RETScreen Training Workshops for the Agricultural Sector (2007-08)

Client: Natural Resources Canada

The Renewables Integration & Assessment Group (RIA) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) hosts a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) consisting of public stakeholders to facilitate the integration of renewable systems in rural Canada. In 2006 the TAC recommended that RETScreen be widely promoted amongst the agricultural sector to facilitate the evaluation and development of renewable energy projects through a series of workshops directed toward "training the trainers". These trainers would then be encouraged to expose /train farmers at sector events such as farm shows or specialized workshops. The 'trainers' could be persons close to the farm community such as extension agents, specialized engineering consultants and others. Trainers were to be exposed to the NRCAN RETScreen Modeling tool and the Agriculture Canada Departmental 'GHG Calculator' computerized tool and to be encouraged to use them during events with farmers.

SGA Energy Ltd. of Ottawa was subsequently contracted to design and give the workshops. Workshops were held across the country in 2007 and 2008.