Welcome

to the

Energy for Students

January '10

The Energy For Students program is pleased to offer the EFS newsletter to teachers and students to use as a resource. On behalf of our organizers, partners and sponsors we are pleased to provide the following updates on Nova Scotia’s energy industry. Energy for Students newsletters offer a variety of energy related snapshots of information for teachers, educators and students to use in the classroom, for projects or career planning. You can also view previous newsletters by scrolling to the end of this page.

NEW DEEP PANUKE CONSTRUCTION BROCHURE

A new construction brochure has been released by EnCana describing key work taking place in 2010 for the Deep Panuke natural gas project. The brochure includes sections about onshore construction, the subsea program at the Deep Panuke site and the drilling and completions program.

To view and download brochure please visit: www.encana.com/deeppanuke

NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY STRATEGY FOR NOVA SCOTIA

The New Renewable Energy Strategy for Nova Scotia, prepared by Dr. Michelle Adams and Dr. David Wheeler, has been released January 14th by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy.

To download a copy of the report, please visit:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/energy/renewableplan/

To view the corresponding media release, please visit:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20100113003

Comments on the final consultation report can be sent to:

DEEP PANUKE SET TO BEGIN OPERATIONS

January 7th, 2010 the massive Rowan Gorilla III offshore drilling rig was towed to the Deep Panuke natural gas field, located roughly 250 kilometres southeast of Halifax. Over the next six months, the looming rig will work on five natural gas wells. The $760-million Deep Panuke natural gas development, when eventually online, will be smaller than Nova Scotia's existing Sable offshore energy project. "Deep Panuke is a much, much smaller project, not just in terms of volume, but also in terms of the royalties it might generate," said Fred Bergman, a senior policy analyst with the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, a Halifax-based think-tank."But it's still significant. It can lead to more economic spinoffs down the road. The more natural gas we bring into the province, the greater the chance it will lead to further development." "It's a project worthy of note and support." Bergman says Nova Scotia's offshore exploration has been "quiet" in recent years, but could be re-triggered with Deep Panuke's launch later this year.

The Deep Panuke project, run by Calgary-based EnCana (TSX: ECA), will see natural gas drawn from the Scotian Shelf and transported via a subsea pipeline to Goldboro, N.S. From there, it will travel to market through the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline. Repsol, the majority owner of Saint John's Canaport liquefied natural gas terminal, has already purchased all of the Deep Panuke gas. Though now close to fruition, Deep Panuke has had its up and downs. The field was discovered in 1998 and the initial development plan was filed in 2002. But rising capital costs caused the project to be shelved until a new plan was drawn up in 2006. The existing plan was approved by regulators in the fall of 2007, and the shore-bound pipeline was completed last year.

EnCana spokeswoman Lori MacLean says natural gas is expected to flow through that pipeline later this year. MacLean said the project is expected to run between eight and 18 years, and is designed to handle 300 million cubic feet of gas per day - enough to heat 500,000 homes daily.

View Article: http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/914759

GASOLINE DISCOUNTS VIEWED AS UNFAIR MARKET ADVANTAGE

Big corporations are offering promotional discounts on gasoline to Nova Scotia drivers that gas rural stations can’t compete against according to Lisa Samson-Boudreau of Caper Gas. Ms. Boudreau has sent a letter outlining Caper Gas’s concerns to the Utility and Review Board, the province’s gasoline regulator. The board will hold public hearings into gas promotions on Jan.18 (day) and Jan. 19 (evening) at its Halifax offices. "This poses a problem of unfair advantage in the gasoline market scene," she wrote in her letter. She described the Irving-Sobeys alliance as a "genius marketing" scheme that probably doesn’t cost either company a penny."Charge a little more on the grocery bill — who’s going to miss $5 on a $300 grocery bill?" Ms. Samson-Boudreau said. "But give someone nine cents a litre off their gas and they suddenly feel they cheated the system."For Caper Gas, which operates seven outlets in Inverness, Richmond and Victoria counties, offering nine cents a litre off would be "more than my wholesale and retail margin combined," Ms. Samson-Boudreau said in a telephone interview from Arichat on Friday.

Caper Gas argues that promotional discounts should not exceed the minimum margin provided to retailers through regulation, which is 4.5 cents a litre."Otherwise, large resellers/refiners are using refining or large volume margins to run their promotions – thereby unfairly gaining market share from rural retailers," Ms. Samson-Boudreau said. She said the government introduced gas regulation in 2006 to protect rural markets and to give retailers guaranteed margins."There should be limits placed on promotions due to the predatory nature of recent cross-merchandising campaigns conducted by mass merchants," Warren Maynard, Ultramar’s director of retail operations in the Atlantic region, wrote to the review board."Oftentimes, these incentives can exceed the total combined wholesale and retail gas margins that exist in the marketplace." Irving Oil Marketing, which offers the promotional deal with Sobeys, states that when it applied to Service Nova Scotia last February for approval of the arrangement, it was given an interim OK pending this upcoming review as long as gas reward coupons didn’t exceed five cents per litre. Irving also provided evidence that the discount in New Brunswick is greater than the limit of five cents a litre in Nova Scotia. In New Brunswick, shoppers who spend more than $250 on groceries can receive gas coupons worth nine cents a litre.

View article: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1161463.html

A POWERFUL LOOPHOLE - Deadline had no conditions

This fall, the Dexter government added a year to Nova Scotia Power’s deadline for obtaining five per cent of its electricity from renewable sources making the new deadline Dec. 31, 2011, but failed to ensure wind power developers would get a break, Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks admitted Thursday. Shear Wind Inc. of Bedford had to forfeit a $500,000 security deposit to Nova Scotia Power Inc. for missing a Nov. 30 deadline for providing the utility with green electricity. Renewable Energy Services Limited (RESL) of Lower Sackville also missed its Nov. 30 deadline, and its deposit was $550,000. "It’s something we certainly probably should have included," Mr. Estabrooks said after the weekly cabinet meeting. RESL spokesman Jim Meredith believes that it’s not fair of Nova Scotia Power to take the money, considering the province gave the utility an extension on its agreement to buy electricity generated from renewable sources. Nova Scotia Power did not pass on that extension to its suppliers, Mr. Meredith said.

Minister Estabrooks stated that the province could have made a similar break for wind energy producers a condition of Nova Scotia Power’s extension."In light of the fact that there was . . . some slack which was delivered to NSP, I mean in return we would hope that there would be that sort of shared relationship with some of these other private contractors," the minister said. Meanwhile, Premier Darrell Dexter said he’s not sure Nova Scotia Power’s decisions were exactly as reported,and there’s more to come on the situation. He wouldn’t elaborate. The premier said he knows of one independent power producer who absorbed extra costs to make sure the deadline was met. Nova Scotia Power signed six contracts with independent power producers in 2008 for 247 megawatts of electricity, enough power for 87,000 homes, to be generated by late 2009. Only RMS Energy, which has installed 34 wind turbines west of New Glasgow, is producing electricity.

View Article: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1161178.html

MACKAY QUESTIONS NB POWER SALE

On Oct. 29, Quebec and New Brunswick announced they had reached a proposed deal that would see Hydro-Québec buy the majority of NB Power's assets for $4.8 billion."Taxpayers and ratepayers are the big winners today," New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham said on the day of the announcement. "NB Power's $4.8-billion debt will no longer be a risk for our future generations. Defence Minister Peter MacKay, the senior cabinet minister for Atlantic Canada, is questioning the wisdom of the New Brunswick-Quebec power deal stating that the deal is a "short-term fix" for the region's green energy needs. "I think a larger view of that would tell us perhaps there are better alternatives to what the Quebec-New Brunswick deal has put forward," MacKay said in Halifax. "Of course, the government of New Brunswick, in pursuing this, I believe still [has] a lot of consultation, a lot of information to share, and a little bit of explaining to do. So, I'm keeping my powder dry as far as

my personal views on this. I think we could use, in my opinion, a broader examination of green energy sources for Atlantic Canada."

Since then, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams have argued that Quebec could block the transmission of competing sources of electricity to the United States. Both premiers have demanded a written guarantee that New Brunswick will allow power from other Atlantic provinces to flow into markets in New England. MacKay did not refer directly to their objections but he pointed out that the region is developing its own sources of renewable energy, including Fundy tidal power and the proposed Lower Churchill Project in Labrador. “There are many, many sources of green energy that could be bundled, put in an energy grid for the benefit of our people, our province, and arguably for export to the eastern seaboard of the United States," he said. Mr. Graham stated "In my discussions with him, Prime Minister Harper was very clear that the energy sector is the responsibility of the provincial government,". "When the final deal is brought forward you are going to see opportunities for all of the Atlantic provinces to benefit." The NB Power deal is scheduled to be finalized in March. In December, a junior federal cabinet minister said Ottawa is closely watching the debate on the sale of NB Power to Hydro-Québec. But Keith Ashfield, the minister of state responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, said he wasn't sure whether the federal government has the ability to intervene.

View Article: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/01/08/ns-mackay-power-deal.html

OIL AND GAS COMPANY PLANS MORE DRILLING NEAR LAKE AINSLIE

PetroWorth Resources Inc., an eastern Canadian oil company, expects to spend about $2 million drilling and developing the wells, which will be toward the eastern end of the 383,000-acre Lake Ainslie Block. Company president Neal Mednick couldn’t speculate about how much oil could be produced but that “The good thing about this is we do know there is oil there. We just don’t know how much and we don’t know how much we can get out.” The company will have to get permission from landowners to go on their property, and permits from the Nova Scotia government to proceed with the drilling, he said. It will also have to get the money in place. Mednick said PetroWorth is always open to partners but will probably pay to drill the two wells itself. “The money will be there.”Oil produced at the wells would probably be trucked to an Irving refinery in New Brunswick, he said.

