It has been recognized for some time by independent experts, and now by NB Power, that Mactaquac dam is nearing the end of its life and will not be safe beyond 2030. This means the time is at hand for serious research and informed public consultation on the future of the dam and the St. … Continue reading “The Future of Mactaquac Dam”
Category: Renewable Energy
Our Historic Energy Dilemma
The historical facts of our energy situation are clear. Since the early days of the 20th Century the development of modern societies has been based on a huge injection of hydrocarbon energy. This sudden and unusual injection of energy must realistically be understood as a temporary subsidy. At the beginning of this hydrocarbon era, large … Continue reading “Our Historic Energy Dilemma”
It’s Time for Long Range Energy Planning
Critical information on long-range energy planning continues to build up an encouraging picture of the future. Consider the following: The National Bank of Abu Dhabi has issued a major report for the oil rich, Gulf region financial services sector showing that renewable energy development will competitively displace oil and gas within the next decade. PNC … Continue reading “It’s Time for Long Range Energy Planning”
For Whom the Investment Bell Tolls
A strange thing is happening on the way to our energy future. The North American hydrocarbon bubble that the oil industry has been inflating is now suffering some serious punctures. For one thing, a decrease in consumer demand is depressing prices, which is bad news for Canadian oil sands, deep sea, and tight shale extraction, … Continue reading “For Whom the Investment Bell Tolls”
Resources
Past articles and publications by members of the Sustainable Energy Group Energy Futures Columns Columns published in the Bugle-Observer 2014-2016. 2016 Mactaquac Dam Hanging in the Balance by Keith Helmuth, March 16, 2016 2015 It’s Time for Long Range Energy Planning by Keith Helmuth, March 20, 2015 2014 Species at Risk in New Brunswick by Brennan … Continue reading “Resources”
Submission to the Select Legislative Committee on Climate Change
The Sustainable Energy Group (SEG) is grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Select Committee on Climate Change. SEG was established in 2004 as a nonprofit organization for the purpose of raising public awareness about renewable and environmentally sustainable options in energy production, distribution and use. SEG was formed to address the concern that … Continue reading “Submission to the Select Legislative Committee on Climate Change”
Submission to the NB Power Commission on the Future of Mactaquac Dam
Download PDF May 29, 2016 Introduction From the time NB Power made the announcement in 2013 that the Mactaquac generating station will become unusable by 2030, the Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group (SEG) has been following the research and the decision making process on the future of the dam. In addition, Transition Town Woodstock (TTW), of … Continue reading “Submission to the NB Power Commission on the Future of Mactaquac Dam”
Letter to N.B. Commission on Hydraulic Fracturing
N.B. Commission on Hydraulic Fracturing Marysville Place P. O. Box 6000 Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5H2 Dear Commission Panel Members: The Sustainable Energy Group (SEG) was established in 2004 as a nonprofit organization for the purpose of raising public awareness about renewable and environmentally sustainable options in energy production, distribution and use. SEG has responded to … Continue reading “Letter to N.B. Commission on Hydraulic Fracturing ”
Is Shale Gas a Bridge Fuel?
Within the last few years there has been a remarkable change in attitude about fossil fuels. There is rapidly growing agreement among people in positions of public responsibility that we must reduce our collective carbon emissions. For example, the NB Power Commission is committed to increasing its renewable energy portfolio and shift from coal and … Continue reading “Is Shale Gas a Bridge Fuel?”
Clean Energy is the Real Alternative to Coal
Gwyn Morgan’s commentary titled “Natural gas is the only real alternative to coal” is incorrect and misleading. (Daily Gleaner, Oct. 8) Clearly it’s meant to bolster arguments for shale gas proponents. Ninety seven percent of scientists and many people around the world and here in Canada understand that without question the real alternative to coal … Continue reading “Clean Energy is the Real Alternative to Coal”