A Speech
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My government is committed to the creation of a sustainable energy future for Canada. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of Canada’s economy. We are committed to curbing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Today I am tabling a bill in the House of Commons which will achieve those commitments if you, the people of Canada, give us the mandate to accomplish this massive task.
Our goal is nothing less than the elimination of emissions from power generation and the Alberta tar sands as well as a shift in our economy toward a bright green future.
How? Well, frankly, not by sending billions of dollars to the often corrupt governments of third world nations. We have enough to do in Canada.
Our plan is bold, direct and workable.
We propose to use proven, Canadian, technology and resources to generate power.
My government will ask for your approval to undertake an efficient, effective and environmentally sensitive shift away from fossil fuels in industrial applications.
We will be asking for your mandate to construct at least six and possibly as many as twelve CANDU 6 reactors across Canada. As these reactors come online we will decommission current coal and natural gas fired electrical power generating plants. Our goal is to replace the 27% of the energy we generate from burning fossil fuels with nuclear power. We already generate 12% of our electricity from nuclear and we have a long way to go to reach or exceed France’s current 75% nuclear electricity generation capacity. We also plan to largely eliminate burning fossil fuels in order to extract fossil fuels.
In addition, we will be asking for your mandate to build out our wind power generation to the level which can be sustained by our current electricity grid.
We will also create an Energy Research Institute to look at increasing the efficiency of our energy transmission and end use. We also propose to offer prizes for advances in battery storage technology, transmission efficiency, and end use efficiency.
This program will cost money. A great deal of money. A dozen 700Mwe reactors, even with the cost savings implicit in buying in bulk, will run a minimum of 60 billion dollars if we are conservative about the possibilities of cost overruns. Wind energy is estimated to cost another 3-5 billion. The research and prizes will add another 5 billion. At a minimum we believe this programs’ capital costs will be 75 billion dollars.
To put this into perspective, at the moment the current Canadian federal budget is 223 billion dollars and our federal debt is 483 billion dollars.
So, how will we pay for this?
Your government proposes to borrow the money in the form of 30 year Canada Energy Bonds which will be issued in series as the program proceeds. These bonds will bear market interest and have the full backing of the Government of Canada.
While they will be backed by your government they will be paid for with a number of measures.
In 2004 (get current stats) Canadians consumed 40 billion litres of gasoline. We propose a ten cent a litre energy surtax which would raise four billion dollars a year.
In 2005 Canada exported over 2 million barrels of oil per day. We exported 3.9 Tcf of natural gas and a net 10 Bkwh of electricity. We propose to impose a small export tax on all Canadian energy exports. The goal of such an impost will be an additional 4 billion dollars per year.
My government believes that reaching a nuclear fueled sustainable, emission free, energy strategy for Canada is worth a dime a litre. We believe that Canadian and world markets will welcome strong Canadian Energy Bonds.
To be honest I do not believe in Kyoto. I do not believe in Kyoto because Kyoto will not work.
And, to be blunt, my government is not at all convinced that the science of climate change is well enough understood to form a sensible basis for policy.
Which means that we have created this made in Canada bright green strategy because we are convinced it makes economic and environmental sense. It just happens that by following this plan we estimate that we will reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions radically and quickly.
As you know, climate change was not an issue in the last election. We do not have your mandate to embark upon this fundamental and expensive change to the Canadian economy. We need that mandate.
To that end we will be bringing this proposal to the House of Commons for a full and, we hope, productive debate. At the end of that debate, and after incorporating suggestions from Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, we will bring this program to a vote in the Commons.
I sincerely hope this measure passes. However, I don’t believe that an election should be called on this matter. Rather, once the House has debated, amended and voted on the proposal I will call on you, the Canadian people, to vote yea or nay on a bright, green, future.
I propose to call a referendum to be held within 60 days of the final vote in the Commons. A simple 50% plus one can pass or defeat the proposal.
If we are confronted with a real crisis then it is imperative that we all work together to ensure Canada makes its contribution to the reducing world’s emissions. However, even if the climate change issue has been exaggerated, your government believes that the measures proposed tonight will be a tremendous economic boost for Canada.
This is your fight as much as it is your Government’s. Read, ask questions, learn: because in the not too distant future you are going to have to decide Canada’s energy and emissions future.
