Les Routledge sees a chance to bring at least $1 billion in private investment to Manitoba through sustainable energy development during the next 10 to 20 years.
But that investment will come only if there is a clear policy and a framework, said Routledge, secretary of the newly formed Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association.
“In the next 10 to 20 years, I can easily see a potential total investment of over $1 billion coming to Manitoba from private sector investment sources,” Routledge said.
“One of the significant barriers to getting the private investment commitment is (not having) full clarity in the rules and regulations and the structure of the business environment. Uncertainty in the business environment tends to drive away private investment.”
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The Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association has been formed to bring together the interests of rural landowners, municipalities and renewable energy developers in the province.
As part of that effort, the association is planning a one-day conference and annual meeting in Winnipeg April 5. Routledge said it will have a number of benefits for those who attend.
- Companies will be able to learn about the business, policy and regulatory environment affecting the sustainable energy sector.
- Farmers and other landowners will gain information about the steps they can take to attract investment in renewable energy production and how to deal with companies proposing related developments.
- For municipalities and development organizations, it will be an opportunity to learn from others how they can plan for and attract investment in renewable energy at the local level.
- Those attending the conference will have access to experts who can talk about policies established in other jurisdictions to accelerate the growth.
Part of the conference will be devoted to a panel discussion intended to identify useful renewable energy development policy options for Manitoba.
For more information on the conference, phone Routledge at 204-721-0439.
Through a partnership agreement, Turtle Mountain Sustainable Ventures provides financial and administrative support to help get the Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association established.
Turtle Mountain Sustainable Ventures is a venture development organization controlled by six area towns and rural municipalities in southwestern Manitoba.
