Canada, Ottawa
Natural gas is the ideal primary energy source, supplemented by renewables such as geo-thermal and solar power, to help communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move to a more efficient and sustainable energy future, concludes a new report released today by the Canadian Gas Association (CGA).
"For each community there will be a ‘best mix’ of energy sources based
on that community’s geography and natural advantages," said Mike
Cleland, CGA President and CEO, "The reliable, affordable, secure,
efficient and environmentally acceptable nature of natural gas means
that it can provide vital system reliability while partnering with
other energy sources to increase overall efficiency and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions." That’s a key recommendation in the CGA’s 22
page report "A Vision for Ontario’s Energy Future: Smart Gas
Strategies".
"There are lots of ways natural gas can be used more effectively than
it is today," said Cleland. "This report highlights many of the changes
Ontario’s energy planners can introduce to make sure that happens."
Included in the report are proposals to:
- improve energy efficiency practices in industrial sectors through
education campaigns to promote conservation and greater use of co-generation; - recognize the benefits of natural gas as a transportation fuel in
rebate programs such as the passenger vehicle eco-license plate program; - extend the sales tax relief for natural gas buses and developing
an incentive program to encourage commercial vehicle fleets to switch
to natural gas; - ensure programs for clean-technologies include natural gas based systems.
"The energy sector in Ontario is changing," said Cleland. "In
response to the economic and environmental pressures on the system
today, natural gas offers a clean, abundant, and versatile alternative
that should be more evident in government and community energy thinking
and planning for tomorrow."
Copies of the paper, "A Vision for Ontario’s Energy Future: Smart Gas Strategies" are available on the CGA website at www.cga.ca.
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