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January 2012

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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. 
 

 
NOVA SCOTIA RESEARCH CALL FOR OFFSHORE GEOSCIENCES  

 

There is a new research call to support geosciences research in Nova Scotia offshore. The call is being managed by the Offshore Energy Technical Research Association (OETR) on behalf of Encana Corporation’s Deep Panuke natural gas project. Eight submissions were received from Nova Scotia researchers by the deadline of December 9. In the coming weeks, a review committee will select finalists from this group to submit full research proposals for consideration. It is expected that research grants from the call will be awarded in the spring of 2012.

For more information please visit:

www.offshoreenergyresearch.ca/Home/Encana/tabid/453/Default.aspx

 

PROPOSED NATURAL GAS STORAGE PIPELINE
‘A REALLY GOOD PROJECT FOR NOVA SCOTIA'

A proposed natural gas pipeline could bring extra storage for the green fuel to the province. Alton Natural Gas Storage L.P. is proposing a 10‐kilometre natural gas pipeline from an underground storage facility near Alton to the existing Maritimes &  Northeast Pipeline Halifax Lateral.  David Birkett, president of the Alton project, said the proposal is almost at the stage where the company will submit its environmental assessment to the province.  "We've met with the Department of Environment and worked on sensitive 

areas. We're hoping to file the actual assessment by the end of January."  If the assessment is approved, the next step for the company is to apply to the Utility and Review Board to construct four salt caverns. "This is a really good project for Nova Scotia," said Birkett "It will help companies, such as Heritage Gas, and large consumers manage their gas supply." He said most of the gas consumption is over a three‐month period in the winter, which is when gas is more expensive. "If you have it in storage in the summer, you can supply it to your customer then." The proposed pipeline has a selected route from the caverns between Stevens and Brentwood roads, over the Stewiacke River and Cloverdale Road. It crosses the north end of Jameson Road before meeting up with the Maritimes &  Northeast Pipeline Halifax Lateral near Stewiacke Road.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Natural_Gas_Distribution

 

BIDDER LIKES GAS & NEWPAGE HAS GAS ACCESS

Stern Partners, one of the two bidders vying to run the NewPage Port Hawkesbury paper mill as a going concern, has a history of upgrading energy efficiency programs in its mills. And the company's thrust has been to use natural gas as the main fuel ‐ something NewPage already has access to.  The firm owns the first and only paper mill in Alberta, Alberta Newsprint Company, has 211 full‐time employees, producing 269,000 tonnes of paper a year.  Since 2008, the company has implemented 35 energy efficiency programs ‐ saving $2.2 million a year. The company has a 10‐member energy team focusing on efficiency.  Alberta Newsprint uses natural gas to power the mill and has cut its consumption in half in the last decade ‐ saving 500,000 gigajoules a year.  A major factor in NewPage's financial trouble is its power consumption. The mill is Nova Scotia Power's biggest customer, eating up $100 million worth of power every year.  The NewPage mill is hooked up to a lateral off the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline. Company documents show the mill used about 10,000 cubic metres of natural gas in 2008.  

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Natural_Gas_Distribution

 

HERITAGE GAS RATE HIKE APPROVED

Heritage Gas has been granted its fifth distribution rate hike since the company was awarded the natural gas franchise in 2003.  The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (URB ) approved a settlement agreement, allowing an 8.25% price increase on the cost of delivering natural gas in 2012.  The board also approved average rate increases of 6% for 2013 and 3% for 2014.  The increase will add about $6 a month to residential customer bills. Large commercial customers, such as apartment buildings, will see their bills increase about $163, or about 2% of their total bills. The board also ordered Heritage Gas to prepare an affiliate code of conduct to govern its transactions with owner AltaGas.  "(AltaGas), an affiliate of Heritage, is providing operational and financial services to Heritage as per the agreement between them. The board's concern is the reasonableness of these costs and whether an outside agency can provide the same services more economically to its customers," said the URB in its decision.  The board has previously ordered an affiliate code of conduct for Nova Scotia Power Inc., which regularly contracts parent company Emera Inc.'s subsidiaries for NSP work.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Natural_Gas_Distribution

 

THE RISING PRICE OF POWER

 

Notwithstanding Canada's rejection of the Kyoto targets, Nova Scotia, like many jurisdictions, has established goals (http://climatechange.gov.ns.ca/doc/ccap.pdf)

for reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). The goal of reducing annual GHG by five megatonnes by 2020 will have to be largely achieved in electricity generation.  Most of Nova Scotia's electricity is presently generated by burning coal. Replacing it with a renewable source such as wind, tidal, or hydro creates a 100% reduction in GHG for that amount of power. But there is another option. New natural gas fired plants reduce the GHG from coal by about 60%. So, replacing 10 units of electricity from coal with gas has the same GHG benefit as replacing six units of coal-generated electricity with a renewable source.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Natural_Gas_Distribution

 

12TH ANNUAL NOVA SCOTIA RECYCLES CONTEST

RRFB Nova Scotia has kicked off the 12th annual Nova Scotia Recycles Contest! Open to students in grades Primary to 12, the contest challenges them to "Be Super Green!" and help Nova Scotia reach the provincial goal of reducing our solid waste from 420 kg to 300 kg/person/year by 2015. Last year we received over 8,400 entries from almost 220 schools!

 

Help us spread the message, "Be Super Green!", and you could win!

• More than $55,000 in cash, prizes and scholarships
• Schools of winning students win $500 (excluding research essay)
  
• $20,000 in scholarships, including a $5,000 grand prize to the provincial winner!
  

Entries must be postmarked by February 3, 2012.

 

For more information visit: http://teachers.rrfb.com/?p=nsrc

 

WINDSOR COMPANY PLANS TO EXTRACT RARE-EARTH ELEMENTS

 

Rare Earth Mineral Sands Inc. of Windsor raised $1.3 million in a private placement and is ramping up its plan to extract light rare earth elements from the red mud of Cobequid Bay and the Shubenacadie River. “Mother Nature has processed the material. We just have to separate it into its component parts,” president and chief executive officer James White said in an interview. Some pre-feasibility work on a separation and drying plant, design work on dredging equipment and a final environmental assessment will be part of the work to be completed this year in advance of beginning production in 2013, said White. Rare earth minerals are used in everything from cellphones to wind turbines and they are in high demand all over the world, he said. White said trillions of dollars’ worth of gross domestic product in the United States and Canada depends of the use of light rare earth minerals. Some uncertainty with light rare earth elements prices for 2012 is predicted in the latest edition of Forbes. The finance publication reported in its 2012 outlook that the price of neodymium, for example, is beginning the year at $270 per kilogram, about half its 2011 peak. The publication predicted some price stabilization on prices for rare earth minerals later in the year.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

 

 

ACOA DISHED OUT $14M IN LAST QUARTER
Agency Was the Kindest to Innovative Companies

According to federal government figures, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) gave more than $14 million to Nova Scotia enterprises during the last quarter of the year. Within Nova Scotia, the agency was the kindest to innovative companies with the biggest single Nova Scotia recipient of agency support during the quarter Immunovaccine Technologies Inc. The Halifax-headquartered clinical-stage company received $2.94 million in funding to continue developing cancer and infectious disease vaccines to be delivered in its patented DepoVax system. Next after Immunovaccine was Dartmouth’s Seaforth Energy Inc. It received $1.91 million in funding to continue building wind turbines. The agency also opened up its coffers to other cutting-edge Nova Scotia firms such as Copol International Ltd. to buy new equipment to develop innovative packaging products, Ascenta Health Ltd., which uses fish oils to make health products, Acadian Seaplants Ltd., which uses seaweed to make value-added products that it exports around the world, DSME Trenton Ltd., which makes wind turbines in Trenton, and Carbon Cure Technologies Inc., which is working on a product that captures carbon in concrete blocks.
 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

