Darryl Dexter-NB Business Journal

At the core of Nova Scotia's Renewable Electricity Plan is a desire to shed the province's dependence on fossil fuels
Published Saturday April 24th, 2010

"We can't continue to be hostage to international fossil fuel prices and markets that are driven by speculation, natural disasters and other things beyond our control," said Premier Darrell Dexter on Friday.

So, the plan aims to move the province away from electricity generated from imported coal, and instead encourage wind and tidal power projects.

Overall, the plan calls for 40 per cent of the province's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020.

In the shorter-term, 25 per cent of electricity will be drawn from renewable sources by 2015.

"Together these standards make Nova Scotia one of the most progressive energy jurisdictions in the world," Dexter said, noting the plan will increase electricity bills in the province by one to two per cent annually.

Among the plan's other highlights:

* Equal participation between Nova Scotia Power (the main utility) and independent producers for medium and large-size projects.

* A new authority, the Renewable Electricity Administrator, to judge proposed projects and oversee the competitive bidding process.

* A fixed price, or feed-in tariff, for renewable power, to encourage community-based projects. A fixed price, says the government, will allow long-term planning, which will persuade municipalities and communities to produce their own renewable power.

* Enhanced "net metering", which credits consumers for the energy they produce from small wind, solar and other renewable generators.

* Fixed prices for small-scale tidal projects, if further development proves safe.

* The province will encourage the use of natural gas to fill the power supply when wind power is not readily available.

* Projection of $1.5 billion in green power investments.

Source: Quentin Casey

Studying Opportunities in Renewable Energy

From the Chronicle Herald

Province seeks energy consultant

By BILL POWER Business Reporter
Fri. Jan 22 - 4:46 AM
The province is looking for a hired gun to explore business and job opportunities in the fledgling renewable energy sector.

The Ecology Action Centre in Halifax welcomed the move Wednesday.

"It is exciting to see the government seriously considering specific opportunities," said Cheryl Ratchford, the centre’s energy co-ordinator.

The Energy Department has put out a call for proposals from consultants interested in studying opportunities arising from the province’s move toward a greater reliance on renewable energy.

According to the documentation, the province believes "consultation and research" is required to determine what sort of opportunities may arise from the plan to increase renewable energy generation to 25 per cent by 2015.

"The drive to meet this objective will open up many new opportunities in the wind, biomass, solar and tidal energy fields," said department spokesman Matt Lumley.

"The consultant’s job will be to consider how businesses in our province can take full advantage of these emerging opportunities."

Documentation accompanying the call for proposals talks about the province developing a network of suppliers for a variety of renewable energy products and services.

The documents note that some business from the growing renewable energy sector may go to existing companies with links to the oil and gas supply and service industry.

"Consultation and research is required to determine what present and planned renewable energy opportunities exist for these fabricators and suppliers, and to determine the feasibility, costs and opportunities associated with participating in a renewable energy industry," the documents say.

The call for proposals closes Feb. 3 and the deadline for completing the study is March 31.

( bpower@herald.ca)