News release

Renewable Energy Project in Guysborough Gets Go-Ahead

Energy (June 2002 - July 2018)

People in the Guysborough area will benefit from more green, locally produced energy and job opportunities with the approval of a small wind project today, Oct. 12.

The Municipality of the District of Guysborough has met the initial criteria under the province's Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) program.

"The community wants to do its part to help the environment while, at the same time, create good jobs and contribute to the local economy," said Jim Boudreau, MLA for Guysborough-Sheet Harbour, on behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "This announcement, with other green energy initiatives in the area, demonstrates that it is very supportive of the province's commitment to move away from coal towards greener energy sources."

The successful application is for one 50-kilowatt turbine in Melford, to join other COMFIT-approved turbines on the same site.

Also, the Sable Wind Project, led by the Municipality of the District of Guysborough, recently received approval from the province's renewable electricity administrator for a 13.8-megawatt wind project near Canso.

"The Municipality of the District of Guysborough is encouraged by this project approval," said Lloyd Hines, Warden. "We are very much committed to generating our own clean, green electricity that will create jobs while providing economic benefits to our community."

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 more than a year ago.

Eligible groups receive an established price per kilowatt hour for projects producing electricity from certain renewable resources. Projects can include wind, biomass, in-stream tidal and river hydroelectric developments. Eligible groups include municipalities, First Nations, co-operatives, universities and not-for-profit groups.

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