Tyler Graper (left) and instructor Ron Papp look over work during class in the Wind Turbine Technician program.
Renewable energy is getting a big endorsement and hoping to make its footprint right here in Lethbridge.
The Government of Alberta recently encouraged plans for legislation with the Renewable Electricity Program.
The goal of the program is to get 30 per cent of renewable power target energy by 2030.
It is hoping to create 5,000 megawatts of capacity in renewable power to create jobs to the hard hit economy.
The outlook is looking bright with the expansion of the Trades and Technologies Renewal and Innovation Project (TTRIP) building.
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“A major part of that building is a new wind turbine training facility. So the government has made the investment here,”
said Ron Papp, wind turbine technician instructor, who feels Lethbridge can be a stepping stone for future projects.
“Lethbridge is probably going to be the major hub for wind and possibly solar in Alberta,” adds Papp.
Changes can be small and done by anyone in the community to make an effect on renewable energy.
“The last few months we noticed more traffic, more talk, more interest in renewables. So the more people talk, the more the government and the public will come on board… it has to be done slow and steady,” said Rudy
Reger, owner and founder of Energy Smart Canada.
Reger says the little things can make a big difference in pushing Alberta to be more conscious
in energy use and has been waiting to get more backing in renewables.
“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time that we get some kind of support from the government. Not necessarily handouts, but just encourage people to go out and do the right thing,” said Reger.
Lethbridge MLA Shannon Phillips is hopeful this program can put the province in the forefront as energy leaders.
“These announcements will make Alberta the leading market for renewable energy in Canada,” said Phillips the day of the government announcement.
Changing to LED light bulbs or switching to a water efficient toilet in your home can go a long way. This can lead to savings when the Alberta carbon tax takes effect at the beginning of next year.
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