WIND TOWER PLANT SEES BUSINESS GROW IN 2011

DSTN Trenton had some growing pains in 2011 according to assistant director of communication relations Scott Covey. The Trenton plant faced some difficulties finding employees specifically trained in the wind industry, pursuing orders throughout Canada and the northeastern states and constantly working to improve its facility. However, on the positive side, he said the company has grown from 30 employees in January to its peak of 200 employees, the vast majority of whom were from Pictou County. He said other employees are from throughout Nova Scotia and a small minority came from the United States, Korea, China, Taiwan as well as other countries. He said a large number of the workforce are former employees of the TrentonWorks facility. DSTN was successful in acquiring two contracts in 2011 for a total of 20 wind towers. The first contract was for a project in Cape North, P.E.I., at the Wind Energy Institute of Canada. And the second order was in Nova Scotia for the development fifteen towers, trucked to Amherst in four sections per tower. In addition to the wind towers, DSTN employees also started to prepare the plant for the production of wind turbine blades. “Everyone is optimistic about 2012,” he said.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

OTTAWA BACKTRACKS ON COAL EMISSIONS

 

 

The federal government is offering the provinces a way to avoid tough new regulations that would eventually force power companies to shut down the country’s fleet of coal-fired power plants. Environment Minister Peter Kent and Prime Minister Stephen Harper have privately indicated they are willing to provide flexibility in how new power-plant emissions rules are implemented, according to provincial and industry sources. Mr. Kent is expected to release the final version of the long-promised regulations in the coming months. The Conservative government has long touted its proposed coal regulations as evidence it is serious about cutting the country’s greenhouse-gas emissions, even as it faced international condemnation for withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol. Now the federal government is willing to cede regulation of power-sector emissions to the provinces – as long as they have rules in place that would achieve equivalent reductions. The new approach would allow provinces to set overall emissions targets, rather than adhere to strict targets for each individual power facility as set out by the government’s original approach. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia – which rely most heavily on coal for electricity – have received assurances that Ottawa will not saddle them with cumbersome regulations in a sector that is primarily under their jurisdiction, the provincial and industry sources said.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Electrical_Power

NSP MOVING AHEAD WITH BIOMASS PLANT

The prospective new ownership of the NewPage Port Hawkesbury paper mill doesn’t change Nova Scotia Power Inc.’s plans to operate a 60-megawatt biomass co-generation facility there. “We’re in the process of figuring out how it will be operated,” utility spokeswoman Neera Ritcey said in an interview. “It has the ability to be operated as a stand-alone.” The plant, scheduled to be in service in 2013, could supply three per cent of the province’s electricity requirement, enough to power 30,000 homes. Ritcey said that all biomass plant construction activities planned for 2011 was completed and it is on schedule. Ritcey also said Nova Scotia Power remains committed to the biomass project as part of its efforts to meet the government’s renewable energy standards compliance plan, and new ownership of the mill doesn’t change that commitment.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Biomass

 

N.S. MILL SOLD TO VANCOUVER ENERGY FIRM

The former Enligna Canada Inc. wood pellet mill in Middle Musquodoboit is being sold to Viridis Energy Inc. of Vancouver, subject to court approval. Enligna was placed in receivership in August, owing Nova Scotia Business Inc., the province’s business development agency, almost $3 million. Unsecured creditors are owed almost $1 million. The assets acquired by Viridis include 20 buildings on four properties, with a total of 63 hectares, and a separate 8.8-hectare woodlot. The facilities house five pellet presses, with the capacity to produce 110,000 tonnes of wood pellets annually.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Biomass

WARDEN PROUD OF DISTRICT'S GREEN IMPORVEMENT

 

Warden Linda Gregory says it has been a green year for the Municipality of the District of Digby. She is pleased to see a community-owned renewable energy project approved for Digby Gut, to see Packard Bell investigating a biomass plant here, to see the municipal offices saving real money on energy after switching to geothermal heating and natural lighting.“ That’s all a benefit to the taxpayer and to the environment,” says Gregory. “We need to make things more sustainable here or we won’t be here. Green is the future.” To investigate further programs to make the area greener, the municipality hired Terry Thibodeau as a coordinator for renewable energy and climate change. “Now we have someone working here full time to make this community more sustainable and to make sure we have role to play in our future.” Another big success this year was finishing third out of 55 in the Nova Scotia municipal performance report. “That shows that staff are working with council and working diligently to serve the residents here. I couldn’t be more pleased.” She says the town and municipality are doing a great job working together as evidenced by their work together on the Digby Area Recreation Commission, on the Industrial Commission, and most recently the joint wastewater treatment facility in Smith’s Cove. “I think we are the envy of the province,” says Gregory. “I respect all the councilors of the town and I feel its mutual coming from them.”

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Other_Initiatives

STARS OF 2011: CANADA’S YOUTH CLIMATE DELEGATES

Canada’s Reputation As A Country That Cares For The Environment Took A Pasting At The Durban Climate Talks. Environment minister Peter Kent made few friends before he had even arrived in South Africa, having promised to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol. This stance, allied to statements calling climate financing ‘guilt payments’ saw the Canadians finish as joint winners of the ‘colossal fossil’ with the USA. The prize is awarded by the Climate Action Network to countries who have made the least effort to help the talks progress. And yet while their government appear content to disengage from the UN negotiations, Canadian youth groups in Durban were vociferous in their condemnation of

 

that policy. The Canadian Youth Delegation at COP17 played an important role in reminding delegates that despite their government’s hostility to the talks – there was still a strong seam of green in Canada. They took their campaign into the main plenary hall, wearing ‘Turn your back on Canada’ T-shirts. One protest, which coincided with a speech from Kent, saw them ejected from the Conference Centre. It also ensured that their message spread from Durban back to the streets of Canada, where the campaign continued weeks after the negotiations had ended.  It was for this reason that RTCC has decided to award our inaugural ‘climate campaign of the year’ medal (it’s still being minted) to the Canadian Youth Delegation at COP17. Speaking to local news outlet News 1130 one participant Alice Paul said: “Basically with what happened in Durban in South Africa at the recent climate talks, youth are really disappointed with the decision made by Canada and other countries to delay action to stop climate change. We felt we needed to do as much as we can. Youth do care.”

