Community Energy Assessment- Jasper, Alberta
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to quantify the generation and consumption energy patterns in Jasper, Alberta, and to assess the quantity and applicability of alternative energy technologies. A suite of innovations are available to meet present and future demand for energy services, a demand which shows no sign of decline. Municipalities may seek nonconventional methods of energy management; however, they are often faced with broad knowledge gaps and resource constraints, creating uncertainty and delayed action. The intention of this study is to provide municipal planners with a baseline of energy behaviours, and to diminish the gaps which might hinder sustainable energy development. While this study cannot aspire to provide a comprehensive analysis of each technology, it does endeavour to act as a stepping stone to determining their feasibility based on the tenets of sustainability. The paper begins by outlining the local and provincial context which frames the challenge, followed by a discussion on a possible framework for municipal energy planning. The first analysis is an energy mapping study which attempts to graphically represent the distribution of energy intensity across the town. The second analysis is a technical and financial review of eight technologies which could potentially enhance the environmental performance of Jasper’s energy system. If possible, modelling was used to determine the performance of a typical system and estimation of the total available energy (Gigajoules), given the conditions of Jasper. The financial component uses common units for outlining capital costs ($/Watt and in the conclusion
