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Utility to purchase wind farm development rights
Nova Scotia Power has signed an
agreement to purchase development rights for a proposed 45 MW wind farm owned
by EarthFirst Canada, a Calgary company currently operating under creditor
protection. “Becoming directly involved as the developer of the Nuttby wind
project should allow it to advance, despite the challenges that exist in
today's financial markets,” says Nova Scotia Power’s Robin McAdam. Also link to
an Earthfirst
Canada news release.
Turbine
maker completes installation
A survey of renewable energy developers in Ontario shows
more than 15,000 MW of new renewable energy supply in the planning or
development stages, most of it from wind. The Ontario Power Authority conducted
the survey to better understand the potential uptake of the province’s planned
new feed-in tariff program. It received responses from 150 developers with 381 projects under various stages of
development, including 164 wind projects with a combined capacity of 13,382 MW.
Poll
shows support for Ontario plan
A new poll has found that 87% of
respondents support the provincial government’s proposed Green Energy Act. The
survey, commissioned by a coalition of environmental groups, farmers, labour
unions and industry associations, also shows that support is widespread across
the province. Ontarians who took part in the poll see greenhouse gas reduction
and job creation as the main long-term benefits of the act.
Report
outlines integration roadmap
Reliably
integrating large amounts of wind and other variable generation into the bulk
power system will require changes to the way the system is planned and
operated, says a new report from the North American Electric Reliability
Corporation (NERC). “This report is just the beginning of our efforts in this
area,” says Warren Frost of the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), who
chaired the task force that produced the report. “Throughout the report, we’ve
identified key homework assignments for NERC and the electric industry that we
expect to be completed in the coming years.” Also link to the full report and an AESO news release.
Report
outlines green jobs strategy
Alberta can create more than 200,000 long-term green jobs in
renewable energy and other sectors, says a new report from the Alberta
Federation of Labour, Greenpeace and the Sierra Club. "This report shows
undeniably that a green investment will allow us to diversify our economy, to
stabilize it and to put tens of thousands of people to work immediately
building our green energy future," says Gil McGowan, President of the
Alberta Federation of Labour. Also link to full report.
Turbine helps power Toronto transit station
A new 31.2-meter, 50 kW wind
turbine can produce up to 80% of the power needs at the Lisgar GO Station in
Toronto. The turbine, unveiled April 21, is part of GO Transit’s efforts to
promote sustainable transportation throughout the entire Greater Toronto Area,
says CEO Gary McNeil. "Improving the environment is a core element of our
growth and development strategies.”
Wind investment a sound option, says
strategist
Despite recent setbacks in the
performance of renewable energy stocks, there are sectors that currently
represent good value, says Bob Gorman, the chief portfolio strategist for TD
Waterhouse. "Wind power is an area for consideration," he says.
"If one looks at the rise of crude prices from their cyclical lows coupled
with the US government's support of green energy, including the wind production
tax credit through to 2012, we see an opportunity for green-minded
investors."
Province
issues wind turbine guidance
The New Brunswick government has released a report outlining
model wind turbine provisions and best practices that will act as a resource
for local governments when it comes to zoning and permitting future wind farms.
"There is strong support for wind energy in New Brunswick, and it is a key
priority in growing the province's energy hub," says Energy Minister Jack
Keir. "We recognize the need for guidance in regulating future wind
energy, and wanted to provide New Brunswickers with information on this
emerging industry.”
International
wind-diesel workshop planned
The 2009 International Wind-Diesel Workshop, set for June
1-2 in Ottawa, will examine the challenges of promoting use of the technology
in Canada and other jurisdictions, as well as review some of the technical
progress that has been made and the issues that remain. The event is expected
to attract delegates from Canada, the United States, and Australia.
Alberta
training program wins award
Lethbridge
College’s Wind Turbine Technician program has been selected as the winner of
the 2008-2009 Program Excellence Award from the Association of Canadian
Community Colleges. The program, says
president Tracy Edwards, “is at the forefront of Lethbridge College’s focus on emerging
industry and our movement to create green careers across our academic
divisions.” Since 2008, 27 students have received BZEE certification, the
worldwide industry standard in training, with another group graduating in July.
Upcoming
CanWEA events:
Wind Matters 2009 | Wind and Power Systems
May 20-21, 2009
Montreal, Quebec
Wind Matters 2009 | Wind, Carbon and other Environmental Markets
June 16-17, 2009
Calgary, Alberta
CanWEA 2009 | Infinite Possibilities
25th Annual Conference & Exhibition
September 20-23, 2009
Toronto, Ontario
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