed nutrients and shade to the soil.
Guidelines for biomass harvesting are being drafted by the province’s Natural Resources Department, but Simpson said they are for Crown land and will not apply to private lots.
"And they’re only guidelines," said Simpson.
A lack of provincial regulation for biomass harvesting is also a concern for some in Ontario, which has begun to use renewable energy sources after committing to shut down all of its coal-fired plants.
Bruce Lourie, president of the Ivey Foundation, a charitable organization that supports environmental sustainability in forestry practices, said without provincial regulations, there’s a risk that people won’t understand the importance of retaining those parts of the tree that are necessary to regenerate forests.
"I don’t think the (Ontario) government really appreciates the risks that are involved," Lourie said.
Simpson and Lourie both say the long-term economic viability of the Canadian forestry industry may be hindered by a reliance on biomass for energy since it might impede Canada’s capacity to provide for more lucrative endeavours, such as supplying lumber to the U.S. housing market.
"As anyone knows, in terms of Canada’s role in resources, the last thing you want to be doing is exploiting resources at the lowest point on the value chain," said Lourie.
Lourie said biomass makes sense for small plants that are situated near forest operations.
Nova Scotia Power has been following the debate and is testing burning biomass wood pellets with coal at some of their power plants with good results, says Robin McAdam, executive vice-president of sustainability for the company.
Wheeler’s final report is due to the Nova Scotia government by the end of the year.
New Brunswick Power Deals
From the Chronicle Herald
Is the deal to sell NB Power unravelling? Let’s hope
By Dan Leger
Mon. Dec 21 - 4:46 AM
YOU KNOW a politician is hard up for a photo-op when he’s using toilet paper for a backdrop. But that’s what Shawn Graham was doing the other day: visiting a toilet paper plant to promote the sale of NB Power.
The New Brunswick premier was in Dieppe, near Moncton, to cast a positive spin on his unpopular plan to offload NB Power to Hydro-Quebec for $4.75 billion and a promise of cheaper power rates. It’s no accident that the plant is owned by the Irving conglomerate, which is by far the biggest single beneficiary of the deal.
Irving Tissue will save $2 million a year in power costs, helping the company compete with toilet-paper makers around the world. In fact, cheaper power will produce huge financial leverage right across the vertically integrated industrial machine that is Irving.
So let’s take, for example, toilet paper. Trees from the 1.7 million hectares of Irving-owned or controlled land in New Brunswick are felled by Irving crews, loaded onto Irving trucks burning Irving-refined diesel and hauled to the Irving paper mill in Saint John.
The mill produces giant rolls of Irving brand paper, which are loaded onto other Irving trucks and sent to the Irving plant in Dieppe. There they become Irving consumer products, which are often sold in Irving retail stores.
All those Irving companies consume a lot of electricity. So with a 30 per cent rate cut thanks to the Graham government, the richest company in Eastern Canada will get even richer.
That’s if the deal goes ahead. But there are signs it might be unravelling.
Graham won’t admit it but anyone can see there are massive political problems with the deal. And this is a legally mandated election year. Graham will have to defend selling off a vital part of New Brunswick’s economic sovereignty.
New Brunswickers have been protesting and writing letters, the opposition is demanding a plebiscite and two members of NB Power’s board of directors resigned in protest. Last week, an Angus Reid poll suggested only 20 per cent of New Brunswickers approve of Graham’s performance in office.
The deal has attracted opposition outside the province, and not just from Danny Williams. Nova Scotia companies are worried because the deal cedes control of transmission lines through New Brunswick.
Is the deal to sell NB Power unravelling? Let’s hope
By Dan Leger
Mon. Dec 21 - 4:46 AM
YOU KNOW a politician is hard up for a photo-op when he’s using toilet paper for a backdrop. But that’s what Shawn Graham was doing the other day: visiting a toilet paper plant to promote the sale of NB Power.
The New Brunswick premier was in Dieppe, near Moncton, to cast a positive spin on his unpopular plan to offload NB Power to Hydro-Quebec for $4.75 billion and a promise of cheaper power rates. It’s no accident that the plant is owned by the Irving conglomerate, which is by far the biggest single beneficiary of the deal.
Irving Tissue will save $2 million a year in power costs, helping the company compete with toilet-paper makers around the world. In fact, cheaper power will produce huge financial leverage right across the vertically integrated industrial machine that is Irving.
So let’s take, for example, toilet paper. Trees from the 1.7 million hectares of Irving-owned or controlled land in New Brunswick are felled by Irving crews, loaded onto Irving trucks burning Irving-refined diesel and hauled to the Irving paper mill in Saint John.
The mill produces giant rolls of Irving brand paper, which are loaded onto other Irving trucks and sent to the Irving plant in Dieppe. There they become Irving consumer products, which are often sold in Irving retail stores.
All those Irving companies consume a lot of electricity. So with a 30 per cent rate cut thanks to the Graham government, the richest company in Eastern Canada will get even richer.
That’s if the deal goes ahead. But there are signs it might be unravelling.
Graham won’t admit it but anyone can see there are massive political problems with the deal. And this is a legally mandated election year. Graham will have to defend selling off a vital part of New Brunswick’s economic sovereignty.
New Brunswickers have been protesting and writing letters, the opposition is demanding a plebiscite and two members of NB Power’s board of directors resigned in protest. Last week, an Angus Reid poll suggested only 20 per cent of New Brunswickers approve of Graham’s performance in office.
The deal has attracted opposition outside the province, and not just from Danny Williams. Nova Scotia companies are worried because the deal cedes control of transmission lines through New Brunswick.
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