NSP at ADEDA

Sustainability VP shares NSP plans for renewables
With PR personnel distracted by hearings in Halifax, Nova Scotia Power Executive Vice President Robin McAdam spoke candidly about the company's plans to adapt to the new energy reality.

A capacity crowd filled ABCC's James Horsfall Memorial Hall for ADEDA's AGM on Thursday evening. Some attended specifically to hear McAdam speak, ready with pointed questions about NSP's plans for renewable energy development in the province.

McAdam's willingness to let down his guard seemed to mitigate tension in the room. "We want to leave a cleaner environment for our children. We have a lot of work to do."

A fuel mix that will include more renewables is clearly key to the province's plan for energy sustainability. Nova Scotia Power (NSP) has a mandate for 10% of its energy supply to come from renewables by 2013, which McAdam is confident will be achieved. A proposed biomass project in Port Hawkesbury may help NSP meet its target.

As of 2014, however, NSP anticipates a supply gap that will provide a multitude of opportunities for energy entrepreneurs. McAdam believes that fast growing grasses and use of abundant forest waste will play a significant role in development of the biomass energy stream.

With regard to ADEDA's pellet project, McAdam sees an incredible economic opportunity for Annapolis Digby. This Agency, of course, concurs with that assessment. Says ADEDA's Managing Director Mike Gushue, "Robin's participation in our AGM certainly reinforces our focus on renewable energy, and particularly biomass, as a viable economic development strategy for our region."

In closing, McAdam observed, "Your region is well positioned to take advantage of biomass as an energy resource, and has great potential for tidal and wind as well."