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Other_Initiatives

 

NEW JOBS FOR A NEW AGE

It’s 2031. A young job seeker is sifting through help-wanted ads on a mobile device. Many of the jobs didn’t exist two decades ago: Genetic counsellor, nanosurgeon, cyber soldier, seafloor miner. Canada’s labour force now stands at 22.5 million, an increase of four million since 2011. One in four workers is over 55 years old, while one in three is foreign-born. Rewinding to 2011, futurist Jim Carroll says the biggest trend is "massive exponential knowledge growth in every single field of knowledge." Even jobs that are around today are poised to change dramatically, he says. "Nanotechnology is just a natural progression of science and engineering to go to the next scale of possibility," says Felipe Chibante, the Richard J. Currie chair in nanotechnology in the faculty of engineering at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. Chibante says "nano-enabled" scientists and engineers will lead the way in nearly every field in the future. In the oil and gas sector, Chibante says, nanotechnology is being explored as a means of getting more hydrocarbons out of the ground in a more efficient way. Nanotechnology will play a vital role as unconventional sources of oil and gas start to play a bigger role in the industry. A new tidal energy institute at Acadia University hopes to be at the forefront of this renewable wave by learning to better harness tidal power for our energy needs. Tidal power, along with wind, solar and geothermal sources of electricity, will spur a bevy of new green-collar jobs. As the needs of the workforce change, community colleges pride themselves on adapting quickly. "We can’t guess the jobs of the future, some of which aren’t known yet," he says. "But we need to be proactive, working with industry, government and communities to be predictive of what is before us."

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Other_Initiatives

TEACHERS RESOURCES

Encana - Natural Gas 101
A comprehensive over view of Natural Gas ; Common components, how it is formed, the different types, how it is found, it’s production and uses.

http://www.encana.com/natural-gas/natural-gas-101/

 

 

 

Alliant Energy Kids is designed to teach students important concepts about electricity and natural gas: How it works, where it comes from, ways to reduce energy usage and how to stay safe.  Lesson plans and online activities promote energy awareness that will help students make meaningful connections between everyday activities and energy.
http://www.alliantenergykids.com/index.htm


Learning about energy is fun when you include energy hogs! The Energy Hog Challenge is a set of classroom activities that guide children through lessons about different sources of energy, how we use energy at home, and how to bust energy hogs to save energy. Each student can become an Official Energy Hog Buster upon completion of the lessons. It covers the subject areas of Science, Math, Technology, Language Arts and Social Studies, and meets national learning standards and is designed for grade levels 2-6.

 

Hog Buster Training Camp – interactive on-line game
http://www.energyhog.org/childrens.htm

 

http://www.energyhog.org/adult/educators.htm

 

 
Canada’s Energy Map
An up-to-date map of Canada that shows all energy types found in Canada and provides facts and statistics by province.

http://www.centreforenergy.com/FactsStats/MapsCanada/CA-EnergyMap.asp

  

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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December 2011

 

DEEP PANUKE NEWSLETTER

The latest newsletter for the Deep Panuke offshore na

tural gas project has been posted to the Encana website at http://www.encana.com/pdf/communities/canada/atlantic/news/dp-newsletter-dec11.pdf  In the newsletter you will find out more information about progress at Deep Panuke in 2011, research and development taking place in Nova Scotia supported by Encana and other initiatives. Read on!

 

View Newsletter:

http://www.encana.com/pdf/communities/canada/atlantic/news/dp-newsletter-dec11.pdf

 

 

NOVA SCOTIA'S EXPORTS FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS

Production from the Deep Panuke natural gas field should make Nova Scotia the top exporter in the region in 2012, according to a report released by Export Development Canada. All told, the province’s exports are expected to climb by nine per cent next year, compared with seven per cent across Canada, up from an expected four per cent this year. “What Nova Scotia has going for it is that it is firing on all cylinders,” said Peter Hall, chief economist with Export Development Canada. “And any time you have diversified growth, it is very good for a province because it means you aren’t as vulnerable to economic shocks.” Exports of natural gas — in recent years, the province’s most important export — are expected to climb by 22 per cent next year, thanks mainly to production at the Deep Panuke field.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Offshore_Oil_And_Gas

WIND PROJECTS AWAIT PROVINCIAL OK
Energy department says some approvals will come before year’s end

 

Green energy developers are hoping Santa brings them provincial approval for some of their proposed community-based projects. Dan Roscoe, chief operating officer of Scotian WindFields Inc., said developers were expecting the Energy Department to begin approving the small-scale developments by the end of November. The Dartmouth-based company has submitted 19 wind projects in various parts of Nova Scotia on behalf of several community economic development groups. Roscoe said he understands the province’s community feed-in tariff program is new, but developers are running out of time to get projects completed next year. The province expects about 100 megawatts of electricity will be produced at the community level through the community feed-in tariff program. Almost 60 projects, totalling 244 megawatts, have been filed with the department. The majority of ventures involve community economic developments agencies, although universities, municipalities and non-profits groups have also applied. An Energy Department spokeswoman said Wednesday the plan was to start announcing projects in late November or early December.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND’S BIG PLANS FOR WIND-ENERGY STORAGE

Tower sections have begun arriving at the Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan) test field for a $25m pilot project that aims to drive development of grid-connected wind-energy storage for northern regions. Five DeWind D9.2 turbines were ordered in the summer for the 10MW demonstration installation at North Cape, on the northern tip of Prince Edward Island. WEICan is in final deliberations as to what type of storage technology to trial. “With the growth of ‘big wind’, our dialogue with industry, government and various policymakers led us to see a wind-energy research and development park as having some appeal,” says WEICan chief executive Scott Harper.  The idea for the pilot grew out of the province’s success early in the previous decade in building a portfolio of small wind farms with a total installed capacity of more than 160MW that feed 20% of Prince Edward Island’s appetite for electricity. “[This project] is designed to work through many of the perceived kinks in a wind-energy storage model and see if it can be made to work.” says Harper. He believes the wind industry will soon come to realise the market value of energy storage. “Right now, there are too many times when an operator is producing at a level where, without storage, they are left with no choice but to start dumping wind overnight.”

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

CANADA ENJOYING 'BANNER YEAR' FOR WIND, SAYS CANWEA

Wind installations in Canada this year will total 1.4GW, more than double 690MW in 2010, raising nationwide generating capacity to more than 5.4GW, according to a new projection by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). The trade group estimates that developers will spend almost C$3.5bn ($3.57bn) to install turbines this year. "2011 has been a banner year for new wind energy development in Canada, which means cleaner air, new jobs and local investments for the communities that host wind energy projects," says CanWEA President Robert Hornung.  Canada at the end of this year will rank ninth globally in terms of total installed capacity, enough wind energy to power more than 1.5 million Canadian homes, according to CanWEA.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

 

PICTOU COUNTY ISSUES TENDER FOR DESIGN OF SMALL WIND FARM

Brian Cullen, CAO for the county, said a tender has been issued for submissions from qualified professionals to design, build and install a wind-energy project within Pictou

County. The county is interested in a small wind farm which will still create “comfortable returns,” he said. One small wind turbine is estimated to cost between $300,000 and $350,000 and there could be as many as three wind turbines on one site. Cullen said the municipality has recently registered for a comFit program through the Nova Scotia Department of Energy. If the comfit program approves its application, it plans on constructing three wind turbines on woodland in the Riverton area. The comFIT program, by guaranteeing a set rate at which electricity can be sold back to Nova Scotia Power, will allow the municipality to ensure a secure investment in renewable energy.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

COAL REGS COULD COST N.S. $1.3 BILLION - DEXTER

Draft regulations published at the end of August aim to retire most of Canada's coal plants by 2030 and Premier Darrell Dexter told federal officials that a proposal to close coal-fired power plants would cost Nova Scotia Power Inc. and its ratepayers up to $1.3 billion. Dexter wants to see is an exception for provinces that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions through other measures. Nova Scotia is arguing that developing wind power and importing hydro power will have the same result intended by the draft regulations. If the province is forced to abandon coal-fired plants before the end of their useful service, NSP will have to recoup capital investments in plants and equipment. That would leave the province, industries and residents less able to absorb the cost of investing in alternative forms of power, according to the NDP government's case. While Nova Scotia is looking for looser rules, the draft regulations were attacked by environmental groups for being too lax. The federal departments of Environment and Health accepted public submissions on the draft regulations until late October. Nova Scotia is not the only province that would be affected by the policy. Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan generate even more power from coal.