Mednick thought the wells would produce oil rather than natural gas, given what was found in wells in the Lake Ainslie Block in the late 1800s and 1950s. Mednick said seismic testing in the Lake Ainslie Block was completed without causing any problems in the area. PetroWorth has sold its interest in seven wells in Alberta and shifted its activities to eastern Canada where in addition to its Cape Breton activities, it is looking for a partner to develop a 444,000-acre block on Prince Edward Island where any wells would be deeper and more expensive, he said. Mednick said the company also has rights to two properties in New Brunswick, on one of which it has drilled four natural gas wells. The prospects for drilling oil wells in the Lake Ainslie Block are better today than in the 1950s because the price is so high now and because the technology has improved so much over the years, said Mednick. “We think it is a great prospect,” he said. “Obviously, success breeds success. We are pretty confident about the first two wells and, if they are successful, I think there will be a lot more activity and more money pumped into the economy, more jobs created.”

View Article: http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=316563&sc=152

MINAS BASIN MAKES INDEPENDENT BULK POWER PURCHASE

An independent power purchase – and then sale – by Minas Basin to Berwick Electric will make the pulp and power company money, and save the small municipal utility’s customers money. In November, Minas Basin bought bulk power outside the Nova Scotia Power monopoly and then sold it to Berwick Electric. The details of the transaction weren’t disclosed, but they do indicate the start of a competitive power market in the province. Changes in 2005 allowed imported electricity from neighbouring jurisdictions under “open and limited access,” Berwick Electric Superintendent Don Regan says. Regan says Berwick and Minas Basin have “often ended up on the same side of issues in the past few years” relating to the province’s power industry. Earlier in 2009, Minas Basin bout greenhouse gas credits from Berwick. Berwick and Minas Basin both operate their own hydroelectric generating systems but buy the bulk of their power from Nova Scotia Power Inc (NSPI). “Minas Basin and other industrial companies would like to be able to buy their power from other sources than NSPI, and they’ve now started this,” Regan says. Minas Basin president and chief operating officer Scott Travers says Minas is “thrilled... to bring historic change to the marketplace.”

Last summer, Minas Basin asked Berwick if it would be interested in cheaper power purchases if the company could import it at the right times. “We can save and they do the work – it’s a small business for them, and helps us,” Regan says. “I don’t know where they buy the power from, but we’ll split the savings at the end of the month. The savings vary week by week. “This is going to be bigger – much bigger – over time. For this year, it will be miniscule but, in years to come, it will grow.” Regan says there won’t be an obvious benefit – or rebate – for Berwick Electric customers in the near future with any power purchase savings through Minas Basin, as surpluses will go into operations or surpluses. The new partnership also gives Minas Basin further exposure to the market as it gets involved in tidal power testing in the Bay of Fundy.

Berwick Electric, in partnership with the co-op for Nova Scotia’s half-dozen municipal utilities, has also just reviewed responses to a fall request for proposals for a supply of renewable energy – wind, district heating plants, solar or a mixture. The co-op had a handful of proposals and will now spend the next couple of months negotiating with bidders. The result could be one deal for all utilities, or partnerships between individual utilities and whichever proposal may work best for them. In Berwick’s case, “if the deal is right, we’ll take all pour power from renewable sources,” Regan says. Berwick buys 32 million kilowatt hours a year from NSPI, plus what it generates at its own Factorydale dam. The NSPI purchase costs about $2.7 million.

View Complete Article: http://www.novanewsnow.com/article-417500-Electric-happenings-firsts-rates-and-renewable-options-for-Berwick.html

EMERA EYEING $2BILLION TRANSITION LINE

Regional energy giant Emera is looking to build a new $2-billion transmission line in New England, which the company's president says will allow surplus power to better flow from the Maritimes to the American market. Emera's proposed line, called the Northeast Energy Link, would run from just south of Bangor, Maine to just north of Boston. Chris Huskilson, president and CEO of the Halifax-based power company, says the new transmission line is needed to relieve congestion on the New England side of the regional power grid. Back in 2007, Emera (TSX:EMA) and NB Power, New Brunswick's public utility, completed a new power line between Bangor and Point Lepreau on the New Brunswick side of the border. "The work we've done to date has freed up transmission capacity north of Bangor, so now we need to relieve congestion south of Bangor," Huskilson said in a recent interview. "That will allow more power to flow all the way from the northern part of Maine and the Maritimes into that southern market." Huskilson said the New England states will need approximately 5,000 new megawatts of renewable energy over the next five to 10 years. "We think that northern New England, the Maritimes, and potentially both Quebec and Newfoundland, all have great potential to supply big portions of that energy," he said, noting the line could be complete by 2012-13. "We think the whole region is poised for an historic opportunity to supply lower-emission energy into New England and beyond."

Gordon Weil, a Maine-based energy consultant, says Emera's Northeast Energy Link has one major obstacle: the Maine Power Reliability Program. Put forward by the Central Maine Power Company, the program proposes a new transmission line between Orrington, Maine and Newington, New Hampshire - to be completed by late 2012. While similar in their goals, the Power Reliability plan is further ahead in the approval process, Weil said. "The Power Reliability plan is ahead of (Emera's project) in the regulatory race," Weil said. "And they do much the same thing." Emera, which owns Nova Scotia Power and the Bangor Hydro-Electric Company, is partnering on its proposal with National Grid, an international energy company. Emera has submitted its proposal to ISO New England for consideration and is awaiting approval. National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. It is also the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving about 3.4 million customers.

View Article: http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/912406

WINDFARM & NOVA SCOTIA POWER TO SPLIT HOOKUP BILL

Nova Scotia Power( and a wind developer in Amherst must split the $4.35-million bill to connect a proposed wind project to the power grid, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board ruled Friday. The utility must hand over $2.18 million and Spanish conglomerate Acciona Energy will pay $2.35 million towards the connection costs of the 30-megawatt wind park in Cumberland County. The board said this was a "reasonable approach" to resolve the dispute between NSP and Acciona’s representative Amherst Wind Power LP. Acciona signed a power purchase agreement with the power company in May 2008. The wind project was supposed to be operating by Nov. 30, 2009, but it not in operation and its future is uncertain.

View Article: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1161283.html

ENERGY DEBATE HEATS UP IN NOVA SCOTIA

The Nova Scotia government, focus groups and environmentalists are debating over the sustainability of harvesting trees and burning low-grade wood to meet the province's energy needs. This energy source, known as biomass, has been used for heat and electricity in Europe for years and, on a small scale, in many Canadian provinces. It is being recommended by a government-commissioned consultation team as a component of a province wide renewable energy strategy, but some worry that Nova Scotia doesn't have the necessary regulations in place to go ahead with any large-scale forest biomass projects.

Prof. David Wheeler, dean of the faculty of management at Dalhousie University and leader of the consultation team, says biomass will help the province achieve its goal of producing 25 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy generation by 2015. In an interim report released last week, he said biomass would generate about 15 per cent of the province's renewable energy in the short term, with large-scale and community wind farms making up the additional 85 per cent. In an interview, Wheeler said biomass could make significant contributions economically, ecologically and socially to the province, provided it is done to the "highest possible standards." He said biomass is a relatively cheap energy source because it uses non-commercial wood, such as knotty trees, tree stumps and branches, to fuel power plants. It also helps keep consumer energy prices down, Wheeler said, and helps the province meet its climate change goals by replacing burned fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, that release carbon dioxide into the air. It may also bring opportunity to small and rural communities since they will be able to generate and sell power to the province, maintaining and creating jobs.

"If money is being diverted, for example, out of the Colombian economy for purchasing coal and, instead, we're putting that money into the Nova Scotia economy to produce forestry products ... to the highest possible environmental standards, that's a win-win," Wheeler said. "So we just have to define what those highest possible standards are." But without knowing how the highest possible environmental standards will be defined, Jamie Simpson, a forester with Halifax's Ecology Action Centre, can't endorse large-scale biomass forestry as a renewable energy solution. Simpson worries that unregulated whole-tree harvesting could remove the tree tops, stumps and branches that traditional forestry leaves behind, which he said provide needed nutrients and shade to the soil. Guidelines for biomass harvesting are being drafted by the province's Department of Natural Resources, but Simpson said they are for Crown land and will not apply to private lots. "And they're only guidelines," said Simpson.

A lack of provincial regulation for biomass harvesting is also a concern for some in Ontario, which has begun to use renewable energy sources after committing to shut down all of its coal-fired plants. Bruce Lourie, president of the Ivey Foundation, a charitable organization that supports environmental sustainability in forestry practice, said without provincial regulations, there's a risk that people won't understand the importance of retaining those parts of the tree that are necessary to regenerate forests. "I don't think the (Ontario) government really appreciates the risks that are involved," Lourie said. Simpson and Lourie both say the long-term economic viability of the Canadian forestry industry may be hindered by a reliance on biomass for energy since it might impede Canada's capacity to provide for more lucrative endeavours, such as supplying lumber to the U.S. housing market.

"As anyone knows, in terms of Canada's role in resources, the last thing you want to be doing is exploiting resources at the lowest point on the value chain," said Lourie. Lourie said biomass makes sense for small plants that are situated near forest operations. Nova Scotia Power has been following the debate and is testing burning biomass wood pellets with coal at some of their power plants with good results, says Robin McAdam, executive vice-president of sustainability for the company. Wheeler's final report is due to the Nova Scotia government by the end of the year.

View Article: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091221/ns_energy_091221/20091221?hub=Canada

TEACHERS RESOURCES

Register for the Solar Oven Challenge

It is not too late to register your class for our annual Solar Oven Challenge. The Challenge is open to all Canadian students and must be completed by May 28, 2010.

To participate:

1. Register by sending an email with your name, school, grade, address and phone number to Kathy Worobec at kathyw@greenlearning.ca. She will send you the Teacher's Guide with solar oven construction plans.

