A group of oil sands workers are calling on the Alberta government to support the training of 1,000 out of work electricians as solar specialists.
With plans to facilitate the registration of those 1,000 training candidates, the Iron & Earth non-profit organization is proposing the installation of solar panels at 100 sites to provide employment and further the province’s goal for 30 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030.
According to company founder and boilermaker Lliam Hildebrand, the solar program is the first of several planned training programs. “Next, we’re looking to find ways to put pipefitters, boilermakers, ironworkers, and other building trades in Alberta back to work in the geothermal, wind, biomass, and biofuel industries,” Hildebrand said in a press release today.
Oil sands workers for training in renewable energyThe government of Alberta should invest in training out-of-work oil sands workers in renewable energy. Agree? Add your name: http://www.ironandearth.org/take_the_pledge
Posted by Iron & Earth on Monday, 21 March 2016
Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips unveiled the Alberta government’s ambitious Climate Leadership Plan in Nov. 2015 after months of consultation. In Feb. 2016, the government announced the creation of the Alberta Municipal Solar Program and the On-Farm Energy Management Program to help farms and municipalities install solar panels.
For readers who might be skeptical of solar power, the Pembina Institute recently published two articles debunking some of the myths about renewable energy production and potential in Alberta.
A recent podcast by Green Energy Futures also focused on solar power in Alberta:
Editor’s note: A previous version of this post referred to Iron & Earth as a company. It is not a company. It is a non-profit organization.
