Scott Harper of the Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan) spoke at the Global Sustainable Island Summit this May in PEI. Scott says that provincial efforts to electrify our energy needs have made a positive shift in our emissions. “As always, more must be done and how the energy we are using is generated will continue to require new investment and ideas, however it is good to see what a bit of financial incentive and information can do to move the needle,” said Harper.
The Wind Energy Institute of Canada is a not-for-profit formed in 1981 that advances the development of wind energy across Canada through research, testing, innovation and collaboration. The Institute has been performing wind turbine testing and consultation services since 1981. With over 35 small wind turbine installations at the site, highly qualified staff provide guidance/expertise on the development or testing of these technologies.
Scott has been involved in WEICan since 2007. He was excited to learn from other island jurisdictions around the world. “In PEI, we are electrically connected to the mainland and thus the larger grid, which does bring about many benefits, technically and economically. Other islands are not so fortunate, however often necessity brings about innovative ideas and unique systems to address technical issues, and the ultimate cost of energy supply. I believe there is much to learn from these islands for PEI as we plan forward with our own energy transition.”
Also speaking at the Global Sustainable Island Summit was Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands with the Scottish Government.
In June of 2023, she spoke at the Carbons Island Neutral Project. The project is supporting six Scottish islands - Great Cumbrae, Barra, Hoy, Islay, Raasay and Yell - to become carbon neutral by 2040. At that event, Cabinet Secretary Gougeon said, “The impact of this project will extend well beyond the shores of the six islands. The knowledge gained throughout this journey will be shared to help support all of Scotland’s island communities, and indeed mainland communities, as they seek to forge a future that is both climate-friendly and sustainable. We want to share good practice and build the foundations for practical collaboration with islands partners further afield.”
The Global Sustainable Island Summit was co-hosted by the Government of PEI and Island Innovation. See highlights from the 2024 Global Sustainable Island Summit in our Flickr Album.