Good Night
February 2nd, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Too bad nuclear power poses more and greater environmental problems as burning fossil fuels.
February 3rd, 2007 at 1:22 am
Can you imagine if we had that type of politician? And if the Canadian public was actually made aware of the costs which their demands would necessitate? And, even better, that Canadians themselves who “demand action” were made to pay for that action? Imagine…
February 4th, 2007 at 4:31 am
Borrowing would not be necessary for this to work. It takes about ten years to bring a nuclear plant online and during that time revenues of $80 billion would be generated from the proposed gasoline and energy export taxes.
However, this amount of additional nuclear power would only be equivalent to a little more than what is provided by Ontario’s 5 coal powered generating stations. Since the new candu reactors wouldn’t come online for 10 years or so, those 5 coal plants would continue spewing out GHGs. And then once those candus did come online, most, if not all, of those coal plants would still need to continue operating to meet the growing demand for electricity.
So in the end this would do nothing to curb GHG emissions. It would only meet the growing demand for more power.
February 4th, 2007 at 4:46 am
Robert, I suspect that the construction time could be reduced significantly.
We might want to look at clustering the reactors so that we could hit the output requirements. And I suspect that several billion dollars applied to researching various energy efficiencies would bear fruit in the form of reduced power consumption.
I prefer to borrow the money because I’d like to spread the costs out over time. Partially this is fiscal prudence, partially it is a desire to ensure that the people who will benefit also have a hand in paying.
February 4th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY – THE ENERGY EVOLUTION –R11
In order to insure energy and economic independence as well as better economic growth without being blackmailed by foreign countries, our country, the United States of America’s Utilization of Energy sources must change.
“Energy drives our entire economy.” We must protect it. “Let’s face it, without energy the whole economy and economic society we have set up would come to a halt. So you want to have control over such an important resource that you need for your society and your economy.” The American way of life is not negotiable.
Our continued dependence on fossil fuels could and will lead to catastrophic consequences.
The federal, state and local government should implement a mandatory renewable energy installation program for residential and commercial property on new construction and remodeling projects with the use of energy efficient material, mechanical systems, appliances, lighting, etc. The source of energy must by renewable energy such as Solar-Photovoltaic, Geothermal, Wind, Biofuels, Ocean-Tidal, etc. including utilizing water from lakes, rivers and oceans to circulate in cooling towers to produce air conditioning and the utilization of proper landscaping to reduce energy consumption. (Sales tax on renewable energy products should be reduced or eliminated)
The implementation of mandatory renewable energy could be done on a gradual scale over the next 10 years. At the end of the 10 year period all construction and energy use in the structures throughout the United States must be 100% powered by renewable energy. (This can be done by amending building code)
In addition, the governments must impose laws, rules and regulations whereby the utility companies must comply with a fair “NET METERING” (the buying of excess generation from the consumer at market price), including the promotion of research and production of “renewable energy technology” with various long term incentives and grants. The various foundations in existence should be used to contribute to this cause.
A mandatory time table should also be established for the automobile industry to gradually produce an automobile powered by renewable energy. The American automobile industry is surely capable of accomplishing this task. As an inducement to buy hybrid automobiles (sales tax should be reduced or eliminated on American manufactured automobiles).
This is a way to expedite our energy independence and economic growth. (This will also create a substantial amount of new jobs). It will take maximum effort and a relentless pursuit of the private, commercial and industrial government sectors commitment to renewable energy – energy generation (wind, solar, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, energy storage (fuel cells, advance batteries), energy infrastructure (management, transmission) and energy efficiency (lighting, sensors, automation, conservation) (rainwater harvesting, water conservation) (energy and natural resources conservation) in order to achieve our energy independence.
“To succeed, you have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality.”
Jay Draiman, Energy Consultant
Northridge, CA. 91325
Feb. 4, 2007
P.S. I have a very deep belief in America’s capabilities. Within the next 10 years we can accomplish our energy independence, if we as a nation truly set our goals to accomplish this.
I happen to believe that we can do it. In another crisis—the one in 1942—President Franklin D. Roosevelt said this country would build 60,000 [50,000] military aircraft. By 1943, production in that program had reached 125,000 aircraft annually. They did it then. We can do it now.
The American people resilience and determination to retain the way of life is unconquerable and we as a nation will succeed in this endeavor of Energy Independence.