 

To view complete article visit:

www.Allnovascotia.com

 

 

SPECTRA ENERGY LAUNCHES YOUTUBE VIDEO
 “Energy for Life” Series Promotes the Benefits of Natural Gas

Spectra Energy has launched a new YouTube video series, “Natural Gas: Energy for Life,” as part of its ongoing, grassroots advocacy effort to educate and inform the general public and other stakeholder groups about the benefits and uses of natural gas. Developed as a four-part series, the first of the two-minute, animated videos focuses on foundational messages around the economic, environmental and energy security benefits of natural gas, from a North American perspective.  “The new video series is designed to engage the public in a fun, visually appealing manner, while providing clear-cut, high-level facts about natural gas that may not be readily apparent or understood. The messages also are intended to help dispel misconceptions about our product and industry,” Frances Jeter, group vice president, Internal and External Affairs, Spectra Energy.

 

The next video in the “Energy for Life” series is slated to be introduced in February 2012.

 

View Spectra Energy’s new YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsHYeBN_CIU&list=UU_lF3WrZRsC-9QAfG4P3amg&index=1&feature=plcp

 
For more information, visit: www.spectraenergy.com

200 IN TATAMAGOUCHE MEET OVER NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION

About 200 people attended a public meeting in Tatamagouche to discuss the prospect of gas exploration on the north shore. Don Wilson with the Sierra Club, which hosted the meeting, said at least one company has already been granted exploration rights. He said he's concerned that if the right deposits are found, the north shore will see an influx of gas mining operations, the tourism industry would be threatened and he's not convinced about the promise of new jobs from development. Wilson said he's also concerned about the prospect of hydraulic fracturing, or hydro-fracking, that could be used in any future gas extraction. Hydraulic fracturing pumps a mixture of chemicals and water into the ground, which creates cracks in shale rock formations. That allows companies to extract natural gas from areas that would otherwise go untapped. "I think the most important thing that came out of the meeting was the fact that people were becoming so engaged in this topic," said Heidi Verhuel, an environmental education coordinator with the Sierra Club. So far the Nova Scotia government has resisted calls for a ban on fracking. Verhuel said a coalition against hydro-fracking has been started, and they hope to gather 10,000 signatures by the end of November and present them to the province. The Department of Environment says it's waiting for a report due in March, which will examine how other jurisdictions regulate the process, before making any decision.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Onshore_Oil_And_Gas

FRACKING EXPERT URGES CAUTION

In Nova Scotia, the Dexter government announced a review of its regulations regarding shale gas development in April. Tony Ingraffea, engineering professor from Cornell University who has a Ph.D. in rock fracturing mechanics, told delegates at the "Protecting our Communities: A Conference on Shale Gas and Fracking" conference in Truro, N.S., that there is no reason to rush into shale gas drilling. Ingraffea said there is still much that science doesn't know about the process, but the fact that it causes groundwater contamination is not in doubt. Ingraffea said it could take 10 years to collect enough data to determine the safety of hydro-fracking."There will be contamination incidents," he said. "The question is: how many, at what rate should we expect them over space and time and what will be the environmental, human health and financial costs?" "There's no logical reason other than political reason for Nova Scotia to join the experiment. Let it play out where it's ongoing," he said. "Let the science continue to evolve. Let the technology continue to evolve and get to a point … four to five, maybe even 10 years from now, when adequate science has been done and the cumulative impact of all this activity on the environment, human health and climate can be scientifically assessed."  The Truro conference was a gathering of citizens, activists and experts sponsored by NOFRAC, the Ecology Action Centre, the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Onshore_Oil_And_Gas

 

FIRM SEEKS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF SUBSEA POWER LINK

An Emera Inc. subsidiary has asked Ottawa to begin an environmental assessment of a proposed $1.2-billion subsea link that would bring hydroelectricity from Newfoundland and Labrador to North American markets. ENL Maritime Link Inc., an Emera Newfoundland & Labrador company, announced that it has registered its Maritime Link

project with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Environment and Conservation Department. Emera has partnered with Nalcor Energy, a Newfoundland and Labrador Crown corporation, to develop the $6.2-billion Muskrat Falls project. The privately owned Nova Scotia energy company will build the transmission link between Newfoundland and Cape Breton. Emera will also invest $600 million in a $2.1-billion link between Muskrat Falls and Newfoundland. In return, Emera will receive 170 megawatts of electricity per year, or 10 per cent of the province’s needs, for 35 years. “This marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Nalcor to provide Nova Scotia with access to clean, renewable and reliable energy at a more stable price for the next 35 years, ” Nancy Tower, CEO of Emera Newfoundland & Labrador, said in a news release. The assessment process in Nova Scotia will start in mid-2012 once an environmental impact statement is filed, Emera officials said.

 

For More information on the Maritime Link Visit:

http://www.emeranl.com/en/home/ourbusiness/aboutthemaritimelink.aspx

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Hydro

PUBLIC REVIEW URGED FOR MUSKRAT FALLS LINK

Nova Scotia's consumer advocate is calling for a public review of the Muskrat Falls power link to the province, but the premier says it's not necessary. The hydroelectric project includes an underwater cable from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia, which is expected to cost more than $1.2 billion. Construction is expected to begin in 2014 and conclude in 2017. Nova Scotia Power Ltd. is entitled to more than a nine-per-cent return on its investment, and some people worry that the high cost of building the undersea link will ultimately drive up electricity rates. Consumer advocate John Merrick said a review is needed to determine whether it's the best deal for the province. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will review the application for the Muskrat Falls project once the finals deals are signed, but Merrick said that will focus only on what has been submitted. Premier Darrell Dexter said he's satisfied with the reviews that have already been done. "We also have to remember that when it comes to Muskrat Falls, it's more than just the power rates. It's about a long-term vision for the flow of energy in the region," Dexter said.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Hydro

 

LOCAL COMPANIES WILL GET SHOT AT LOWER CHURCHILL PROJECT WORK

Companies in Cape Breton and across the province will be given the same opportunity as firms in Newfoundland and Labrador to bid on contracts in the construction of the Lower Churchill hydroelectric project’s maritime link. Details in the memorandum of understanding allow Nova Scotia contractors, service providers, consultants and suppliers to compete for all parts of the project. However, Newfoundland companies will be given first dibs at putting together business plans for the Muskrat Falls generating facility and the Labrador island transmission link. The $1.2-billion link, which will carry electricity to Nova Scotia via the Cabot Strait, will create 2,700 person-years of employment, Premier Darrell Dexter said during a news conference at Cape Breton University’s Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment.

