Bioenergy for rural and remote communities

Entitled “Energy Independence for Rural and Remote Communities,” the workshop is part of CanBio’s 2012 Annual National Conference and Trade Show, taking place November 27-28 in Vancouver B.C. Presented in partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia, the workshop will be held November 27 from 1 to 4:30 pm.

“Energy security is perhaps the most critical issue facing rural, remote, and in particular Aboriginal communities in Canada,” explains J.P. Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, who will speak at the workshop.

With natural gas service being virtually non-existent, the vast-majority of these communities are dependent on dirtier and more expensive fossil fuels such as diesel and propane, at a huge cost to local residents and Canadian taxpayers, not to mention the environment. In fact, many communities have to have diesel flown in when supplies run short and are under constant pressure to ensure stocks remain available.

Meanwhile, a clean, sustainable, and readily available source of energy and economic growth sits largely unused in the backyards of many rural and remote communities across the country.

“Biomass can play a key role in dealing with the energy issue, but it can also be a source of significant economic growth for these communities,” explains Gladu, who will discuss the economic development potential of sustainable biomass utilization.

Other topics that will be covered include: the advantages of biomass utilization; system design, implementation, and maintenance; feedstock and supply chain issues; and food security. Relevant case studies will also be presented.

Click here for more information, including details on how to register.