Solar energy is the source of all energy on the earth (excepting volcanic geothermal). Wind, wave and fossil fuels all get their energy from the sun. Fossil fuels are only a battery which will eventually run out. The sooner we can exploit all forms of Solar energy (cost effectively or not against dubiously cheap FFs) the better off we will all be. If the battery runs out first, the survivors will all be living like in the 18th century again.
Every new home built should come with a solar package. A 1.5 kW per bedroom is a good rule of thumb. The formula 1.5 X’s 5 hrs per day X’s 30 days will produce about 225 kWh per bedroom monthly. This peak production period will offset 17 to 2
4 cents per kWh with a potential of $160 per month or about $60,000 over the 30-year mortgage period for a three-bedroom home. It is economically feasible at the current energy price and the interest portion of the loan is deductible. Why not?
Title 24 has been mandated forcing developers to build energy efficient homes. Their bull-headedness put them in that position and now they see that Title 24 works with little added cost. Solar should also be mandated and if the developer designs a home that solar is impossible to do then they should pay an equivalent mitigation fee allowing others to put solar on in place of their negligence. (Installation should be paid “performance based”)
Installation of renewable energy and its performance should be paid to the installer and manufacturer based on “performance based” (that means they are held accountable for the performance of the product – that includes the automobile industry). This will gain the trust and confidence of the end-user to proceed with such a project; it will also prove to the public that it is a viable avenue of energy conservation.
Installing renewable energy system on your home or business increases the value of the property and provides a marketing advantage.
Nations of the world should unite and join together in a cohesive effort to develop and implement MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY for the sake of humankind and future generations.
Jay Draiman
Northridge, CA 91325
Email: renewableenergy2@msn.com
May 31st, 2007 at 2:58 am
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE – THE ENERGY EVOLUTION –R14
By Jay Draiman, Energy Consultant
In order to insure energy and economic independence as well as better economic growth without being blackmailed by foreign countries, our country, the United States of America’s Utilization of Energy Sources must change.
“Energy drives our entire economy.” We must protect it. “Let’s face it, without energy the whole economy and economic society we have set up would come to a halt. So you want to have control over such an important resource that you need for your society and your economy.” The American way of life is not negotiable.
Our continued dependence on fossil fuels could and will lead to catastrophic consequences.
The federal, state and local government should implement a mandatory renewable energy installation program for residential and commercial property on new construction and remodeling projects with the use of energy efficient material, mechanical systems, appliances, lighting, retrofits etc. The source of energy must be by renewable energy such as Solar-Photovoltaic, Geothermal, Wind, Biofuels, Ocean-Tidal, Hydrogen-Fuel Cell etc. This includes the utilizing of water from lakes, rivers and oceans to circulate in cooling towers to produce air conditioning and the utilization of proper landscaping to reduce energy consumption. (Sales tax on renewable energy products and energy efficiency should be reduced or eliminated)
The implementation of mandatory renewable energy could be done on a gradual scale over the next 10 years. At the end of the 10 year period all construction and energy use in the structures throughout the United States must be 100% powered by renewable energy. (This can be done by amending building code)
In addition, the governments must impose laws, rules and regulations whereby the utility companies must comply with a fair “NET METERING” (the buying of excess generation from the consumer at market price), including the promotion of research and production of “renewable energy technology” with various long term incentives and grants. The various foundations in existence should be used to contribute to this cause.
A mandatory time table should also be established for the automobile industry to gradually produce an automobile powered by renewable energy. The American automobile industry is surely capable of accomplishing this task. As an inducement to buy hybrid automobiles (sales tax should be reduced or eliminated on American manufactured automobiles).
This is a way to expedite our energy independence and economic growth. (This will also create a substantial amount of new jobs). It will take maximum effort and a relentless pursuit of the private, commercial and industrial government sectors’ commitment to renewable energy – energy generation (wind, solar, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, energy storage (fuel cells, advance batteries), energy infrastructure (management, transmission) and energy efficiency (lighting, sensors, automation, conservation) (rainwater harvesting, water conservation) (energy and natural resources conservation) in order to achieve our energy independence.
“To succeed, you have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality.”
Jay Draiman, Energy Consultant
Northridge, CA. 91325
May 30, 2007
P.S. I have a very deep belief in America’s capabilities. Within the next 10 years we can accomplish our energy independence, if we as a nation truly set our goals to accomplish this.
