St. Rose, Isle Madame Renewable Energy Projects Move Forward

Two Nova Scotia communities are closer to enjoying the benefits of clean, green renewable electricity generated in their own backyards.

St. Rose and Isle Madame received approval today, Sept. 19, for projects under the Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) Program.

"This latest round of approvals demonstrates the commitment of Nova Scotians to improve their energy future, reduce their environmental footprint, and provide economic opportunities throughout the province," said Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "These communities will soon be able to produce clean, green electricity to power their homes and businesses."

Scotian Wind will develop the two 1.99 MW wind projects as a Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF), which will sell shares across the province.

"The COMFIT program continues to help stabilize electricity rates, reduce greenhouse gases and encourage local economic development," said Daniel Roscoe, chief operating officer of Scotian Wind Inc. "The Isle Madame and St. Rose turbines are two of our well-developed sites with strong resources that will represent a good investment for our shareholders while benefitting the community at large."

The 2010 Renewable Electricity Plan introduced the COMFIT concept to help provide a secure supply of clean energy at stable prices, build community support for renewable energy projects and create jobs.

"COMFIT offers Nova Scotia an opportunity to become a leader in renewable energy," said Mr. Parker. "In addition, renewable energy projects such as these will help the province to move away from dirty fossil fuels and towards our legislated goal of 40 per cent renewable energy by 2020."

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 run-of-the-river hydroelectric developments. Eligible groups include municipalities, First Nations, co-operatives, universities and not-for-profit groups.

More than 25 community-based groups have submitted over 100 locally based renewable energy development proposals for this unique, made-in-Nova Scotia initiative. The province expects 100 megawatts to be produced through COMFIT.

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