Construction on the underwater cable is expected to begin in 2014 and conclude in 2017. Following a commissioning of the power stations, electricity will begin to flow through Nova Scotia in 2017. Dexter said the MOU’s main purpose is to supply information now so Nova Scotia companies will “have a fair shot of being successful” in landing contracts. Calling the project a “game changer,” he said hundreds of millions of dollars worth of contracts will be available to contractors in Nova Scotia. Emera, parent company of Nova Scotia Power Inc., will be holding supplier information workshops in the new year for companies interested in working on the project. The province will also work with the Maritimes Energy Association to ensure Nova Scotia companies have the information needed to compete for contracts.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Hydro

GREEN SUPER SLIME A POTENTIAL SOLUTION TO GREENHOUSE GASES

 

At a federal lab on the windy shores of Nova Scotia, the hunt is on for super slime. Algae

 

plucked from creeks and ponds as far away as Alberta's oil patch and southern Ontario's industrial corridor are turning flasks of water bright green as scientists search for

promising candidates. The faster the organisms suck up carbon dioxide, the better, as John McDougall, president of the National Research Council, envisions big things for the lowly microbes. McDougall is a long-time and unabashed promoter of using algae to reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and has lobbied for years to get government to invest in a pilot project. Carbon-catching algae have been chosen as one of four "flagship" projects at the council, which has a budget of almost $1 billion and 4,000 staff across Canada. Redirecting carbon dioxide away from smokestacks is clearly important, he said, and "something that Canada is going to have to get its mind around." And algae, he said, have the potential to take a sizeable bite out of this country's emissions and gobble up millions of tonnes of emissions a year. "If it works, you're looking perhaps at as much as 15 to 20 per cent of carbon dioxide could be dealt with," said McDougall. He also sees international opportunities, noting Canadian algae-growing technology and know-how could be exported.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Other%20Renewable%20Energies

 

TEACHERS RESOURCES

 

The Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program encourages and rewards graduating Canadian high school students who have distinguished themselves through environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence.
The Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program grants 20 awards of $5 000 each annually. A national winner - selected from the 20 regional winners - will also be awarded the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship National Award and a Panasonic notebook computer at the National Award Ceremony.  Submission deadline Jan 31, 2012

 

For more details:
http://www.earthday.ca/scholarship/about.php

neoK12
Solar Energy - Educational Videos, lessons and Games for K-12:

http://www.neok12.com/Solar-Energy.htm

Brain Games: http://www.neok12.com/games.htm

Windmill Racer Game: http://www.learn-energy.net/kidscorner/games/windmill/windmill.html

 

 

 

 

 

November 2011

 

Energy for Students and Encana Corporation would like to thank the teachers who attended the Energy for Students sessions and dropped by our booths at the October 28th, AST Conference. Energy for Students had  seventy-four teachers attend our sessions on renewable energy in Nova Scotia and twenty-five teachers from across Nova Scotia sign up for in school presentations. To find out more about our in school presentations or to book a presentation please visit http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Course_Presentation. Encana is distributing fifty-one Energy Information Kits to teachers who visited their booth and signed up to receive them. If you are interested in finding out more about the Encana Energy Information Kits, which highlight information on activities and careers in Nova Scotia’s offshore oil and gas industry,  please contact Lori MacLean at lori.maclean@encana.com.

 

HAVE YOU PLANNED YOUR SPRING FIELD TRIP YET?

Parrsboro now has more  science learning opportunities for school/class field trips with the opening of the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) Visitor Centre The FORCE centre overlooks the technology test site in the Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy where underwater tidal turbines will be deployed. The Centrehouses interpretive exhibits on tidal energy and interactive displays at no charge. The Centre celebrated its grand opening November 7th and will remain open to the public until Dec. 3, reopening in the spring.  Also located in Parrsboro is the Fundy Geological Museum, which connects your classroom curriculum with live, interactive learning and fun! Students can experience a general visit, full day programs or even a museum sleepover.

For more information visit:
FORCE Visitor Centre-http://fundyforce.ca/visit
Fundy Geological Museum-http://museum.gov.ns.ca/fgm/en/home/default.aspx
Town of Parrsboro http://www.town.parrsboro.ns.ca/tourist-attractions.html

 

 

OFFSHORE RESEARCH GETS BOOST FROM PENGROWTH-NOVA SCOTIA GRANT

Darragh O'Connor, a Dalhousie University master's student, has won this year's Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Innovation Grant for his research examining elements of specific sediments that make up the Mesozoic basins off Nova Scotia. His research will allow past reservoirs to be re-examined and help judge the potential of current ones. "This grant will allow me to contribute to Nova Scotia's offshore energy industry by using innovative technologies to help identify potential hydrocarbon reservoirs," said Mr. O'Connor. "It is important to government to support the research and education of our province's students," said Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "The research funded by the Energy Innovation Grant will provide unique industry opportunities that will continue to develop Nova Scotia's growing energy sector."

The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Innovation Grant was established in 2005, as part of the Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship program. Up to four grants, valued at $15,000, may be awarded each year to students pursuing a master's degree in energy-related studies at a Nova Scotia university. The deadline for the 2012 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Innovation Grant is Jan. 20. For more information, or to apply, visit www.gov.ns.ca/energy .

View complete article:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20111104001


NATURAL GAS PILOT PROJECT

A pilot project between Heritage Gas Ltd. and Halifax Regional Municipality launching as soon as next year, will bring affordable natural gas to homes that normally wouldn’t pass the economic feasibility test according to Heritage Gas president Jim Bracken. This pilot is looking to “…find some new creative ways of providing natural gas to residential customers in existing HRM neighbourhoods,” for example “If the municipality already plans to repave an area,” Heritage Gas could lay natural gas pipe while the road is already ripped up, Bracken said in a recent interview. Mary Ellen Donovan, the municipality’s legal services director, said a recent settlement between Heritage Gas, Dalhousie University and the provincial consumer advocate would also help new residents get access to natural gas.

 

View complete article:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Natural_Gas_Distribution

INVERNESS ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP OPPOSES DRILLING PERMIT

The Margaree Environmental Association is asking the Nova Scotia Supreme Court to quash the permit granted to Toronto-based PetroWorth Resources Inc. to drill a test well on a property in West Lake Ainslie. "Nova Scotia seems to have no guidelines. A company

can walk in and be right next to a heritage river, right next to water courses and right next to homes and this is all OK with the premier, his minister and staff," says Co-chair of the association, Neal Livingston. Lori Errington, spokeswoman for the Department of the Environment, said the approval process has terms and conditions that protect the environment and human health in the area. She said PetroWorth can proceed before an appeal is heard. The Nova Scotia government is allowing PetroWorth to drill a vertical well up to 1,500 metres deep, but hasn't given permission for fracking.

 

View complete article:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Onshore_Oil_And_Gas

 

CONSULTANTS TARGET DIGBY AS TIDAL ENERGY PORT

A recently released provincially-commissioned consultant’s report has put Digby atop the list of Nova Scotian ports able to service the tidal industry. The Nova Scotia Department of Energy hired Collective Wisdom Solutions, exp. Services Inc. and Maritime Tidal Energy Corp to assess ports and their infrastructure as possible sites to support marine renewable energy projects. Marine renewable energy includes tidal, offshore wind and wave energy projects. The report singles out Digby as the only reasonable location to launch and carry out maintenance on the large tidal turbines being proposed for the Minas Passage site in the Bay of Fundy. “Digby quite conceivably could become an even more important port if other areas of the Bay of Fundy, beyond the Minas Passage, are developed,” emphasizes the report. Digby is the closest Nova Scotian port to the Minas Passage with water at low tide and land available for new assembly and maintenance facilities.

