Part Two – How rural Alberta communities can minimize risks and maximize benefits of renewable energy
This is the second blog in our first blog series called Rural Communities and Renewable Energy in Alberta. This month we turn our focus to discussing how rural communities can minimize risks and maximize benefits of renewable energy projects.
All energy projects come with risks. Whether we are talking about renewable energy such as solar or wind, or non-renewable energy such as natural gas, nuclear, or coal; there are a wide range of risks which may impact a community where a project is located. Similarly, benefits are also diverse and highly dependent on a variety of factors ranging from project location, size, and ownership type.
Rural communities often have limited resources to put towards renewable energy projects so being thorough from the start is absolutely critical in maximizing benefits and minimizing risks. Let’s briefly understand some common risks to rural communities using the chart below. The lists below are by no means exhaustive and we are interested to hear your thoughts.
Now that we have gone over some of the common risks from a community perspective, we will turn attention to benefits of renewable energy in rural communities.
Rural communities in Alberta are used to working closely with energy companies and are no stranger to the cyclical nature of the industry. As renewable energy projects continue to increase in Alberta it is really important that communities are involved in projects right from the start. Project developers working in rural areas can create more value in their projects when their host communities are involved from the beginning.
A common theme is centralized around collaboration. It is important for rural communities to collaborate with renewable energy proponents, and vice versa. As the old saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work!
If you are a rural community in Alberta (or elsewhere in Canada) please reach out to us today to learn how we can assist you in maximizing benefits and minimizing risks of renewable energy projects in your jurisdiction.
Stay tuned next month for part three in the Rural Communities and Renewable Energy in Alberta blog series!
Do you have questions about our consulting services or this blog post? Connect with Dave via email at: dcarscadden@blueharpconsulting.ca
Blog written by: Dave Carscadden, CEO – Blue Harp Consulting
