Local science enthusiasts got a glimpse of the present and future of green technology at a presentation by Energy Efficiency Alberta chair David Dodge at Athabasca University Jan. 11.
The presentation was hosted by Science Outreach — Athabasca and highlighted clean energy projects throughout the province and country. Dodge discussed solar panels, wind energy, net-zero homes and more, as well as how quickly these technologies are expanding in Alberta.
Dodge, who also runs a green energy documentary project called Green Energy Futures, said the main thing he wanted people to take away from his project is how fast change is coming.
“Change is okay. In fact, it can be good. It can be good for jobs, it can be good for the environment, it can be good for innovation,” Dodge said. “This is a very exciting time in human history. Stuff is changing so fast.”
The presentation highlighted several green energy projects in Alberta and how much the government is investing in them. Dodge said that although solar energy in the province started from close to scratch, it has expanded five-fold since 2015.
Highlighting green energy projects in Alberta is Dodge’s way of countering misinformation, he said.
“When I started this project, a lot of these technologies were not validated. People were taking potshots at solar with no knowledge whatsoever,” Dodge said. “I’m just highlighting the stuff that’s really big and has tons of potential and is already working.”
Athabasca river basin outreach co-ordinator Linda Lindballe said she thought the presentation was highly informative.
She added she was happy about the attendance – she counted as 72 people – especially considering the cold weather on the evening of the presentation.
“Our numbers have been increasing at a lot of our presentations and I think a lot of that is people’s interest is peaking more into science,” Lindballe said. “We try to provide this as a service to the community. We do this to promote science awareness in Athabasca and the surrounding area.”
Event attendee Albert Wurfel said he found the presentation to be fantastic.
“It’s got practical ideas and it’s a very important current topic and things are happening,” Wurfel said. “I’m surprised at how much is happening, and I’m really pleased to see it is.”