 

View complete article:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Tidal

TIDAL PROJECT FORGES AHEAD WITH ADDITION OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE

Nova Scotia continues to be a world leader in tidal energy with the completion of a new $1.3-million visitor centre and the arrival of the subsea power cables required to deliver electricity from the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia homes and businesses. The Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) officially opened the 3,000 square-foot visitor centre in Parrsboro Nov. 7.  FORCE has also received all 11 kilometres of subsea cables which, when connected, will give the centre the largest transmission capacity for tidal power in the world -- a total capacity of 64 megawatts or roughly equivalent to the power needs of 20,000 homes at peak tidal flows. "From shipbuilding to marine sciences to tidal energy, Nova Scotia is becoming known the world over as a centre of marine excellence," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "The momentum around tidal energy continues to build with the arrival of the subsea cables that will connect the province to the immense tidal power potential in the Bay of Fundy. And now, with this beautiful new visitors centre, the public has a place to watch this industry grow.”FORCE also announced that IT International Telecom, based in Halifax, will conduct a dry run in the Bay of Fundy in the coming weeks to prepare for installation of the cables next year. The first environmental monitoring information is now available online at www.fundyforce.ca. The results show no evidence of adverse environmental effects when the turbine was in position, and will serve as an important reference as more turbines are put in place.

 

View complete article:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20111107002

 

WIND PROJECT MAKING SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

A multi-million-dollar wind project outside Amherst could be generating power as early as next March. "The project is progressing pretty good, most of the foundations have been poured and the blades have arrived," Sprott Power CEO Jeff Jenner said. "You should see the first towers beginning to arrive in December and after that the remaining towers should arrive in 30-60 days." The $61-million project, announced earlier this year by Ontario-based Sprott Power, will generate 31.5 megawatts, enough electricity to power 10,000 homes.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

 

SMALL TURBINES GENERATE HUGE SALES POTENTIAL

Raum Energy Inc., is one of the many innovative firms that make up Canada’s “small wind” sector – companies that make turbines that are minuscule compared to the towering giants going up in huge wind farms around the world. While a large turbine can generate as much as 7 megawatts of electricity – enough for up to 5,000 homes – the smaller windmills put out only a tiny fraction of that amount, often just sufficient to partly power a single household or business. The output is relatively small but the market potential is huge. Many companies are finding success selling into regions where power is more expensive, or to parts of developing countries where there may be no power grid at all. At the same time, it’s a field where Canada leads, thanks to the country’s strong engineering skills and the entrepreneurial drive of many small operators.
While Canada is a leader in the small-wind business, most of the turbines the industry makes are  currently exported. According to figures compiled last year by the Canadian Wind Energy Association, Canadian companies now represent more than half of the world’s manufacturers of turbines in the 30 to 100 kilowatt range. The small-scale wind market is ripe for innovation by entrepreneurs, said David Wood, a professor at the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary who specializes in renewable energy. There isn’t nearly as much innovation going on with large turbines, he said, because they now represent a mature technology that has settled on a single design. “Virtually all large wind turbines are three-bladed, upwind, horizontal axis machines,” he said.
One of Canada’s most successful small-wind companies has even carved out its niche with relatively old technology. Jonathan Barry, president of Seaforth Energy Inc. in Dartmouth, N.S., said his company’s AOC 15/50 turbine, developed in the early 1990s, is successful because it is proven technology. It has been installed all around the world, and its performance and characteristics are well known. “Our turbine is long in the tooth....[but] we know it extremely well and how it is going to run, and that is a lot of the battle in our business,” he said. Still, Seaforth understands the need to innovate. It has a research project under way to improve the power output of the AOC machine at lower wind speeds, by lengthening the blades. The key is to “keep the good things about the design, its structure and reliability,” Mr. Barry said, while improving its performance. Mr. Barry said Canada’s disproportionate strength in small wind is remarkable given that there is little government support for the sector.

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

PARTNERSHIP FORMED TO PROMOTE ELECTRIC MOBILITY

Nova Scotia Power in cooperation with Nissan Canada and O’Regan’s Nissan Halifax announced the launch of ShareReady, a new electric vehicle pilot program. Nova Scotia Power has secured 10 all-electric Nissan LEAF™ vehicles for shared use by organizations in Nova Scotia. “This program is about being ready for all-electric cars,” said Robin McAdam, executive vice president of sustainability for Nova Scotia Power. As part of the pilot program, Nova Scotia Power is incorporating two Nissan LEAFs™ into its own fleet. NS Energy Minister Charlie Parker said "We are working towards a new era in energy self-sufficiency, sustainability and affordability in Nova Scotia." By purchasing or leasing a vehicle, ShareReady partner organizations will help NS Power answer questions about the convenience of vehicle charging, the readiness of the provincial electric grid to support wider adoption of electric transportation, the cost of driving electric vehicles and how the vehicles perform. Nova Scotia Power will provide assistance to each partner in the selection and installation of a vehicle charging station, to be some of the first in Atlantic Canada. The environmental benefits of electric vehicles were examined by Dr. Larry Hughes, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Dalhousie University. The study found that with the fuel sources used by NS Power in 2010 to generate electricity, the Nissan LEAF™ produces approximately 20 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions than the most fuel-efficient conventional vehicle in its class.

To read more about the ShareReady pilot program, or to view Dr. Hughes’ full report, visit shareready.nspower.ca.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Electrical_Power

TEACHERS RESOURCES

Are you looking to add to or create a school green program?

Green Schools Nova Scotia (GSNS) is a program that will engage students in environmental learning and stewardship activities at their schools and in their communities. The program is based on the development and implementation of sustainability action plans that student, teachers, the Principal, and Caretakers envision together. Schools are extremely busy places, and the GSNS program strives to take on some of the responsibility for delivering environmental awareness and action by connecting schools with valuable resources, by facilitating sustainability planning and follow-through, celebrating their successes and encouraging continued progress.
 
For more information on the program, please visit: www.greenschoolsns.ca

 

 

Petroleum Magic | Grades 1 & 2 (French & English)

 

Students talk the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and discover common petroleum products. Learning resource includes a booklet includes with exercises and colouring activities.

 

Visit: http://www.centreforenergy.com/Education/K-12/TeachingResources/PetroleumMagic.asp

 

 

October 2011

 

Energy for Students and Encana Corporation will again have their table exhibits at this year’s AST Conference taking place at Halifax West High School on October 28. Visit us to learn more about EFS School Presentations and Encana’s Energy Information Kits that include materials from organizations such as the Atlantic Geoscience Society and the Canadian Centre for Energy. The kits are available at no charge to educators. Fill out a ballot for a prize draw! See you there!

 

PREMIER & MINISTER HONOUR NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS
World Teachers' Day - October 5th

On World Teachers' Day, Premier Darrell Dexter and Education Minister Ramona Jennex paid tribute to Nova Scotia's 10,000 teachers. Premier Dexter said World Teachers' Day is an opportunity for Nova Scotians to say thank you for the work teachers do educating students. "Nova Scotia is very fortunate to have so many skilled and dedicated professionals committed to provide the best education possible for our children," said the premier. "We owe them our thanks and appreciation every day of the year, not just on Oct. 5." "As a parent and a former teacher myself, I know how important good teaching is to student success," said Ms. Jennex. "I would like to thank our many teachers for all the great things that are happening in our classrooms every day." World Teachers' Day is celebrated annually to highlight the important role of teachers. The national theme for 2011 is Inspiring Students, Awakening Potential. The international theme is Teachers for Gender Equity.

