Next Round of Successful Feed-in Tariff Applicants Announced

Clean, local renewable electricity projects in four more Nova Scotia communities are set to move ahead with the announcement today, Feb. 7, of the next round of Community Feed-In Tariff (COMFIT) approvals.

Energy Minister Charlie Parker announced that applications from the Halifax Regional Water Commission, Town of New Glasgow, Bowater Mersey and Celtic Current are approved to proceed to the next phase of development. The announcement at the Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management Facility in Chester also celebrated that community's recent COMFIT project approval.

Details of the projects are:

• Bowater Mersey is planning a combined heat and power biomass project at its Brooklyn energy plant. The company will install a turbine and generator to improve waste heat recovery from steam generated at the facility. The captured steam can then be converted into electricity.
• Celtic Current is proposing a wind-generated project in Mulgrave Celtic Current is primarily owned and operated by Nova Scotia residents and aims to contribute power to the province's electrical grid. This project will be a partnership between Celtic Current and Zutphen Wind
• The Halifax Regional Water Commission is proposing a large-wind project located in Lake Major, near Preston
• The Municipality of the District of Chester is planning a large-wind project at the Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management landfill facility. The project will be fully owned by the municipality
• The Town of New Glasgow is proposing a small-wind turbine located at the Forbes Lake water treatment facility. The town expects the turbine to be operational shortly.

"These projects harness the energy of their communities in more ways than one," said Mr. Parker. "Not only do they use local resources for the good of the surrounding area, they bring neighbours together in a spirit of co-operation and self-sufficiency."

The 2010 Renewable Electricity Plan introduced the COMFIT concept to help provide a secure supply of clean energy at stable prices, build support for renewable energy projects and create jobs. The program began accepting applications several months ago.

More than a dozen community groups have submitted over 90 proposals for the unique, made-in-Nova Scotia initiative that encourages community participation in renewable energy projects.

The nine projects approved so far will generate about 25 megawatts of electricity.

The province is working with the remaining applicants to complete applications and build co-operation among those competing, with the bulk of applications expected to be processed by the spring.

New Glasgow Mayor Barrie MacMillan said the installation of a wind turbine was in keeping with the community's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

"The Town of New Glasgow is proud to be a partner with the province through its COMFIT program," said Mr. MacMillan. "This project will significantly reduce our electricity costs and help us meet our energy reduction targets.

"We thank the province for this important initiative towards a greener Nova Scotia. We remain firm in our pledge towards environmental action and reducing our carbon footprint while doing our part to help minimize climate change. Projects such as this can and do make a difference."

"The Municipality of the District of Chester had been pursuing opportunities to develop a wind energy project for a number of years with no clear path forward," said Warden Allen Webber. "The COMFIT program provided the clarity and security to develop this project.

"The minister and government deserve the gratitude of all Nova Scotians for this significant initiative in moving us towards energy security and environmental stability. This project will benefit our community by strengthening our financial and environmental sustainability. Sustainable prosperity is a challenge for any community."

The COMFIT application process is still open. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the COMFIT administrator at ComFit@gov.ns.ca as early as possible to discuss projects.

COMFIT provides eligible groups an established price per kilowatt hour for projects producing electricity from renewable resources such as wind, biomass, in-stream tidal and run-of-the-river tidal developments. The feed-in tariff rates were established by the Utilities and Review Board in September.

Eligible groups include municipalities, First Nations, co-operatives, universities, community economic development funds and not-for-profit groups.

The COMFIT program will help the province reach its aggressive renewable electricity targets of 25 per cent renewable electricity by 2015 and 40 per cent by 2020. The province expects 100 megawatts to be produced through the COMFIT.

For more information on the program and to apply, visit www.nsrenewables.ca .