2. Build, test and bake with solar ovens!

3. Email us photos and descriptions of your creations to be eligible to win prizes.

4. See your recipes and photos showcased at re-energy.ca - GreenLearning's renewable energy website.

Last year, the Challenge involved participants from grade 3 through to grade 10. Many of the older students built solar ovens as part of the heat unit in their Science courses; other students learned about solar energy as a project in an eco-class or recycling club.

For more information visit: www.greenlearning.ca

Discover EnerAction: Lessons and Activities in Energy Conservation

This expansive resource on energy conservation and efficiency meets learning outcomes for Grades 4 to 7. The student website and 11 lesson plans give you a range of ways to approach energy in the classroom. Learn more visit:

http://www.greenlearning.ca/eneraction

Interactive Wind Turbine

Used alone or as part of the activity on Wind Power, the interactive wind turbine shows students the impact of wind speed andwind direction, and illustrates the parts of the turbine.

To view visit: http://ecards.greenlearning.ca/docs/trc-wind-animation.php

Skills Canada~Nova Scotia

The Skills Energy Youth Quest (SEYQ) is a one day educational event about careers in the Energy Sector for high school students. Information about education routes, potential wage earnings, and future outlook by occupation is presented in a fun and interactive way. Past workshops have included welding, power engineering, and steamfitting/ pipefitting. The SEYQ is funded by the Department of Energy and industry representatives participate in the day’s events during a morning mentor discussion. The SEYQ is usually held at the NSCC Strait Area Campus or the NSCC Marconi Campus. Typically, students in the surrounding school board in grade 10 are invited to attend this event.

View our calendar of events for upcoming SEYQ Project dates, or contact Robin Lorway, Project Manager at 902.424.5175 or robinl@skillscanada.com to find out how you can be involved!

Explore other Skills In Demand Youth Projects at: http://newskillsns.ednet.ns.ca/projects/

Energy Literacy Series - Explore Canada’s energy system

Our energy mix has changed over the last 100 years and continues to change as new technology and alternate energies become available. Produced by SEEDS Foundation with funding from the Centre for Energy, the Energy Literacy Series explores Canada’s energy sources. It’s easy to find your way around the Energy Literacy Series. Modules include virtual tours, equipment descriptions, production processes and also present environmental and economic issues to help generate informed discussion in the classroom and at home. Links to curriculum in all provinces and territories are clearly identified and worksheets, question sets and assignments have been developed and are ready to download to support the online graphics and animation-based instruction.

Select a topic and increase your knowledge of Canada’s energy system: Petroleum Module, Coal Module, Nuclear Module, Hydro Module, Solar Module, Wind Module, Biomass Module , Tidal Module, Geothermal Module, PMD Module

Visit the Centre for Energy for more information: http://www.centreforenergy.com/Education/EnergyLiteracy/

Considering an EFS Presentation in Your School?

Teachers or educational groups interested in hosting a full day or mini series EFS program are invited to contact us by calling 902-454-4329 or e-mail info@energyconsultant.ca

Your Ideas Count

Educators are invited to submit ideas & suggestions for information you would like to see made available to assist in both classroom and career planning, or for future newsletters by clicking here!

Sign-up to Receive Newsletters

To receive Newsletter-Links to future Newsletters please click "subscribe". You may unscubscribe at anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of any Newsletter-Link email or by emailing us at "unsubscribe"

December '09

$100 Holiday Basket Giveaway

For new Energy For Student Newsletter subscribers

Until December 20th, 2009 all new subscribers will have their names entered for a chance to win a $100 Holiday Gift Basket. Please feel free to provide other teachers, colleagues and students with the link where they can register online.

Subscribe Today

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/newsletter.php?group=3

NEW DEEP PANUKE NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE

The December edition of the newsletter for EnCana’s Deep Panuke natural gas project is now available. Click here for the latest updates on Deep Panuke, currently being developed in Nova Scotia’s offshore. The newsletter contains information on Offshore Energy Kits available to teachers in Nova Scotia. The kit contains information on Nova Scotia geology, careers in the offshore oil and gas industry and other information on the offshore.

To request a kit, send an email to dpinfo@encana.com Please include your mailing address and include the name of the school where you are teaching.

DEEP PANUKE EDUCATION & TRAINING AND RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FUND – CALL FOR PROPOSALS

On behalf of EnCana, Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada (PRAC) has just issued a Call for Proposals to the research community in Nova Scotia under the broad theme of engineering.

For more information on the Call, please visit the PRAC web site at:

http://pr-ac.ca/programs/Deep_Panuke_Fund.html
Or visit the EnCana web site at:

http://www.encana.com/operations/canada/deeppanuke/community/training-research-fund.html

OFFSHORE OIL & GAS LAND OPEN FOR EXPLORATION BIDS

In response to a nomination by industry, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board has issued a call for companies to bid for exploration licences on two new offshore shallow water blocks. The board has called for proposals to explore two 90,000-hectare parcels located immediately south and immediately northwest of Sable island. The combined acreage of the two exploration blocks is 183,000 hectares. The blocks are close to the Sable Offshore Energy Project. "This is good news for the province and good news for the oil and gas exploration industry," said Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks. "Any time new exploration rights are made available, it generates more interest in our offshore." The new call for bids, which was approved by the federal and provincial governments, continues a policy that offers companies more flexible, lower entry cost exploration licences that reward early activity and encourage a broader range of companies to explore and invest.

View article:

http://www.cnsopb.ns.ca/news_dec_04_09.php

http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20091204004

PROVINCE INVESTS $4.25 MILLION

IN GREEN TRANSPORTATION & TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS

The $4.25 funding announcement was made Dec. 1, by Bill Estabrooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia and Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau. "This investment will help Nova Scotians save money on fuel, and protect our environment," said Mr. Estabrooks. "The transportation sector represents one of the best opportunities to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and these programs bring us closer to meeting our goal to have one of the cleanest, greenest environments in the world."

The following transportation programs will be supported:

$1.35 million to equip school buses with fuel-efficient technology such as heaters and timers, route optimization software, and emission control technology

$1 million for anti-idling devices, aerodynamic improvements, fuel-efficient tires, and other fuel-reducing technologies for heavy duty class 8 trucks

$1 million towards the purchase of heavy duty hybrid vehicles including bucket trucks and other fleet vehicles

$150,000 for a public education and awareness campaign promoting fuel-efficient personal vehicles

The remaining $750,000 will expand an existing program that helps ice rink facilities install energy and cost-saving lighting, heat recovery systems, and other energy efficiency improvements. The investment will come from the ecoNova Scotia Clean Air and Climate Change fund. The projects will be administered and delivered by Conserve Nova Scotia. "The ecoNova Scotia fund has been helping municipalities, businesses, and many organizations all over the province find ways to reduce greenhouse gases, air pollutant and costs," said Mr. Belliveau. "We are pleased to be helping schools and the transportation sector to also realize those reductions." In some cases, the technology is already being used by Nova Scotia businesses. "Businesses can realize cost savings as well as significantly reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions by using hybrid and fuel-efficient technology," said Bill Tait, Peterbilt Nova Scotia. The ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change is supported by a $42.5-million federal grant for projects that reduce air emissions and create a cleaner, healthier environment. Projects and initiatives under the fund started rolling out in 2007 and applications for funding will be accepted until January 2010.

Information on programs, deadlines and applications is available at www.conservens.ca or at www.gov.ns.ca/econovascotia .

View article:

http://gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20091201003

GAS STORAGE PROJECT HITS A SNAG

Venture’s partner firm put up for sale

With no income and tight financial markets, Landis Energy Corp., a partner of Alton Natural Gas Storage L.P., is looking to sell its company or assets, confirmed Landis accountant David Rutt in a telephone interview "With the current market, (and) since we don’t have any cash flow, it is very hard to raise money for the development," said Mr. Rutt. "The more junior companies that are able to raise money right now have cash flow. We don’t. It’s very difficult right now." The Calgary company that wants to use Shubenacadie River water to turn salt caves into natural gas storage space near Truro has run into financial difficulties. "We haven’t raised any money in the last couple of quarters and we spend every month," said Mr. Rutt. He said it is "most likely" another company will be involved in developing the proposed $60-million Alton Natural Gas Storage project with its current partner, Fort Chicago Energy Partners of Calgary.

The company would use piped-in river water to hollow out salt caverns for gas storage in Colchester County, treat the water to reduce salinity and then discharge it back into the river. Company documents say the Alton site, about five kilometres from the Shubenacadie River, has potential to serve as a Nova Scotia gas storage and distribution centre and as a larger storage hub for Eastern Canada and the U.S. Mr. Rutt said the projects are moving forward with engineering work and contracting of a rig to drill a well. The company also aims to develop a project called compressed air energy storage, known in the industry as CAES, or storing wind. The system would use excess wind energy to pressurize air into an underground reservoir such as a salt cavern. Power would be produced by releasing the energy into an expansion generator.

Landis Energy Corp. continues to study the feasibility of the project and it is "increasingly important" following the Nova Scotia government’s plan to enforce new environmental targets of having 25 per cent of electricity come from renewable sources by 2015, according to the company’s documents. "(A) CAES facility located near the Alton gas storage site would back up and re-time renewable energy sources, enable wind and tidal to act as a controllable and reliable renewable resource and allow for additional wind development for export." There are only two such storage facilities in the world. The oldest, developed in 1978, is in Huntorf, Germany, and the other facility in Alabama opened in 1991, says Landis.

View article:

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1156828.html

PREMIER & ENVIRONMENT MINISTER

ATTEND THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The conference, which runs from Dec. 7-18 in Copenhagen, Denmark, sets the stage for the international response to climate change and includes the development of a framework to take effect in 2013 when the Kyoto Protocol expires. Premier Dexter will serve as part of the Canadian delegation and will represent Atlantic Canada in the development of Canada's position. Premier Darrell Dexter will be joined by Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment, and representatives of 12 businesses from the province. They, are participating in the conference to promote the province's green technology sector, to explore new sustainable energy opportunities, and to showcase Nova Scotia's commitment to reducing and mitigating climate change. "I am proud to be travelling to Copenhagen with such a talented and innovative group," said Premier Dexter. "I can't think of a better opportunity to showcase to the world Nova Scotia's leadership in the green economy, green technology, climate change and environmental sustainability."

