|
Traditionally, energy has been a big subject for Ontarians especially since Ontario switched from an exporter to the importer
of electricity. High charge politics were evident two weeks ago at the 23rd Annual Canadian Power Conference APPrO 2011
in Toronto. You could hear a perpetually reappearing question: are we going to keep raising prices and react to some yet
unknown emergencies, or it is time to clearly define a path, the new energy paradigm for Ontario? For good or bad, we are
stuck with a billions dollar order for subsidized renewable energy requiring solid, weather independent base energy sources.
Very successful Miniconf#1 dealt with those issues head on, no political correctness or pleasing establishment.
Meanwhile in a remote Poland energy emotions are running high. There is a dramatic need to build new power stations and
despite the fact that tsunami is not likely to happen either here or there, nuke opposition still have their field day in aftermath
of the Fukushima fiasco. Polish-Canadian community is well represented in the Ontario energy sector. It is also vitally
interested in what is happening with energy in Poland. Poland is also interested in how energy-advanced Ontario deals with
their power challenge. The nuclear part of the energy equation will be addressed in the upcoming Miniconf#2
Another relevant energy subject today is fuel cells technology, advancing as we speak rapidly mainly in the U.S. as was
evident recently at the Fuel Cells 2011 International Conference and Exhibit in Orlando. Add gaining ground in Europe
‘energy-passive construction’ efforts and prospects for ‘ultimate’ limitless energy sources via nanotechnology, and you can
have an interesting picture subject of Miniconf#3, 4 and 5. Leaving politics and glamour aside our educational series of
meetings will attempt to have another crack at the Ontario energy dilemma from the down to earth, strictly
technical/economics point of view including a good glimpse into both near and further away future.
Panelists will include top caliber doers from the energy trenches; the internationally renowned global energy expert from
Harvard will join us in session #4. These educational seminars are dedicated to short and long term power challenges for
Ontario and beyond.
|
