Localizing Renewable Energy: An interview with OREC's Dick Bakker

Original podcast on 360energy.net

David Arkell and Lysandra Naom of 360 Energy sit down with Dick Bakker, Director at Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative (OREC). The conversation spans the founding and mission of OREC, the current and future role of community-owned renewable energy projects, and the intricacies of electricity regulations in Ontario. Dick shares insights on the cooperative’s efforts to decentralize the grid, advocate for policy changes, and integrate various renewable technologies like solar, wind, and batteries. The discussion also touches upon historical and future perspectives on energy demand, efficiency, and the potential for community engagement in accelerating the energy transition.

Highlights

• Community Empowerment: The OREC model promotes local investment and ownership in renewable energy projects.

• Decentralization of Energy: Bakker stresses the role of community energy projects in moving away from centralized power generation.

• Regulatory Challenges: Existing Ontario regulations restrict participation and financial benefits for community members.

• Diverse Energy Portfolio: OREC operates 34 projects including solar and wind, reflecting a commitment to versatile energy solutions.

• Energy Equity: Bakker advocates for policy changes that would allow better integration of solar systems in multi-unit buildings.

• Battery Technology: Emphasis on implementing distributed energy storage to enhance local energy resilience.

• Future Perspectives: The conversation showcases the potential for a more responsive and locally-controlled energy sector as technology improves.

Key Renewable Energy Insights

• Importance of Cooperation: Bakker emphasizes that community-led efforts in the energy sector foster greater accountability and engagement among members, aligning their interests with the sustainability goals of the cooperative. This model not only provides economic benefits but also builds community resilience, making stakeholders more likely to react to issues affecting shared resources.

• Political Landscape Impact: He notes that energy is more politically driven in Ontario than purely a commercial interest. The cooperative model can bridge the political divide by making renewable projects more appealing to various demographic groups, thus garnering broader support for energy transitions.

• Obstacles of Regulation: Bakker candidly addresses the limitations imposed by existing regulations that hinder community participation in renewable projects. He calls for reforms that encourage the collaborative development of energy resources, including virtual net metering and shared ownership models, arguing this will enhance energy accessibility.

• Changing Energy Dynamics: He discussions how decentralized energy systems can become pivotal in responding to burgeoning energy demands, particularly given the necessity for electricity in transitioning away from fossil fuels. This shift presents opportunities for localized energy generation co-ops to thrive.

• Solar Advantages in Ontario: Bakker describes Ontario’s favorable conditions for solar energy, despite regulatory challenges. Northern Ontario’s solar potential, especially in winter months, demonstrates the viability of integrating more solar technology into community energy models to optimize production.

• Call for Technological Innovation: Bakker highlights the potential of emerging technologies, such as smart distribution grids and energy storage, to reshape energy consumption. He stresses the importance of adapting to technological advancements ensuring cooperatives play a crucial role in leveraging these innovations locally.

• Future of Energy Systems: The discussion concludes with Bakker’s optimistic viewpoint on the future of energy systems, surmising that the collective knowledge and engagement among community members can cultivate a more adaptable and efficient energy economy, transforming how energy is perceived and utilized across Ontario and beyond.