"Nova Scotia has tremendous potential for economic growth in the sustainable energy sector," said Premier Dexter. "We are already being recognized for our work in tidal energy and LED lighting and this conference provides an excellent opportunity to show the world's government and business leaders what Nova Scotia has to offer in green technology." Minas Basin Pulp and Power, which won the right to host the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), the first instream tidal facility in the province, is one of the businesses taking part in the conference's Bright Green Trade Expo. "It is a privilege to be in Copenhagen to support the premier and the government in finding new sources of sustainable renewable energy and bringing Nova Scotia's tidal energy to the world stage," said Scott Travers, president and COO of Minas Basin Pulp and Power. "Nova Scotia has the people and the resources to provide solutions to climate change. The private sector is more than ready and looking forward to working with the government."

The conference will also provide opportunities for Premier Dexter and Mr. Belliveau to see demonstrations of renewable energy projects and learn about new technologies that could help Nova Scotia meet climate change and economic development commitments. "Nova Scotia has set aggressive targets on greenhouse gas reductions," said Mr. Belliveau. "I look forward to learning about what other places around the world are doing so that Nova Scotia can achieve its targets and be one of the most environmentally and economically sustainable environments in the world." As part of the conference, Premier Dexter will speak at the Climate Leaders Summit about tidal energy and LED lighting, two areas where Nova Scotia is a global leader. Mr. Belliveau will speak about Nova Scotia's renewable energy and environmental technologies at the Bright Green Trade Expo. Premier Dexter and Mr. Belliveau will also meet with government and business leaders, and tour renewable energy projects in Denmark.

View article:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20091208004

N.S. POWER KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON N.B.- QUEBEC DEAL

Nova Scotia Power has been studying details of the proposed $4.8-billion takeover announced Oct. 29 but has yet to reach any conclusions, president Rob Bennett said while leaving a luncheon at a downtown Halifax hotel Monday. "We’re waiting to see what’s going to come in terms of more details about what’s really going to happen," he said. "We listen to the back and forth and we listen to the information from New Brunswick. We analyze it, we think about it, but we really haven’t concluded anything." He also indicated the heavily criticized sale of NB Power to Hydro-Quebec, expected to close by March 31, would not affect Nova Scotia Power’s 470,000 customers. "It’s between New Brunswick and Hydro-Quebec, it’s not going to affect our customers directly," he said. "We’ve been silent because we don’t have a position to take. We’re watching carefully what’s going on."

The proposed deal would eliminate NB Power’s debt of $4.75 billion. Hydro-Quebec would take over New Brunswick’s nuclear generating facility at Point Lepreau, its hydropower assets, power plants and transmission and distribution system, giving Hydro-Quebec, already North America’s largest utility, a transmission corridor directly into U.S. markets. Residential rates for NB Power customers would be frozen for five years and industrial rates would be reduced by as much as 30 per cent to match those in Quebec. The president of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council has warned this could place Nova Scotia companies at a competitive disadvantage in energy costs. "If the status quo sticks and this deal goes through, all of a sudden New Brunswick companies will be subject to much lower costs," Elizabeth Beale said in an earlier interview.

The premiers of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador joined forces last week, looking for New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham to agree that they would have the same access to New Brunswick’s power transmission system after the sale as before. Mr. Bennett wouldn’t say if such a guarantee would be important to Nova Scotia Power and its customers. "We really haven’t been involved in what’s been going on between the premiers," he said. "I really don’t have a comment." Premier Darrell Dexter said he wants "assurances that the best interests of Nova Scotia and the best opportunities for our region are protected." The Canadian Press reportedthat New Brunswick isn’t prepared to give a written guarantee of access to its transmission system. Finance Minister Greg Byrne said his province remains open to negotiations with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador about building new transmission lines through New Brunswick to the American market. But a "carte blanche" letter is not in the works, he said. Dalhousie University professor David Wheeler, who is holding consultations on Nova Scotia’s renewable energy strategy, supports the premiers’ attempts to get guaranteed access for future green energy exports. "It’s in everyone’s interest that we have a grid that is flexible and connected," he said at a Halifax luncheon sponsored by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs. "Whether you are a municipality in Nova Scotia generating renewable energy, or NSP, or running a nuclear plant, you need access to the grid to buy and sell."

View article:

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1156607.html

FUNDING TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE
$1.25 MILLION TO HELP BUSINESSES REDUCE EMISSIONS

Nova Scotia’s ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change is adding $1.25 million dollars to the Environmental Technologies Program which helps businesses pay for technologies that lead to emission reductions. This brings the total investment in the funding program to almost $10.8 million. The fund is administered by the provincial Department of Environment. Innovative companies and organizations in Nova Scotia have seven weeks left to apply for funding for environmental technologies that will help them be more green by reducing energy use, harmful air emissions and costs. “As the Premier and I prepare to attend the United Nations conference on climate change, in Copenhagen, I am pleased to announce extra funding to reduce air emissions in our province,” said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau. “We are strengthening this program to strengthen the fight against climate change.”

The program funds eligible companies and organizations that can show their technological innovations increase energy efficiencies that lead to reduced greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. “I encourage eligible applicants to promptly submit their proposals for funding,” said Mr. Belliveau. There are many types of businesses that can receive funding from the program, including manufacturing plants that plan to re-engineer processing equipment to cut energy use and be more cost-effective, and builders of products that reduce energy use and save consumers money. So far, $4.8 million dollars of the program’s original investment has been committed to projects. With today’s added funding, the Environmental Technologies Program now has almost $6 million to be allocated before the deadline.

The extra funding in the program will help the province meet its targets stated in its Climate Change Action Plan and the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, the first comprehensive package of legislated environmental goals in Canada. The province is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, and to significant drops in air pollutant levels by 2010. Applicants for funding under the Environmental Technologies Program must submit application forms to ecoNova Scotia before Jan. 31. This is the final round of funding from ecoNova Scotia which began in 2007 with an original grant of $42.5 million from the government of Canada.

To learn more and obtain an application form for ecoNova Scotia funding, go to http://www.gov.ns.ca/ecoNovaScotia.

View article:

http://www.canadaviews.ca/2009/12/07/more-funding-to-fight-climate-change/

NUTTBY WIND FARM: SCALING MOUNTAINS

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board has approved the latest version of the plan to put a 22-turbine wind farm on the highest peak in the Cobequid Mountains north of Truro. With the URB’s blessing that the project "is in the best interest of ratepayers," Nova Scotia Power (NSPI) itself will make the $120-million capital investment in turbines, a substation and a transmission line at Nuttby. If, as expected, the project receives a $14-million federal renewable energy incentive — worth about one cent per kilowatt hour — Nuttby will produce electricity at a long-term cost of 8.54 cents per kilowatt hour when it comes into service late next year. As the URB points out, this is cheaper "by a considerable margin" than the 9.78 cents per kilowatt hour that NSPI had agreed to pay EarthFirst Canada Inc., Nuttby’s original proponent. The agreement with EarthFirst was one of several windpower deals the utility signed to satisfy Nova Scotia’s Renewable Energy Standards. The RES require NSPI to buy five per cent of its energy from independent producers of renewable energy by 2011. There is a stiff penalty for non-compliance.

But last year’s credit crunch left EarthFirst unable to proceed with the project and NSPI bought the development rights in April. When the utility applied to the URB to do Nuttby as an in-house capital investment, rather than a fixed-price power purchase, two further complications arose. NSPI said it needed a quick decision to enable the project to qualify for the federal incentive. But several interveners, including the board’s consumer advocate, were concerned that if the utility got its cost estimates wrong in a fast-track process, ratepayers would be on the hook for construction overruns, higher operating costs or a failure to get the federal incentive. The utility also wanted the board’s pre-approval to sell a 51 per cent interest in Nuttby, so the project’s output would count toward NSPI’s requirement to buy energy from non-NSPI-controlled renewable-energy producers. Rightly, the board focused on the risk to ratepayers. It said NSPI’s cost analysis for Nuttby is reasonable. The project also has the safety margin of a lower projected energy cost than the EarthFirst contract price. But the URB also emphasized that ratepayers have another safeguard: the project’s final costs will still have to meet the board’s approval. And to avoid any surprises, it explicitly ordered NSPI to advise it "as soon as possible" if it "becomes aware of any material change" in costs.

The credibility of both regulator and utility are on the line here. Indeed, the credibility of wind power in Nova Scotia will inevitably be impacted by how well this projected is implemented. The board didn’t pre-approve the sale of a majority stake in Nuttby, saying it’s not clear that this would enable NSPI to comply with the RES. This, too, is a good call. For the province really should rethink the standards as they apply to Nuttby. The point of the RES legislation is to encourage new third-party investment in renewables. Making NSPI sell part of a completed project (which it did in-house because of skittish credit markets) doesn’t generate a single new green electron. The province’s priority should be attracting investment for additional green-power projects, not refinancing or juggling ownership of existing ones. The credit upheaval essentially dictated that the Nuttby development had to be quickly reorganized or the opportunity lost. The board showed welcome flexibility in dealing with these special circumstances. But it also rightly scolded NSPI that it would be a "welcome change" not to have future project assessments squeezed by "not enough time" planning and late filings. On this and on its Nuttby projections, NSPI now needs to deliver.

View Article:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1156310.html

TEACHERS RESOURCE

OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEB RESOURCES:

Visit our Club House and watch the adventures of NRCat, Inspector Joules and Simon to learn more about energy conservation. Take a look at our Energy and the Environment Activity Book, a practical workbook of learning activities highlighting energy conservation.
Watch Lola’s Great Green Ride, featuring winning artwork from the 2008-2009 winners.

