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Producers' thoughts on...
Energy Thoughts in General
As part of a small sampling survey of farmers in Ontario, when asked why they were interested in renewable energy systems:
- 33% of survey respondents indicated they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems because of potential income or expense reduction.
13% of survey respondents indicated they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems because it was an environmentally responsible thing to do
33% of survey respondents indicated they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems for a combination of both reasons, for potential income and expense reduction, as well as the fact that it was environmentally responsible.
10% of survey respondents did not respond to the question.
The remaining 11% indicated a variety of reasons for their interest in renewable and alternative energy systems. These reasons were broken down as follows:
- 4% of the total survey respondents indicated that they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems because they wanted to be self-reliant and /or wanted to live “off-grid”
- 2% of the total survey respondents indicated that they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems because it was a hobby or entertainment
- 2% of the total survey respondents indicated that they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems because it was a business and/ or revenue generating opportunity
- The remaining responses included Maintenance and service reasons and some indicated they felt renewable and alternative energy would be too expensive to pursue.
When farmers were asked why they were interested in renewable energy systems?
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33% indicated they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems because of potential income or expense reduction
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13% indicated they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems because it was an environmentally responsible thing to do
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33% indicated they were interested in renewable and alternative energy systems combination of both reasons for potential income and expense reduction, as well as the fact that it was environmentally responsible.
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10% of survey respondents did not respond to the question.
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The remaining 11% indicated a variety of reasons for their interest in renewable and alternative energy systems (living off the grid 4%, as a hobby 2% etc.)
Bio-Energy Thoughts
Farmers owing ethanol plants realize $500/acre more in terms of return.
Potential for renewable and alternative energy production through biomass and biogas is huge in Ontario. Lack confidence and expertise to carry it through to potential.
More consulting capacity is required to successfully execute projects.
In trying to launch a centralized bio-digester the biggest challenge is relationships.
Wind Energy Thoughts
Farmers are basing wind energy decision on information supplied by vendor in most cases - they must use caution.
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