To view complete article visit:
http://gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20111005006

 

NOVA SCOTIA INVESTS IN FUTURE WITH ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

 

Nineteen Nova Scotia students will get help pursuing careers and research in energy with scholarships from an industry-government partnership. The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program gives out up to a dozen $10,000 university scholarships each year to high school graduates pursuing energy-related studies. It also provides up to 10 scholarships of $2,500 each to graduates pursuing trades and technology programs at the Nova Scotia Community College. "Nova Scotia's growing energy sector is a rich source of career opportunities," according to Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "We are pleased to partner with Pengrowth to help educate the energy leaders of tomorrow." Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, community involvement and extra-curricular activities, and must have demonstrated an interest in the Nova Scotia energy sector. "The success of our students remains our priority and Pengrowth is pleased to provide financial assistance to such a talented group of students interested in the energy industry," said Jim MacDonald, director of Pengrowth's East Coast Operations. "The scholarship program is a great example of what can be accomplished when government and industry work together."

The 2011 Scholarship Recipients:
-- Sean Bent, Prince Andrew High School
-- Janelle Boudreau, École Beau-Port
-- Barry Bower, Cobequid Educational Centre
-- Alecia Bowers, Liverpool Regional High School
-- Kyle Boyle, North Queens Rural High School
-- Miguel DeMello, Sydney Academy
-- Marawan El-Sayed, Charles P. Allen
-- Edward Hanifen, Guysborough Academy
-- Eileen Haskett, Dr. J.H. Gillis High School
-- Christopher Keefe, Riverview Rural High School
-- Alexander Lambur, Citadel High School
-- Lauren Lewis, Annapolis West Educational Centre
-- Thomas Lloyd, Liverpool Regional High School
-- Julia Locke, Cobequid Education Centre
-- Catherine Murphy, Halifax West High School
-- Haley Newell, Barrington Municipal High School
-- Ryan Newell, Barrington Municipal High School
-- Ryan Pedersen, Cobequid Educational Centre
-- Samuel Wynn, North Nova Educational Centre

 

For more information on the scholarship program visit: http://www.pengrowthscholars.ca/Program/Requirements/tabid/81/Default.aspx

To view complete article visit:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20111004007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information and Teachers tools (School kits, games and more) visit: http://www.wrwcanada.com/schools

 

ENERGY: POWER TO CHOOSE EXHIBITION OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AT THE CANADA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM

On September 27th the Canada Science and Technology Museum celebrated the official launch of Energy: Power to Choose, a new exhibition that explores Canada's energy production, distribution and consumption, and the influences that shape the choices we make. This exhibit is one of the museums' cornerstone contributions to Let's Talk Energy - Engaging Ideas for Canada's Future, a six-year national initiative designed to encourage Canadians to discuss key issues surrounding energy in Canada. This initiative brings together a broad network of institutions and partners, and will offer a series of nationally distributed programs and activities such as travelling and on-line exhibitions, tools for students and teachers, as well as symposiums and workshops (energy.technomuses.ca). At this point, 15 museums and science centers across the country have signed on as partners in this initiative. "We look forward to working with them and others that will join us to offer Canadians in every province and territory valuable information on energy systems in Canada." says Denise Amyot, President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation. The Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation is thankful for the contribution of the Imperial Oil Foundation and EnCana Corporation as major sponsors of the Let's Talk Energy initiative.
Virtual Programs
Classroom Resources for Teachers
Virtual programs bring a part of the Museum to you!
Driving the Future: Transportation, Energy, and the Environment
Astronomy
Cycle-ology
Weather Wise
Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame

How to View and Print the Exploration Guides
http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/schoolzone/virtual_programs.cfm

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2011/27/c7120.html


DEEP PANUKE START DATE CHANGES
First Gas Now Coming In March Of 2012

Encana has announced a new target date for the Deep Panuke gas field off Nova Scotia. Dave Kopperson, Encana Corporation's Atlantic vice-president, said that the natural gas company had negotiated a new timeline with Single Buoy Moorings (SBM), which Encana hired to build and operate the production platform at the Deep Panuke gas field off Nova Scotia. The project has been in the works for 10 years and had been scheduled to start production in December. SBM was unable to meet that deadline."Until recently we were expecting production would flow from the platform by the end of this year. Then SBM announced it expects the platform to be ready for service in the first half of 2012. Disappointing for sure," said Kopperson. Encana said it expects gas by the end of March.

 

To view complete article visit:

http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Offshore_Oil_And_Gas

 

or

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/10/05/ns-encana-sbn-timeline.html

 

 

SIERRA CLUB, FRACKING COMPANY SQUARE OFF

 

The Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter has called on the Nova Scotia government to ban fracking, a controversial practice used to extract onshore natural gas. Four environmentalists launched their "ban fracking" campaign, outside the CORE All Energy Conference at the Cunard Centre in Halifax on October 5, coinciding with a town hall session led by energy ministers from P.E.I and Nova Scotia. They became engaged in a lively debate with Peter Hill, the president of Triangle Petroleum, a company that has already fracked in Hants County and wants to further explore for gas in Nova Scotia. Energy Minister Charlie Parker, who spoke outside the conference, said he will not take a position on a fracking ban until government staff completes a study of how other jurisdictions regulate the practice. “I’m waiting till next March when the final report comes in to see what the panel comes up with," he said. The Sierra Club will seek signatures for its "Petition Supporting a Legislated Ban on Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas in Nova Scotia" until Nov. 30.
 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Onshore_Oil_And_Gas

 

NSP COMMITMENT COULD PUSH DEVELOPMENT OF DONKIN MINE

It might be hyperbole but a lot of people believe Nova Scotia Power holds the key to the development of the Donkin coal mine in Cape Breton sooner rather than later. Peter Akerley, CEO of Erdene Resources Development Corp. of Halifax, the managing partner in the Donkin project, says global mining giant Xstrata, has been in talks with Nova Scotia Power for about four years but those negotiations went off the rails briefly in late 2009, when tighter environmental restrictions on emissions were introduced. Talks were restarted after authorities adjusted the timetable for implementing tighter environmental controls, allowing the power company to continue using "local coals or higher sulphur coals until 2014 or 2015, when more strict emissions begin to kick in." While a spokesman for the provincial power utility has said in the past that his company has concerns about the quality of the thermal coal the Donkin mine would produce, Akerley says he believes the real issue is price. Xstrata is in the midst of the environmental assessment process, which should take about 18 months to complete. The key to bringing the mine into production will be the outcome from the public consultation, which will begin in November. Depending on what happens during that consultation period, he says, Xstrata should be able to push forward with that underground development.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Electrical_Power

 

MARINE ENERGY HOLDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PORTS, COASTAL COMMUNITIES

A new report concludes that Nova Scotia ports and coastal communities can benefit from tidal and other renewable marine energy development.  The Marine Renewable Energy Infrastructure Assessment Report, released Sept. 27, details existing infrastructure and what may be needed in the future to help ports and coastal communities better identify opportunities for renewable energy projects. "Ports and businesses will have opportunities to support this exciting emerging industry, from housing large vessels to assembly and acting as base operations for deployment and retrieval of devices," said Energy Minister Charlie Parker. The Department of Energy commissioned the report in March to better understand what port-related infrastructure exists, where it is located and what may be needed as the industry evolves. The report focuses on tidal energy development, but it also includes the potential for offshore wind and wave development.
On Sept. 21, Dalhousie University oceanographer Bob Fournier released his report, Marine Renewable Energy Legislation: A Consultative Approach, with a focus on the potential for in-stream tidal development. The Fournier report and the infrastructure assessment study will assist in the development of the province's first marine renewable energy strategy. "These reports contain important information as we proceed with developing an industry that can supply us with secure, affordable electricity while at the same time building local expertise and creating jobs," said Mr. Parker. "Our strategy will respond to this report and the Fournier Report. This is about creating the conditions for the industry to thrive here. Still, the greatest information we can get is from experience in the water."