Kids Club:

http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/calendarclub/

Energy, and the essential role it plays in today's society, is a complex topic for elementary school children. Our theme – save energy, save nature – provides a practical introduction to the subject.

Resources and activities that we hope will make teaching, and learning, easier and more fun include:

    * Games
    * Club House
    * Art Gallery
    * Activity Book
    * Art Contest
    * For Teachers
    * Downloads (PDFs)

For Teachers:

http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/calendarclub/teachers/teachers.cfm?attr=0

CONSERVE NOVA SCOTIA

" IT STARTS WITH ME" ACTIVITY BOOK

Conserve Nova Scotia's "It Starts with Me" activity book makes learning about energy efficiency educational and fun. From connect-the-dots to crossword puzzles, the activity book contains a variety of exciting activities in both French and English for children of all ages.

To view and download individual exercises from the activity book visit: http://www.conservens.ca/education/activity-book.asp

November '09

2nd ANNUAL WHERE CHALLENGE STARTS NOW!

Early Bird Draw

Entries received prior to February 1st go into a draw for an ipod

National Earth Sciences contest offers teachers and students unique educational experience.

After receiving rave reviews from hundreds of participating Canadian teachers and students, the WHERE Challenge is back for a second year. The WHERE Challenge is a national contest endorsed by the Canadian Earth Sciences community and sponsored by EnCana that asks students aged 10 – 14 years to discover the answers to these questions: What on Earth is in your stuff and WHERE on Earth does it come from? The Challenge launches this month and runs until March 1, 2010.

Almost $17 thousand in regional and national prizes will be awarded. Students are encouraged to use their imaginations in their response and create an educational story about non-renewable Earth resources found in an everyday item. Teachers and students who took part in last year’s WHERE Challenge gave it enthusiastic reviews, with more than 87 percent of them saying they would definitely take part again. Participating teachers say the Challenge offered them a unique method of presenting Earth sciences material to students. “You know a project is a success if at the grade 7 level students are willing to do work on it at home and really want to, rather than it being assigned as homework,” said Crystal Pearl Hodgins, who teaches at École Whitehorse Elementary in Whitehorse.

“The use of technology as a medium to demonstrate learning and allowing for creativity really tapped into something special for my students,” said Amanda Tetrault, River Heights Middle School teacher in Winnipeg. “Now that we have had a great experience participating in the WHERE Challenge, I will be able to incorporate this competition into my entire class as it ties in nicely with the grade 7 science unit, ‘The Earth's Crust’.”
“I found it to be a unique and exciting opportunity that allowed students to really contemplate how Earth's resources are used and how we often take the process for granted,” said Kurt Smith, a teacher at Vincent Massey Junior High School in Calgary. “My students thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of researching different countries and the sources that come from the Earth,” said Susana Chan, a teacher at Montgomery School in Saskatoon. “They were allowed to let their creative juices flow by making a rap or a video. They love using technology (multimedia resources) to enhance their projects either through a power point or editing their video.”

As for students, many said the WHERE Challenge helped them understand the importance of Earth sciences and that they learned a lot just from viewing other entries on the contest website. The cash prizes for both schools and participants added some extra incentive. “I was really excited when I found out I won,” said 13 year-old Shirley May who, along with Nick Riopel, took home the Alberta regional prize as well as the second national grand prize and more than $2,000. “I started screaming and jumping up and down.” “It was really fun to work on the project and look at the other entries on You Tube,” said Blake Nicol after learning he’d won more than $3,000 by snagging both the regional prize for B.C. as well as the first national grand prize.

For more information visit:

www.earthsciencescanada.com/where/

EXPRO ANNOUNCES NEW PROJECT AWARD IN NS

Expro, a leading international oilfield service company, announced today that it has been awarded a surface testing and subsea landing string service contract from EnCana Corporation for work offshore Halifax, Nova Scotia. The six-month contract will provide support for the construction of four development wells in the Deep Panuke field and includes the provision of surface well test and landing string equipment and related support services. The preparatory work has been completed and the equipment has been delivered to Nova Scotia for deployment to the field once operations commence using the jack-up rig Rowan Gorilla III.

A 10K landing string has been custom-designed to facilitate operations from a jack-up rig involving subsea completions. The system will allow safe access to the wells and the execution of the numerous tasks involved with completion operations including the landing and testing of the completion, wireline operations, perforating and clean-up of the well once the completion assembly has been installed. A package of well test equipment has been custom configured to allow for the safe clean-up and production testing of the wells in order to measure their deliverability and condition them prior to handing them over to production operations. Additional ancillary equipment required for the operation of the well test package is also being supplied to offer comprehensive support for this aspect of the operations.

The Deep Panuke gas field is located on the Scotian Shelf, 250km southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The field is currently under development by EnCana and the wells tap into the natural gas reservoirs in the carbonate reef located underneath the original Cohasset-Panuke oil field that marked Canada's first offshore project. Brett Lestrange, Senior Vice President - North America Offshore, said: “This contract is a testament to Expro’s leadership position in the testing market offshore Eastern Canada. In North America, we are more diverse than anywhere else in the world and this is an excellent opportunity to showcase our full portfolio of services and expertise in the subsea market. Deep Panuke will help us strengthen our position as a global leader.”

View Article:

http://www.oilvoice.com/n/Expro_Announces_New_Project_Award_in_Nova_Scotia/a89bd9675.aspx

BULLFROG POWER LEAPS INTO THE MARITIMES

Bullfrog Power allows home owners and businesses to support renewable power producers in their region by paying extra for electricity. Customers still pay their existing power provider but also pay Bullfrog to buy the more-expensive green energy from local generators. According to Terry Heintzman, president of Bullfrog Power, customers end up paying about 20 per cent more for their power. But they get the satisfaction of knowing their power needs are covered by clean sources, he said. "It's like organic food or hybrid vehicles - you give people a choice and you try to use market forces to increase the amount of renewable power," he said in an interview. "There's no new equipment, there's no change-over cost and there's no change in the reliability." Bullfrog pumps enough renewable electricity into the local grid to match the power used by its customers, which means less reliance on coal, oil and natural gas.

Earlier this month Heintzman announced the Maritime launch at the Wooden Monkey, a restaurant and bar in downtown Halifax. A number of companies have already "bullfrogpowered" some or all of their operations including the Wooden Monkey, Mic Mac Mall and BMO. Lil MacPherson, of the Wooden Monkey, believes the extra cost is worth it, though it means she'll pay an additional $300 a month. "We're basically doing this for our children. We're in a major climate crisis right now and we need to start doing something," said MacPherson, owner of the Wooden Monkey. BMO Financial Group announced it will purchase Bullfrog electricity for all of its 64 Maritime facilities, making it the biggest user of Bullfrog Power in Atlantic Canada. About 50 per cent of the common areas in Dartmouth's Mic Mac Mall will be powered by BullFrog's renewable energy. "It's a premium of two cents a kilowatt hour that we'll be paying for this," said mall manager Terry Harvie. "Fifty per cent of our common areas will be … clean power."

To read complete articles visit:

http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/847186

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/11/09/ns-bullfrog-mall.html

EMERA VOWS NO RATE HIKES IN 2010

Nova Scotians are not facing a power rate increase next year, says the president of Nova Scotia Power’s parent company. "We feel comfortable that based on current conditions we will not require an increase in base electricity rates in 2010," Emera Inc. president Chris Huskilson told analysts during a conference call about the Halifax energy giant’s third-quarter financial results "We know price stability is important to our customers and will help them make plans for next year." Mr. Huskilson said the implementation of the fuel adjustment mechanism in January reduced volatility in fuel expenses.

Emera reported a 14 per cent increase in profits in its third-quarter financial results, with strong performances by its subsidiaries, Nova Scotia Power, Bangor Hydro in Maine and Brunswick Pipeline, which together account for about 90 per cent of Emera’s revenues. Emera made $135.8 million in the first three months of this year, compared with $118.8 million in the same period last year. "We have momentum in our business and this is translating into record earnings for us for the first three quarters of this year, " Mr. Huskilson said. "Our current strategy has been in place for about five years and has been successful. We’ve seen earnings grow almost seven per cent per year during this time. "Mr. Huskilson also outlined a new business strategy focusing on electricity and investing in the northeastern United States over the next five years.

Article Provided by the Chronicle-Herald

PROVINCE MOVES TO INCREASE GREEN ENERGY, JOBS

The province is furthering its commitment to creating and securing jobs, increasing renewable energy, and contributing to a green economy. NewPage Port Hawkesbury Corp. was given consent Nov. 3, to sell harvested, Crown-land timber to a proposed wood biomass-fueled electrical generation facility for the Strait area. "Today's announcement is about economic development and environmental progress in Nova Scotia," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "The proposed project can help meet renewable energy targets, create and maintain jobs, all while using sustainable forest practices and protecting Nova Scotia's wood supply."

Premier Dexter noted that the agreement is a strong show of faith in the future of the Port Hawkesbury mill. NewPage must follow strict conditions on what it does commercially with the logs and other wood fiber products it harvests on Crown land. Only stem wood will be used for fuel supply and there will be no whole-tree harvesting. Tree tops and limbs will be left on the forest floor. Both the current natural resources strategy consultations, and consultations on renewable energy being conducted by Dr. David Wheeler, dean of Dalhousie University faculty of management, will consider the role of biomass in Nova Scotia. "I am pleased that government has given its consent to NewPage, and we look forward to the results of the stakeholder consultations on the future of biomass in the province through the Natural Resources strategy and Dr. Wheeler's report," said John MacDonell, Minister of Natural Resources.

