In the backcountry, energy is required for heating, cooking, lighting and ventilation. Available sources of energy include wood burning, propane, diesel-powered generators, biofuels, solar, micro-hydro, wind, earth energy and thermoelectric. The tendency is to use fossil fuel technology, which has environmental impacts, is costly to transport and is not environmentally sustainable. The use of renewable energy sources is encouraged.
Scientists and industry experts may disagree over how long the world's supply of oil and natural gas will last, but it will end. Environmental concerns, global warming, technology improvements and increased efficiencies have expanded the market for renewable energy. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly cost-effective, dependable and efficient.
As more backcountry facility operators become interested in renewable energy sources they are finding that the technologies require some modification or adaptation for use in remote, alpine and sub-alpine backcountry locations. There are financial and ecological risks in experimenting with these technologies. BEES provides guidance and saves operators time, energy and money as they make the transition to renewable energy systems.