Name: Tom McElroy
Issue: Environment: We need clean air and water but green spaces are important too …
What’s the big idea: Clean energy. We can make lots of energy when the sun shines or the wind blows (or tides and other sources) but we need to develop the capacity to store energy to supply the times of peak need — possibly for weeks in the case of solar. Small-scale systems using hydrogen generation and storage have been successfully implemented, but no large-scale systems have been developed and tested.
Given the absence of federal leadership in this area, Toronto should consider taking the lead in the development of a large-scale energy storage demonstration project. Ontario hydro is “selling” energy at a loss. Toronto could take it and store it as hydrogen and use it to reduce electricity costs at peak times in Toronto. It would set us up to be in a position to even out the peaks and valleys in energy production in the province and test-drive the infrastructure needed to transition completely to green energy. We can’t be burning fossil fuels 100 years from now.
How will the big idea work: It will make Toronto a global example of environmentally friendly energy production.
How much will your big idea cost, and how would it be funded: Depending on the size of the project, anywhere from tens of millions to hundreds of millions. The project would co-opt the efforts of university researchers, investment from Ontario Hydro, the province and the city (the feds are not likely to be interested). Fuel cell manufacturers would contribute at cost and a lot of money would come from savings in acquiring power at off-peak rates (or even with a cash contribution). As hydrogen vehicles become available, cash sales would augment the program’s income.
How will you implement your big idea: It has to be a city-led environmental initiative.
Do you have an idea on how to make the GTA a better place to live? Submit it here to participate in our year-long project.