Province seeks input on how to get to net-zero energy consumption by 2030

The P.E.I. government is looking for ideas on how to reach its goal of net-zero energy consumption by 2030.

Net-zero energy consumption is reached when the total amount of energy used is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created.

At a news conference Tuesday, Premier Dennis King and Transportation Minister Steven Myers askedIslanders to submit ideas, giving consideration to conservation, efficiency, land use, carbon removal and renewable energy sources.

King said P.E.I. has the goal of becomingthe first province to reach net-zero energy by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. He said the next five years will be "critical" as the province reduces its reliance on fossil fuels and limits the use of greenhouse gases.

"We have an opportunity to be a leader in research, innovation and commercialization of clean growth," he said.

Myers said the targets are "quite aggressive" but achievable if Islanders work together. He said plans for thenet-zero energy school in Sherwood would become the new model for government buildings.

He also said the transportation sector will be a big factor in meeting the goals, and the province is working on plans for an entire fleet of electricschool buses.

Islanders can submit their ideas at www.princeedwardisland.ca/netzero.

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