View complete article: http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20091103006

EXPORTS ON A ROLLER-COASTER
Experts predict some turnaround after big plummet

Nova Scotia’s exports tumbled dramatically this year but Canada’s export credit agency is predicting some turnaround in 2010. An outlook from Export Development Canada says this province’s exports will decline by 24 per cent this year, but rise nine per cent the following year. "Nova Scotia’s export decline this year is largely the result of weak fundamentals in the natural gas market, production curtailments in the paper sector, sharply lower prices for shellfish and weaker demand for auto tires," an EDC report released Thursday said. "Next year’s growth is the result of improvements in energy prices and U.S. industrial activity, combined with a modest recovery in automobile production (boosting tire demand). "Nova Scotia is following the national trend. "Canadian exports will record an unprecedented decline this year, as merchandise exports are expected to plummet 26 per cent," the report said.

"The financial crisis that began in autumn 2008, and subsequent freezing of global trade flows, gave way to depression-style industrial production levels and very low consumer and business confidence in the first few months of 2009. "As the year went on, financial markets began to stabilize and green shoots were spotted, leading to a recovery in commodity prices, stock markets and the Canadian dollar. However, global demand has yet to rebound and will likely remain depressed through the end of the year. "Next year, exports will begin to recover, as positive global GDP growth returns, driven by the industrialized world’s significant fiscal and monetary policy response to the downturn."The report also states, "The gains will also be supported by growth in the niche (manufacturing and export) and transportation sub-sectors. "Nova Scotia had $5.8 billion in exports in 2008, which was 1.3 per cent of the Canadian total. That represented a 7.6 per cent increase over 2007."

Article Provided by the Chronicle-Herald

APEC PREDICTS ECONOMY WILL GROW IN ATLANTIC CANADA IN 2010

The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council says the region seems to have weathered the deepest recession since the Second World War better than other parts of Canada. In it's annual economic outlook the think tank said the world economy is showing signs of recovery. It said that fiscal stimulus, a recovery in consumer and business confidence and a gradual pick up in global demand should help Atlantic Canada return to growth in 2010. APEC does issue a cautionary note saying the higher Canadian dollar will temper the impact of improving U.S. demand on Atlantic exports. It predicted growth of 1.4 per cent in 2010, based on higher consumption and investment spending combined with improved export demand. APEC said Newfoundland and Labrador will lead the region in growth next year with a gain of three per cent, reflecting a rebound in mining and higher investment spending in offshore oil industries. Nova Scotia's recovery will be a modest 1.7 per cent helped by higher output of natural gas and growth in investment spending. APEC cautioned that longer-term challenges for the Atlantic region include the risk of slower U.S. growth and the need to address swollen provincial deficits.

View Article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gSu7IyYKd8YKtAAjP_p5JKMYEkOA

EAST HAS HUGE ENERGY POTENTIAL
Oil, gas fields may rival West's

The natural gas and oil potential of Canada's East Coast is substantial and could rival reserves in the West and the Arctic Ocean, a federal government study suggests. The Geological Survey of Canada, a research arm of the federal Natural Resources Department, assessed for the first time the overall hydrocarbon potential of a region called the Maritimes Basin. This 250,000-square-kilometre area includes the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Cabot Strait and the southwestern Grand Banks with onshore ties to Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. According to the survey, published in October, this region contains an estimated 39 trillion cubic feet of hydrocarbons, mostly natural gas. "This is huge," said Denis Lavoie, a geologist with Natural Resources and a co-author of the study. "We knew there was good potential in Eastern Canada but it's the first time we are able to quantify it." This untapped potential represents the equivalent of seven years of production of natural gas in Canada, he said. Eastern Canada's gas reserves are slightly below the estimated 58 trillion cubic feet of gas left in Western Canada sedimentary basin, he added. Lavoie also noted the Maritimes Basin could easily rival the potential of the Beaufort Sea and the Mackenzie Delta in the Arctic. An estimated 65 trillion cubic feet of natural gas lies there.

The project to build a pipeline to bring the gas from the Arctic to energy-hungry markets in southern Canada and the United States has been stalled for years because of high transportation costs. "Eastern Canada has almost as much gas as the Arctic, but what is more interesting for this region is that it is already in the market. There is no need to build an expensive pipeline to carry gas," Lavoie said. Several fields in East have been discovered, including the McCully natural gas field in southern New Brunswick. Ian Doig, an independent analyst of the oil and gas industry, said the report highlights an interesting potential but fails to answer the biggest question: Is it profitable to tap into these reserves? "Politicians and people in the industry can get really excited about this and see billions and billions in profit, but the thing is, it is going to cost billions and billions to get the gas out of there," he said. Offshore fields discovered near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in the past few decades have never proved to be worth drilling, for economic reasons, Doig noted. He also stressed it might become more worthwhile to tap into reserves of shale gas if natural gas prices stay low and new technologies make it cheaper to extract shale gas.

To view complete Article visit: http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/East+huge+energy+potential/2204529/story.html

TRYING TO WRING GREEN POWER FROM THE DEEP BLUE

Engineers had 20-minute window to lower turbine onto Bay of Fundy floor to test currents’ energy potential

In a race against time and tide, Nova Scotia Power and its Irish partner, OpenHydro, successfully launched a massive steel underwater turbine into the choppy waters of the Bay of Fundy.The positioning of the turbine and its 400-tonne, tripod-shaped base on the floor of the Minas Channel part of the bay marks the first time in North America that a turbine has been placed underwater to generate electricity, in this case enough to power 300 households. "Today begins a very important period of testing that we believe will demonstrate that tidal energy can be part of Nova Scotia’s renewable energy future," Nova Scotia Power president Rob Bennett said in a release. The turbine is the first of three that will be anchored to the floor of the channel over the next year for testing. Representatives from government, business and academia accompanied the OpenHydro barge out to sea under sunny skies Thursday, anxious to learn whether the powerful tidal currents in the Bay of Fundy can finally be harnessed for energy. Nova Scotia electricity consumers have a big stake in the outcome — a cheap, clean and abundant source of electricity.

The challenge Thursday was just to get the rusty-looking, doughnut-shaped turbine safely into the water and secured to the floor of Minas Channel, about 10 kilometres west of Parrsboro. After spending hours getting all the equipment to the correct location, engineers and crews had only a 20-minute window when the tide was low enough to lower the turbine and base into the water from a catamaran-shaped barge. The open-centre turbine and base are 16 metres in diameter, almost as high as a six-storey building. They were quickly lowered using a winch and four cables.OpenHydro president James Ives was on board the barge and gave directions to the crew by marine radio. He gave the order to begin lowering the turbine at 1:40 p.m. and it took about eight minutes to get it to the floor of the channel. Nova Scotia Power and OpenHydro have been working for two years toward this milestone. The turbine is operational, rotating with the tides and collecting data about how it is faring in the strong currents, but underwater power cables won’t be connected to it until next year, Nova Scotia Power said.

Tidal expert Anna Redden, a scientist at Acadia University in Wolfville, has been waiting years for this moment. "We have now approached a time in history where we have to get our energy from renewable sources," Ms. Redden said aboard the lobster boat Tidebound. "The tide is a very predictable form of energy. "If developers can harness tidal power cost-effectively, she said, Nova Scotia Power could get its electricity from the tides in the future instead of from the coal-burning power plants it now uses. Lobster fisherman Mark Taylor closely watched Thursday’s activity. "It’s hard to believe something that big, almost 20 metres wide, isn’t going to have some negative impact," he said. Mr. Taylor said the turbine was dropped into an area that is in the path of migrating fish, which try to find the strongest currents. "We all want to be in the same sweet spot," he said. "The fish, the tidal people and the fishermen." The test turbine will determine whether fishermen and turbines can co-exist, Mr. Taylor said. "It’s good to get one in and find out," he said. "We’re just hoping it doesn’t harm the fishery in the area."

Article Provided by the Chronicle-Herald

TEACHERS RESOURCE

8th Annual Skills Energy Youth Quest

Held November 3, 2009 at the NSCC Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury

During this event, grade 10 students were given an opportunity to experience a day of hands-on career exploration and to discover opportunities in skilled trades and technologies, focusing on the energy sector in Nova Scotia. Workshops touch on careers such as marine engineering, electrical wiring, and natural resources, stressing theimportance of strong math, science, and communications skills to maximize career choices. Industry representatives were involved to offer students a ‘real life’ perspective on careers in the energy sector through mentor discussion sessions. Parallels were demonstrated between students’ present educational experiences and practical post secondary training options.

Get your students involved!

Skills Canada will be hosting youth events across the province from now until May, giving high school students a chance to try skilled trade and technology careers first
hand. Visit the 'Projects' page on the Skills Canada website for dates and details:
http://skillsns.ednet.ns.ca/projects/index.html

The target audience of the programs and events are Nova Scotia youth, generally 13-30 years of age.Today’s youth are the future workforce, and it is up to them to pass along the skills and knowledge to build a strong economy.

Programs held throughout the province include:

African Nova Scotian Youth Conference:

Mentors are invited to participate in the event and share their stories and encouragement.
Mentors include African Nova Scotians working, studying, or teaching in skilled trades and technologies. Students also participate in interactive workshops showcasing skilled trades and technologies.

Skills Energy Youth Quest:

A career exploration event of the Energy sector for high school students. Men and women working in the Energy sector participate and act as mentors to the youth. Students have
the opportunity to participate in 3 interactive workshops.

TechShop:

This program exposes and encourages young Nova Scotians to choose exciting and rewarding careers in the skilled trade and technology industries and demonstrates numerous careers that offer a dynamic work environment and hands-on opportunities.

Young Women’s Conference:

This event is a fun way to give young women the opportunity to experience mentored, hands-on career exploration and be exposed to the skilled trade and technology careers
available in our province.

October '09

DEEP PANUKE

Update presented at CORE Conference

Dave Kopperson, the Vice President Atlantic Canada,

presented an update on the Deep Panuke natural gas project at Canadian Offshore Resources Exhibition (CORE) and Conference, October 6th to 8th, 2009. The conference is designed to exchange ideas in an effort to advance exploration, discovery and development of the offshore frontier in eastern North America. Highlighted sessions included overviews of offshore and onshore exploration activity, and Atlantic Canadian regional energy strategies.