I happen to believe that we can do it. In another crisis—the one in 1942—President Franklin D. Roosevelt said this country would build 60,000 [50,000] military aircraft. By 1943, production in that program had reached 125,000 aircraft annually. They did it then. We can do it now.
“the way we produce and use energy must fundamentally change.”
The American people resilience and determination to retain the way of life is unconquerable and we as a nation will succeed in this endeavor of Energy Independence.
The Oil Companies should be required to invest a substantial percentage of their profit in renewable energy R&D and implementation. Those who do not will be panelized by the public at large by boy cutting their products.
Solar energy is the source of all energy on the earth (excepting volcanic geothermal). Wind, wave and fossil fuels all get their energy from the sun. Fossil fuels are only a battery which will eventually run out. The sooner we can exploit all forms of Solar energy (cost effectively or not against dubiously cheap FFs) the better off we will all be. If the battery runs out first, the survivors will all be living like in the 18th century again.
Every new home built should come with a solar package. A 1.5 kW per bedroom is a good rule of thumb. The formula 1.5 X’s 5 hrs per day X’s 30 days will produce about 225 kWh per bedroom monthly. This peak production period will offset 17 to 2
4 cents per kWh with a potential of $160 per month or about $60,000 over the 30-year mortgage period for a three-bedroom home. It is economically feasible at the current energy price and the interest portion of the loan is deductible. Why not?
Title 24 has been mandated forcing developers to build energy efficient homes. Their bull-headedness put them in that position and now they see that Title 24 works with little added cost. Solar should also be mandated and if the developer designs a home that solar is impossible to do then they should pay an equivalent mitigation fee allowing others to put solar on in place of their negligence. (Installation should be paid “performance based”).
Installation of renewable energy and its performance should be paid to the installer and manufacturer based on “performance based” (that means they are held accountable for the performance of the product – that includes the automobile industry). This will gain the trust and confidence of the end-user to proceed with such a project; it will also prove to the public that it is a viable avenue of energy conservation.
Installing a renewable energy system on your home or business increases the value of the property and provides a marketing advantage. It also decreases our trade deficit.
Nations of the world should unite and join together in a cohesive effort to develop and implement MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY for the sake of humankind and future generations.
The head of the U.S. government’s renewable energy lab said Monday (Feb. 5) that the federal government is doing “embarrassingly few things” to foster renewable energy, leaving leadership to the states at a time of opportunity to change the nation’s energy future. “I see little happening at the federal level. Much more needs to happen.” What’s needed, he said, is a change of our national mind set. Instead of viewing the hurdles that still face renewable sources and setting national energy goals with those hurdles in mind, we should set ambitious national renewable energy goals and set about overcoming the hurdles to meet them. We have an opportunity, an opportunity we can take advantage of or an opportunity we can squander and let go,”
solar energy – the direct conversion of sunlight with solar cells, either into electricity or hydrogen, faces cost hurdles independent of their intrinsic efficiency. Ways must be found to lower production costs and design better conversion and storage systems.
Disenco Energy of the UK has announced it has reached important
milestones leading to full commercialization, such as the completion of
field trials for its home, micro combined heat and power plant (m-CHP).
The company expects to begin a product roll out in the second quarter of
2008.
Operating at over 90 percent efficiency, the m-CHP will be able to
provide 15 kilowatts of thermal energy (about 50,000 Btu’s) for heat and
hot water and generate 3 kilowatts of electricity. The m-CHP uses a
Stirling engine generator and would be a direct replacement for a home’s
boiler.
Running on piped-in natural gas the unit would create some independence
from the power grid, but still remain connected to the gas supply
network.
Whereas heat is supplied only when the generator is running (or
conversely electricity is generated only when heat is needed) a back-up
battery system and heavily insulated hot water storage tank seem
eventual options for more complete energy independence.
FEDERAL BUILDINGS WITH SOLAR ENERGY – Renewable Energy
All government buildings, Federal, State, County, City etc. should be mandated to be energy efficient and must use renewable energy on all new structures and structures that are been remodeled/upgraded.
“The goverNment should serve as an example to its citizens”
Jay Draiman, Energy Consultant
Northridge, CA 91325
Email: renewableenergy2@msn.com