Canada - Nova Scotia positions itself as North American leader for small and community wind energy

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauds the recent decision by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) to take a leadership role in encouraging individuals and communities to invest in generating clean renewable power. The UARB set a price of 45.2 cents/kWh for small wind turbines (50 kW and under) and of 13.9 cents/kWh for larger community wind projects (above 50 kW). This announcement positions the Province of Nova Scotia at the forefront of North America in small and community wind energy projects. Small wind energy systems have a rated capacity of 300 kW or less, and are used to power homes, farms, small businesses and off-grid communities.

“The price set by the UARB for small and community wind will allow communities in Nova Scotia to take an active role in the province’s renewable electricity future,” said Emilie Moorhouse, Distributed and Community Wind Policy Manager at CanWEA. “In addition to community involvement, the small and community wind Feed-in-tariff will provide an important local economic stimulus by creating more jobs in this province, which is already home to a leading manufacturer of 50 kW turbines.”

With the small wind Feed-in-tariff, Nova Scotia is joining the ranks of other leading jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom and United States, who are offering small wind Feed-in-tariffs or rebates.

CanWEA also applauds the process undertaken by the Nova Scotia government and the UARB in setting the Feed-in-tariff price for small and community wind which has been open, transparent and has actively sought feedback from stakeholders.

“CanWEA looks forward to working with the Government of Nova Scotia for the successful implementation of the renewable electricity plan and is pleased by the leadership shown,” said Emilie Moorhouse.

For additional information on small wind, CanWEA’s Small Wind Market Survey is available at the following link: http://www.canwea.ca/pdf/SmallWind/canwea-smallwindmarketsurvey-e-web.pdf

About CanWEA:
CanWEA is the voice of the wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy throughout Canada on behalf of its more than 470 members. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. The document Wind Vision 2025 – Powering Canada's Future is available at www.canwea.ca.

For information contact:

Ulrike Kucera, Media Relations, Tel: 613 234 8716 ext. 228, Mobile: 613 867 4433