There were numerous other distinguished keynote speakers. Denis Marcoux, Vice President, Repsol Energy Canada gave an overview of his company’s interests in the region including the purchase agreement for all of the eventual production from the EnCana’s Deep Panuke natural gas project when it becomes operational at the end of 2010. Matthew Ralls, Chief Executive Officer of Rowan Companies also spoke about his company, and its long history in Nova Scotia including the Rowan Gorilla III, which was in Halifax Harbour in October to prepare to drill the development wells for Deep Panuke. And Scott Tinker, Director, Bureau of Economic Geology from the University of Texas at Austin delivered a very interesting keynote speech on Global Energy: Myths and Realities, which looked at the enormous challenges facing global energy markets in the decades ahead.

The slides from Dave Kopperson presentation can be viewed at:
http://www.encana.com/operations/offshore/deeppanuke/communityinformation/

NS TO CREATE NEW ENERGY EFFICENCY AGENCY

Electricity efficiency programs in Nova Scotia will be administered by a new, independent corporation under proposed legislation.The Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation will be responsible for a fund that will deliver electricity efficiency programs, such as home audits and energy rebates currently provided through Conserve Nova Scotia.Bill Estabrooks, the minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia, said that agency will be scrapped and many of its 15 employees will likely be hired by the new agency when it opens next spring. Until the new agency is in place, Nova Scotia Power will continue as the interim manager of electricity efficiency programs.

Don Regan, superintendent of the Berwick Electric Commission in the town of Berwick, said he's pleased that conservation programs for electricity and home heating will be united under one group."It's a good thing. We're happy to see it," he said. "We will be able to reduce energy use not only in terms of electricity, but in terms of home heating systems that are fuelled by oil or propane."By the time the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corp. opens next spring, it will be two years after a public consultation recommended an independent administrator take responsibility for helping businesses and people cut their power use.

To view this article visit: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/10/23/ns-energy-efficiency.html

To view the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation Act please visit: http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/bills/61st_1st/1st_read/b049.htm

NOVA SCOTIA POWER

REQUESTING DEC. 1 WIND FARM APPROVAL

Nova Scotia Power Inc. has told government regulators it must soon break ground on its proposed $120-million wind farm in Colchester County or customers will face higher costs.The power company is asking the Utility and Review Board to approve by Dec. 1 its application to build a 22-turbine wind farm at Nuttby Mountain, about 20 kilometres north of Truro."Delayed approval may increase the cost of the project," Nova Scotia Power states in a filing with the board.

The company wants to begin construction next year so the wind turbines could be producing electricity by March 31, 2011, and qualify for federal wind-power incentives."Were construction to be necessary after that time, additional costs and also safety issues must be managed," Nova Scotia Power says.The project is to include buying and erecting 22 turbines rated at 2.05 megawatts each, construction of a new substation and transmission lines at Nuttby Mountain.The power company has already received approval from the review board to buy the turbines and begin construction, but at the risk of shareholders.
The turbines would produce enough energy to power about 15,000 homes. The project has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes annually.

To view the complete article visit: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Search/1149685.html

BOTTOM MOUNTED SONAR TO STUDY FISH & SUBSEA TURBINES

Research to find out if sealife is able to avoid tidal power

Robots will soon be secured to the bottom of the ocean floor to see if fish detect or avoid a huge subsea tidal turbine soon to be tested in the Bay of Fundy.The study is one of eight research projects to receive $1.1 million in provincial government funding announced Tuesday for tidal marine energy research in the bay."We’re excited about it because it promises to be the most comprehensive package of research on tidal marine energy basically anywhere," said Wayne St. Amour, executive director of Offshore Energy Environmental Research and Offshore Energy Technical Research. "Once the research is concluded, it will give us the most in-depth understanding on these knowledge gaps."

Scientists from these two independent, non-profit organizations in Halifax are keen to study the effects of harnessing the immense power of the Bay of Fundy tides for electricity.The funded projects cover a wide range of research areas, including tidal resource assessment, sediment, animal behaviour, potential effects of ice and debris, and potential effects of tidal lagoons. Acadia University biology professor Michael Dadswell argues that a large-scale development of tidal power in the Bay of Fundy will do "immense damage" to the fishery and whale-watching businesses in the Maritimes. He recently wrote an opinion piece stating the rotating turbine blades will harm marine mammals, including seals and whales.

On Monday, Nova Scotia Power and its partner, OpenHydro of Ireland, tested their open-centred turbine in Bedford Basin before it makes a journey to the Bay of Fundy, where it will be launched in November. Testing there will last up to two years.The demonstration turbine and subsea base are 16 metres in diameter, almost as high as a six-storey building. As proposed, it could produce one megawatt of electricity, enough to power 300 households.

To view the complete article visit: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1149809.html

UNIVERSITE SAINTE-ANNE

GREENS UP ITS ACT WITH SUN, WIND & WOOD

One of the largest solar-powered hot water heating installations in Atlantic Canada is operating on the campus of Universite Sainte-Anne. A $2.5-million project has now been completely paid for, mostly from federal and provincial money, said Allister Surette, vice-recteur of development and partnerships at the university. The installation, which will also serve as a renewable energy demonstration project for the region, includes three components designed to save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in heating and electrical costs, he said.

A wood-chip-fuelled hot water heater, known as a biomass furnace, will replace an oil-fired hot water heater."The entire campus in Church Point is heated by hot water," Mr. Surette said Wednesday. "Right now we’re spending about $400,000 a year on fuel . . . and we’re pretty confident that we’ll be spending less than $200,000 a year with wood chips," he said. Not only will using the biomass furnace reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on fuel bills, but wood chips will be brought in by a local company, creating a few jobs.

The university’s reduced operating costs will free money for programs and student services, said university president Andre Roberge in a news release."As a result of this three-component project we will likely be the greenest university in Canada by the end of this year," he said. MaManna Renewable Energy of Dartmouth will install the solar hot water installation and the wind turbine. MaManna also builds, designs and installs the units, said a university news release last month. The solar panels are functioning now, the wind turbine is expected to be running by the end of November and the biomass furnace is expected to be running by late December, said Mr. Surette.

To view article visit: http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1147667.html

TEACHERS RESOURCE

Sustainable Futures for a Small Planet

This high school social studies unit makes connections between how we live, the global economy and the natural world. Designed initially to engage students in Alberta Social Studies 10/20 (Quality of Life, Alternative Futures), these 20 innovative activities have many applications for other provinces.

Visit greenlearning at: http://www.greenlearning.ca/social20

"ENERGY TODAY"

CONFERENCE A GREAT SUCCESS

On October 23, 2009 the Social Studies Teachers Association (SSTA) and the Energy for Students program (EFS) provided an exciting professional development conference to Teachers from across the province. This partnership allowed an exceptional combination of efforts to provide a meaningful and invaluable professional development opportunity for all educators.

The conference was designed to ensure that Nova Scotia teacher’s engage in the latest and most current issues surrounding the topic of “ENERGY”. SSTA conference organizer Ken Langille stated that “we had 463 participants, 65 exhibitors and 64 presenters attend this conference. This was our largest ever.”

Energy for Students (EFS) was first presented to Nova Scotia teachers in 2003 with a focus on helping educators better understand the province’s energy sectors, how they contribute to the economy, the local benefits, career opportunities and how to access energy related information for the classroom.
We would like to thank you to our Sponsors the many industry experts that took the time to share our important energy message.

THANK YOU TO THE

"ENERGY TODAY"

Considering an EFS Presentation in Your School?

Teachers or educational groups interested in hosting a full day or mini series EFS program are invited to contact us by calling 902-454-4329 or e-mail info@energyconsultant.ca

Your Ideas Count

Educators are invited to submit ideas & suggestions for information you would like to see made available to assist in both classroom and career planning, or for future newsletters by clicking here!

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September '09

DEEP PANUKE Project Update

EnCana has issued a new edition of the Deep Panuke project newsletter. The September issue provides an overview of recent activities at Deep Panuke, Nova Scotia’s next offshore natural gas project. The project involves the installation of facilities required to produce and process natural gas from the Deep Panuke field, approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Nova Scotia on the Scotian Shelf.

During the summer of 2009, the Deep Panuke project passed significant milestones including the landfall of the pipeline in Guysborough County, the installation of the five wellhead protection structures during a busy 10-day offshore campaign, and the arrival in Nova Scotia of the province’s first subsea “trees” for the offshore oil and gas industry—the trees are part of the structures at the top of each well. Click here to see the September Newsletter.

24 October 2009

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION

What is the Day of Action?

350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand. The International Day of Climate Action is calling on people around the world to organize an action on October 24 incorporating the number 350 at an iconic place in their community, and then upload a photo of their event to 350.org website. Is your school involved? For more information:www.350.org

Canadians Expect Global Energy Leadership from Canada

Canadians are saying loud and clear that this country has a role to play in global energy, a survey released today shows. A large majority of respondents believe that energy, from crude oil and natural gas to wind, is vitally important to the nation and that Canada should step up as a global energy leader. Yet, the survey also indicated that Canadians feel cut off from the energy policies that affect them.

82 per cent feel it is important for Canada to be a global energy leader
58 per cent believe they are not able to influence energy policies and decisions

The survey results also indicate that a large majority of Canadians (73 per cent) consider the energy sector to be personally important to them and they are willing to do their part to improve energy efficiency.

68 per cent would participate in an energy efficiency program
48 per cent would do so to save money on energy bills
35 per cent would do so to reduce greenhouse gases

“Canadians understand the connections linking energy efficiency, saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Bright. “This is good news for policy makers who want to create and foster energy efficiency programs in their respective jurisdictions. There is clearly demand for such programs.”

The survey was commissioned by the non-profit and non-partisan Canadian Centre for Energy Information . dedicated to increasing the energy literacy of Canadians and has developed a reputation for creating and distributing factual, relevant information on Canada’s energy system.

