Columbia Institute Of Renewable Energy (Cires)

As governments commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, it is crucial that electrical production, heating systems, transportation, and commercial industry sectors cease burning fossil fuels. This will lead to greater demand for electricity and other energy sources that are produced by clean and renewable energy. CIRES, recognizing the challenges of the energy transition, is focused on the many opportunities for new industry development, job creation, workforce transition, and local energy resilience that can be created through support of innovators, entrepreneurs and workers to build, operate and maintain local renewable energy industries. CIRES aims are to: - Research, promote, develop and facilitate the deployment of renewable energy systems which contribute to economic resilience, move us towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance ecosystems within the Kootenay and Columbia regions of British Columbia. - Provide ‘State of Knowledge’ insights into a rapidly changing energy economy that is characterized by increasing complexity, a fast-growing demand for electricity, and a need for resilience and reliability. - Prepare and present feasibility studies for selected renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic systems, wind, small scale hydro, geothermal, district heating, manufacturing, and green hydrogen. - Create sustainable and equitable economic opportunities that attract and retain talent within the region. - Promote stakeholder consultation, including impact and community benefit agreements, for any renewable energy projects proposed by CIRES. - Coordinate or provide consultancy services to bring renewable energy ideas from concept to implementation. - Produce and distribute educational materials showing how renewable energies create both economic opportunity and climate adaptation & mitigation. - Act as a consultative body for regional clean technology innovators and entrepreneurs.