As part of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)’s Farm Business Confidence survey earlier this year, OFA members identified energy has a top priority issue affecting their farm businesses. During the second day of the 2024 OFA Annual General Meeting, attendees were treated to a wide range of representatives from across Canada’s energy sector in a panel discussion entitled, “Powering Agriculture: The Critical Role of Energy Affordability on the Farm”, moderated by OFA Vice-President Ethan Wallace. During the panel, each speaker was given the chance to discuss how their sector is contributing to Canada’s evolving energy landscape.

Eric Muller, the Ontario Director of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), highlighted the growing opportunities for farmers and rural communities as Canada transitions toward renewable energy. CanREA advocates for wind, solar, and energy storage, emphasizing that these sectors offer new income streams, such as installing solar panels on farm roofs. Muller pointed out the importance of municipal support for these projects, noting that farmers, who know their land best, will play a key role in this energy transition.

Jennifer Green, the Executive Director of the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA), spoke about the biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG) industry. She explained how biogas technology breaks down organic materials into methane, which can then be returned to the farm as gas, creating both environmental benefits and new job opportunities. While not every farm will implement a biogas project, Jen stressed the significant rewards for those who integrate it into their operations, improving both sustainability and profitability.

Mike Gladstone, the Vice-President of Utility Public Affairs with Enbridge Gas, was in attendance representing North America’s largest natural gas storage, transmission, and distribution company. He shared that two-thirds of the oil flowing from Canada to the U.S. passes through Enbridge’s infrastructure, highlighting the company’s role in facilitating energy transitions and integrating alternative energy sources like biogas into the broader energy network.

Chris Crawford, the Vice-President of Government Relations in Ontario and Manitoba for the Ontario Propane Association, discussed propane as a critical but often overlooked fuel. Despite its significant role in Ontario’s energy landscape, generating $1.3 billion, annual propane is sometimes neglected in policy discussions. Chris emphasized the need for fair treatment of the propane industry, which continues to play an important part in powering rural areas and providing energy solutions to many Canadians.

Sonny Karunakaran, the Vice-President of Strategic Projects and Partnerships for Hydro One, provided insights into the electricity distribution sector, noting the company’s reach with 1.5 million customers and extensive infrastructure, including 30,000 kilometers of high-voltage lines and 125,000 kilometers of local distribution. Hydro One is focused on expanding its engagement with customers, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support these communities as they transition to a more modern, sustainable energy grid.

Together, the panelists underscored the diverse opportunities in the energy sector, and the need for a balanced, mixed approach to meeting Ontario’s growing energy needs – from renewable energy projects and biogas innovations to the continued importance of natural gas and propane.