Revelstoke Bio Heat Summit

Revelstoke_Bio-Heat_Summit_20231013-01

About the Event

Community bioenergy systems are a proven way that communities can reduce consumption of fossil fuels, support their local economy, and keep energy dollars local. Revelstoke is a BC pioneer in municipal district heating systems and has been operating a bioenergy system since 2005 that now provides heat to eight local buildings.  

  • What has been Revelstoke’s experience and how might it be relevant to other communities either operating or considering community energy systems? 
  • What is the experience of other communities? What is critical for success in all communities; what should be avoided? 
  • What is the current bioenergy context across Canada as communities explore ways to reduce local carbon pollution, boost their economy, and protect their residents from wildfires? 
  • What is the role of the private sector and other levels of government? 

These will be among the questions we’ll work to answer through the Bio-Heat Summit.  

The Bio-Heat Summit was initiated by the City of Revelstoke and is being supported by Tourism Revelstoke, Peak Renewables, Fink Machine, BC Bioenergy Network and the Community Energy Association.  


Who Should Attend?

  • Local, Provincial, and Federal Government officials (staff and elected) who operate bioenergy systems, are exploring the possible installation of a bioenergy system, and/or oversee policies/programs related to community energy, climate action, emergency response, and forest management. 
  • Indigenous and remote communities that are exploring bioenergy as an alternative to fossil fuel heat and power systems that rely on trucked-in fuels such as diesel or propane. 
  • Private sector engineers and consultants who specialize in energy systems and/or forest management. 
  • Industrial, commercial, and multi-family residential energy consumers 
  • Forest companies exploring utilization of residual fibre and new partnerships 
  • Researchers and educators interested in community energy systems as elements of energy security and local climate action 
  • Developers, architects, and engineers 
  • Economic development practitioners 
  • Lenders and funding agencies interested in supporting the resiliency of forest-based, rural communities. 


Agenda

3:00 pmTour of the Revelstoke Community Energy System at the site of Downie Timber on Mill Street (This is being planned for in-person participants only and space is very limited. More information will be provided later) 
Dinnertime BreakParticipants are on their own for dinner
6:00 pmBio-Heat Summit at the Revelstoke Community Centre

  • Welcome from the Mayor of Revelstoke, Gary Sulz
  • Welcome from Splatsin, Theresa William

Presentation topics: 

  • Revelstoke’s Community Energy System: What we’ve learned after 18 years and the challenges we still need to overcome 
  • The New Sicamous Community Energy System: Why Bioenergy? Why Now? 
  • Findings from Canada’s 2023 Bioheat Survey: Trends and Best Practices from Communities Large and Small
  • Bioenergy technologies and biomass supply chains
  • Reducing the risk of wildfires

Audience participation

  • Q&A with presenters
  • Discussion about key topics in operating community bioenergy systems: roles of local governments, of elected officials, and local business/industry. 

Wrap-up and next steps 
9:00 pm

Event ends


Location: Revelstoke Community Centre, 600 Campbell Avenue, Revelstoke, BC


REGISTER NOW!

PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON IN REVELSTOKE 

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WATCH THE EVENT ON YOUTUBE