July 3, 2009

The Centre for Applied Renewable Energy (CfARE) provides residents of rural mid-western Ontario with information, technical assistance, and job mentoring and employment opportunities within the region’s burgeoning renewable energy sector.

Since launching in 2006, the Centre has:  provided over 100 farm and homeowner consultations; hosted 26 renewable energy workshops throughout the area; launched a successful annual Renewable Energy Forum; provided renewable energy planning assistance in the areas of hydro-electric, bio-fuels, anaerobic digestion, energy conservation and co-operative development; and provided job training opportunities with 13 employers in the renewable energy and environmental sector.  The Centre has recently begun to examine the economic and employment opportunities associated with climate change adaptation and relocalization.

Renewable energy development will have a significant impact on the rural community in the long term because of the fact that the resources needed (biomass, wind regimes, flowing water and adequate space) are rural resources.  CfARE enables rural residents and communities to actively participate in the development of these resources and, in so doing, ensures that the economic benefits flowing from them (i.e. business start-up, investment returns, jobs) are captured within the local community.

Significant impacts to the local community:
• 500+ people gained knowledge by attending various workshops and seminars
• 450 people learned more about renewable energy technology by attending the Renewable Energy Summit in 2007;
• 38 renewable energy vendors gained exposure for their products and services at the Summit;
• 150 young people took part in Scientists In Schools program hosted by the Centre;
• 100+ people heard experts in training, employment, investment and politics discuss “Merging With The Green Economy” at CfARE’s 2008 symposium
• 50+ municipal politicians and staff have attended presentations by CfARE

For more information, contact:
Joan van der Meer – Project Manager
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