Renewable energy: full of opportunity
With a career in renewable resources, Randolph Seibold is looking forward to helping the industry continue to move forward
Randolph Seibold brings his renewable energy expertise to the field. — Photo courtesy Randolph Seibold
For Randolph Seibold, owner of Terra1 Renewables, working in renewable energies isn’t just a career decision. His interest in sustainable solutions is based on a grasp of the toll of fossil energies and a passion for alternatives.
As renewable energy gains traction, Seibold believes it’s important to remember how climate change fits into the equation. While sustainable energies are intriguing technologies in their own right, changing weather and carbon levels are vital instigators. Kootenay Business talked to Seibold about the sustainable energy industry as we move into the new year.
Industry trends
As renewable energies continue to develop, they show the potential to follow a similar trajectory to that of personal computing. That is, green-energy technologies could become smaller, more adaptable and increasingly accessible and personal. There is also the potential for community-owned power, an exciting localized initiative that is underutilized here.
“Over 50 per cent of the wind and solar installed in Germany is owned either by an individual generating his or her own power to the grid, or a group, collective or municipality,” said Seibold. “Here it’s like five per cent—the other 95 per cent is corporate. So what remains is this huge opportunity if people realize that it’s not just an interesting sideshow that’s happening on the technology channel—it’s them. It’s us. This is people power, it really is. It provides that opportunity quite readily, but people then have to engage and participate so it can benefit them.”
Although Seibold doesn’t think that social media has changed the core of the sustainability industry, it has helped to increase awareness. A number of organizations have made climate change visible while advocating renewable energies as one solution. As a result, individuals are more likely to be aware and comfortable with renewables.
Future growth
“I think (the renewables industry) is done emerging, to be honest,” said Seibold with a laugh. “I think it truly has emerged because the growth has been pretty much relentless. Right through the recession it barely took a breath. It just kept going.”
As they offer progressive energy alternatives, renewables are enjoying their clean reputation in the wake of oil spills, nuclear accidents, pipeline controversies and other environmental concerns with traditional energy. With the sustainability and improved efficiency and cost of renewable energy, Seibold expects the industry to see continued growth as it settles into the energy marketplace. It’s a promising field for employment. A variety of positions—whether it’s the wind-tower technician, a PR representative or an engineer—cover all manner of skills and interests.
Challenges and opportunities
As a newly established technology, one of the biggest challenges facing the sustainable energy industry is finding investors.
“A lot of it comes down to the financing and having access to the capital that isn’t just a private equity or the more risk-tolerant kinds of investors,” said Seibold. “As (sustainable energy) establishes its full legitimacy it will be time for traditional banks and things like pension funds to become more comfortable with financing these types of projects. To continue growing it has to also grow in how it’s perceived by the market, by investors. I think the appetite is there (but) legitimacy can only come through becoming established and successful.”
Western Canada is an exciting place to be engaged in alternative energies, Seibold believes. Renewable energy resources are diverse and accessible, while the political climate and traditional energies are part of the mix. Although, recently, B.C. has been scaling back some of its energy-efficient goals, the Kootenays remain an interesting area to be involved. Hydro dams and wood waste, or biomass, are key to the West Kootenay while the East Kootenay is starting to utilize its potential for solar power. Innovative solutions can be found throughout the region.
“Seeing more things happening in the Kootenays is very exciting to me,” said Seibold. "It would be great to have some community ownership examples popping up and the Kootenays would be the perfect place for that.”
Suggested reading
“I always pay attention when that one comes out because it’s mostly Canadian developments, along with some global ones,” said Seibold.
“(This) is one of the most well-established North American renewable energy websites,” said Seibold. “It’s like the granddaddy.”
“They’re onto what’s new, hip and happening in the (technology sector),” said Seibold.
- Climate Wars by Gwynne Dyer
“It’s not for the faint of heart, but definitely gives you a full perspective on taking climate change seriously,” said Seibold. “The book is all about the political forecasts, the political and socio-economic fallout of climate change.
“Whether we solve the problem or not, it is something we can get engaged with. It’s not like an asteroid from outer space that’s going to hit us and we all die. I get keenly interested in it because it is so captivating. It’s terrifying, and wonderful and full of opportunity at the same time.”
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