As part of the Centre for Energy’s commitment to encourage greater fact-focused discussion about energy in Canada the Canadian Centre for Energy's website now features ‘Energy Drives Canada’, an education program showcasing 75 energy facts over the 75 days leading up to the start of the COP15 Copenhagen conference on December 7th. Each fact will highlight one aspect of energy (i.e., Canada’s global ranking in oil reserves) and, where possible, will link to relevant industry and government websites. f

For more information visit :http://www.centreforenergy.com

For the complete article visit:

http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutUs/NewsCentre/MediaReleases/Default.asp

To download the complete survey visit: http://www.centreforenergy.com

Nova Scotia Moves Ahead with Tidal Power

Three underwater test turbines proposed for the Bay of Fundy were given the environmental green light Tuesday by Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau.

The Environment Department says the projects can proceed but has attached strict conditions. Among them is a stipulation that the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy must develop and establish an environmental effects monitoring program. Mr. Belliveau said the government has done its homework and has taken a "very balanced, cautionary approach" to the tidal demonstration project. "The Bay of Fundy is a very large body of water. . . . It’s a unique area that’s known around the world, and the potential to harness that energy source in a clean environment is something all Nova Scotians and Canadians want to have," Mr. Belliveau told reporters Tuesday in Halifax. Natural Resources Canada has estimated there is enough tidal energy to power most of the country’s homes and the lion’s share is in the Bay of Fundy. Mr. Belliveau, a former lobster fisherman, said he acknowledges the concerns raised by Bay of Fundy lobster fishermen about turbines possibly changing migratory habits of the species. He said these concerns can only be addressed by proceeding with the test project, which will be monitored by a committee. That committee of government officials, academics and fishermen must still be established. For more information on this article go to:

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1142788.html

Open-centered Tidal Turbine Unvieled

September 23, 2009 OpenHydro and its partner, Nova Scotia Power, unveiled the open-centered tidal turbine at Cherubini Metal Works in Dartmouth, before it made the journey to the Bay of Fundy, where it will be launched in late October. The Developers of a demonstration tidal turbine are fiercely defending the technology against accusations it may harm the marine environment.

For the past three years, OpenHydro of Ireland has been testing a similar turbine in the waters off northern Scotland, and underwater video has shown no marine mammals or fish have been harmed, company CEO James Ives told reporters Wednesday in Dartmouth. "Environmentally, it’s very important to design something that has no impact on the marine environment," said Mr. Ives.

Click here to view video: Turbine manufacturer says project does not threaten marine lifehttp://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=gt9j16eo

Mr. Ives was responding to criticisms by Acadia University biology professor Michael Dadswell, who argues that a large-scale development of tidal power in the Bay of Fundy will do "immense damage" to the fisheries and whale watching business in the Maritimes. Mr. Dadswell wrote an opinion article, Wednesday September 23, in The Chronicle Herald stating the blades of the turbine, which will rotate in both directions, will harm marine mammals, including seals and whales. Mr. Ives said tidal power is the next generation of renewable power."I think there is no question in our mind that tidal can generate power. . . . We have to tread carefully into each site we go into."

For more information visit: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1144091.html

Digby Wind Park project gets approval

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau has approved a wind turbine project for Digby Neck, saying he’s confident any problems can be overcome. Scotian WindFields Inc., a Dartmouth company, and its partner, Skypower Corp. of Toronto, will build and operate the Digby Wind Park.“I am convinced that any adverse effects or significant environmental effects of the undertaking can be adequately mitigated through compliance with the attached terms and conditions,” said Mr. Belliveau in a one-page letter to Charmaine Thompson, Skypower’s vice-president of project management.

The accompanying terms and conditions deal with items including noise monitoring and regular inspections of the turbines and the sites they occupy. The proponents must also develop a complaint resolution plan, according to a three-page document outlining terms and conditions.

Nova Scotia Power will buy all the electricity from the facility. The provincial power utility gave the wind producers a 20-year contract last year.

The 1,100-hectare wind park will be located on leased, private land, and is designed to produce enough clean energy to power about 10,000 homes annually. The Digby Wind Park will install new General Electric wind turbines and be running in less than a year, said Scotian WindFields president Barry Zwicker. Each machine will produce 1.5 megawatts and be installed in the Rossway-Gullivers Cove area of Digby Neck, about 12 kilometres west of Digby.

Government is allowing 17 of the 20 proposed turbines to be built. Three units were not allowed in their proposed locations, presumably because of their proximity to houses. Relocation of those turbines will require more government consultation.“We’re looking at a plan to relocate those,” Mr. Zwicker said Tuesday. The company will soon re-submit a bid to place those three turbines elsewhere in the immediate area. For more information: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Search/9012986.html

Pictou County Wind Farm Project on Schedule

It's easy to see the progress being made on the Dalhousie Mountain wind farm project. Six of the massive towers are completely installed – and can clearly be seen from Highway 104 – with 28 more to come. "It's going well. We're on schedule for in November sometime to be up and running," RMSenergy president Reuben Burge said on Tuesday. "Ninety per cent of the components are on site."RMSenergy would like to have the project completed by November to escape any headaches caused by the weather – which, to this point, hasn't been a problem.

Another larger project could be in the works if the Dalhousie Mountain wind farm is a hit. "If this is successful, and the provincial government's focus is still on renewable energy, we'll look at a 120 to 150 megawatt project," he said. Burge said this new project would also be built in Pictou County but added that he didn't have a site at this point. With the current project, Burge describes it as a co-operative effort "We've got a great team of guys and a lot of co-operation from Nova Scotia Power. We've got a lot of local employees. We've got about 80 employees…There's been about 50 Nova Scotians on the project for the past three months with two more months to go."Burge said he's also been accepted by the public "These turbines are big on the road and I want to thank everybody for their patience and let everyone know we'll be done soon.

For more information visit: http://www.ngnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=286620&sc=49

Digby Wind Park Project Gets Approval

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau has approved a wind turbine project for Digby Neck, saying he’s confident any problems can be overcome. Scotian WindFields Inc., a Dartmouth company, and its partner, Skypower Corp. of Toronto, will build and operate the Digby Wind Park.“I am convinced that any adverse effects or significant environmental effects of the undertaking can be adequately mitigated through compliance with the attached terms and conditions,” said Mr. Belliveau in a one-page letter to Charmaine Thompson, Skypower’s vice-president of project management.

The accompanying terms and conditions deal with items including noise monitoring and regular inspections of the turbines and the sites they occupy. The proponents must also develop a complaint resolution plan, according to a three-page document outlining terms and conditions.

Nova Scotia Power will buy all the electricity from the facility. The provincial power utility gave the wind producers a 20-year contract last year.

Newsletter

Welcome

to the

Energy for Students

January '10

Newsletter

Sponsored by

NEW DEEP PANUKE CONSTRUCTION BROCHURE

A new construction brochure has been released by EnCana describing key work taking place in 2010 for the Deep Panuke natural gas project. The brochure includes sections about onshore construction, the subsea program at the Deep Panuke site and the drilling and completions program.

To view and download brochure please visit: www.encana.com/deeppanuke

NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY STRATEGY FOR NOVA SCOTIA

The New Renewable Energy Strategy for Nova Scotia, prepared by Dr. Michelle Adams and Dr. David Wheeler, has been released January 14th by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy.

To download a copy of the report, please visit:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/energy/renewableplan/

To view the corresponding media release, please visit:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20100113003

Comments on the final consultation report can be sent to:

wheelercomments@gov.ns.ca

DEEP PANUKE SET TO BEGIN OPERATIONS

EnCana spokeswoman Lori MacLean says natural gas is expected to flow through that pipeline later this year. MacLean said the project is expected to run between eight and 18 years, and is designed to handle 300 million cubic feet of gas per day - enough to heat 500,000 homes daily.

View Article: http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/914759

GASOLINE DISCOUNTS VIEWED AS UNFAIR MARKET ADVANTAGE

View article: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1161463.html

A POWERFUL LOOPHOLE - Deadline had no conditions

View Article: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1161178.html

MACKAY QUESTIONS NB POWER SALE

my personal views on this. I think we could use, in my opinion, a broader examination of green energy sources for Atlantic Canada."

View Article: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/01/08/ns-mackay-power-deal.html

OIL AND GAS COMPANY PLANS MORE DRILLING NEAR LAKE AINSLIE

View Article: http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=316563&sc=152

MINAS BASIN MAKES INDEPENDENT BULK POWER PURCHASE

View Complete Article: http://www.novanewsnow.com/article-417500-Electric-happenings-firsts-rates-and-renewable-options-for-Berwick.html

EMERA EYEING $2BILLION TRANSITION LINE

View Article: http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/912406

WINDFARM & NOVA SCOTIA POWER TO SPLIT HOOKUP BILL

View Article: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1161283.html

ENERGY DEBATE HEATS UP IN NOVA SCOTIA

View Article: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091221/ns_energy_091221/20091221?hub=Canada

TEACHERS RESOURCES

greenlearning.ca

Register for the Solar Oven Challenge

It is not too late to register your class for our annual Solar Oven Challenge. The Challenge is open to all Canadian students and must be completed by May 28, 2010.

To participate:

1. Register by sending an email with your name, school, grade, address and phone number to Kathy Worobec at kathyw@greenlearning.ca. She will send you the Teacher's Guide with solar oven construction plans.

2. Build, test and bake with solar ovens!

3. Email us photos and descriptions of your creations to be eligible to win prizes.

4. See your recipes and photos showcased at re-energy.ca - GreenLearning's renewable energy website.

Last year, the Challenge involved participants from grade 3 through to grade 10. Many of the older students built solar ovens as part of the heat unit in their Science courses; other students learned about solar energy as a project in an eco-class or recycling club.

For more information visit: www.greenlearning.ca

Discover EnerAction: Lessons and Activities in Energy Conservation