A copy of the Marine Renewable Energy Infrastructure Assessment Report can be found at http://www.gov.ns.ca/energy/renewables/explore-invest/recent-reports.asp

To view complete article visit:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20110927001

 

PROVINCE APPROVES ONSHORE EXPLORATION WELL

PetroWorth Resources has received approval from the Department of Energy to drill an exploratory well in search of oil in the Lake Ainslie area, home of the province's first

onshore well in 1869. "We have carefully reviewed the application and we believe we can have environmental protection and economic development at the same time," said Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "We know Nova Scotians want assurances that oil and gas activity will not harm our province. We have confidence in our regulations and ability to regulate this industry and protect the environment." This permits the company to drill a vertical exploration well between 1,200 and 1,500 metres in depth. It does not include hydraulic fracturing. The approval is consistent with government's energy strategy to extract oil and gas in the province and not rely on other markets. Nova Scotia has the potential to replace coal with cleaner energy sources, which includes natural gas, and to grow the economy by selling oil and gas to other markets.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Onshore_Oil_And_Gas

 

WIND TURBINES BLOW INTO PORT OF HALIFAX

At the Port of Halifax, Premier Darrell Dexter personally greeted the first of 15 wind turbines destined for a new wind farm. The new turbines are destined for the Sprott Power Corp. wind farm in Amherst which is expected to have a generating capacity of 31.5 megawatts. The Amherst wind farm will be the first in North America to use Suzlon Wind Energy Corp.’s new S97 model turbines. Dexter touted the province’s progress toward renewable energy goals (25 per cent by 2015, 40 per cent by 2020), as well as the government’s efforts to create jobs in rural Nova Scotia. “Over the past six years, the price of coal has risen 75 per cent,” Dexter said in a statement. “The government has established aggressive targets to help reduce the province’s dependence on fossil fuels.”

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

 

TEACHERS RESOURCES:

 

OCTOBER IS ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH

 

Energy Kids
Visit the Energy for Kids website and download energy awareness activities for your class.
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/

 

 

 

 

 

EcoKids - How Energy Efficient are You?

  

An interactive computer quiz. Students will chose a room in the on-line house and search for questions by clicking on things in the room. As they answer each question they find out cool facts about how you can save energy around the house.

http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/energy/energy_efficient/index.cfm

 

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers has a new fact book on natural gas, you can see and download it from:

http://www.capp.ca/UpstreamDialogue/NaturalGas/Pages/default.aspx#3yPvXaf9EH3y

Go Green Contest
Junior high, senior high, college/ university students currently attending school in Atlantic Canada during 2011 are to prepare and submit a business plan for the fictional town of Greenville. Greenville, a rural Atlantic Canada community of less than 10,000 people, is competing for the title of Most Environmentally-Friendly Community in the World.

 

http://www.atlanticbusinessmagazine.ca/6237-2/
 

 

 

 

 

September 2011

 

Newsletter

 

Energy For Students School Presentations

Visit Our Table  at the AST Conference Friday, October 28th

 

Energy for Students presentations offer current information on the local benefits, career opportunities, resource information, and contact information for the following energy sectors: offshore & onshore oil & gas exploration, development, pipelines, natural gas distribution, residential & commercial uses of natural gas, electric generation, wind power, and other renewable energies.

 

For more information visit: http://www.energyforstudents.ca

Contact us by calling 902-454-4329 or e-mail info@energyconsultant.ca

 

 

SEPTEMBER DEEP PANUKE NEWSLETTER

Encana has posted a new newsletter for the company’s Deep Panuke project in Nova Scotia’s offshore. In this newsletter you’ll learn how the Deep Panuke platform was installed offshore over the summer of 2011, read about a new research and development project to track the travels of birds from Sable Island (project is supported by a blog to assist in reporting sightings of the birds) and you’ll meet the eight Nova Scotia students awarded scholarships in 2011 for studies in engineering and engineering technology.
 

View Newsletter:

http://www.encana.com/operations/canada/deeppanuke/pdfs/news/dp-newsletter-current.pdf

 

FIX N.S. SYSTEM BEFORE INVESTING ELSEWHERE,

LIBERAL LEADER TELLS NOVA SCOTIA POWER, EMERA

Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil says Nova Scotia Power and parent

 

company Emera should focus on improving the power system in the province instead of investing elsewhere. McNeil said on September 14th  he didn’t like Emera’s announcement that it has invested almost $39 million in Algonquin Power and Utilities Corp. of Ontario. He said the investment is inappropriate when the system here needs upgrades. The Liberal leader said the utility’s parent company must stop treating Nova Scotians “like a cash cow and must start investing in Nova Scotia.”Emera spokeswoman Sasha Irving said McNeil has ignored the spending Nova Scotia Power has done in the province over the last 10 years. “The fact is, since 2001, Nova Scotia Power has invested $2 billion back into Nova Scotia,” she said. “That equates to approximately its entire amount of earnings in that time, plus an additional $1 billion, so it’s almost double what they’ve earned in that period of time that we’ve invested back into Nova Scotia.”

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Electrical_Power

 

NSP SEEKS TO RECOVER MILLIONS 

Nova Scotia Power Inc. wants a deferral mechanism to recover millions of dollars in costs associated with the closure of the NewPage Port Hawkesbury paper mill. In a filing with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board on Monday September 12th, the power company said the loss of NewPage, its largest customer, would mean that the 7.2 per cent average rate increase it proposed in May for next year would change to a 10.5 per cent increase. If NewPage doesn’t come back into production in 2012, NSP would need to recover roughly $32 million, according to the utility. The rate application is subject to a hearing. Spokesman David Rodenhiser said Nova Scotia Power isn’t seeking to amend its application and ask for the higher rate due to the pending NewPage closure. "We’re requesting the creation of a deferral mechanism to recover any fixed costs not recovered due to NewPage not being in operation next year," he said in an interview. Rodenhiser said the deferred amount would depend on how long the Point Tupper mill, which has been placed under creditor protection while a new owner is sought, is shut down. The closure will put about 1,000 people out of work and affect thousands of others. The power company said recently it might have to consider closing plants and halting green energy projects if the NewPage mill doesn’t reopen.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Electrical_Power


STUDY: MUSCRAT FALLS CHEAPEST ENERGY OPTIONS FOR N.L 

A consultant's report released on the eve of a provincial election campaign endorses the proposed $6.2-billion Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project as the cheapest power option for Newfoundland and Labrador.  Nalcor Energy, the province's Crown-owned utility, released the $250,000 review September 15th that it commissioned from global energy analyst Navigant Consulting. Muskrat Falls has been a prime target for opposition critics who say it's a rushed response by the Progressive Conservative government to unproven energy demands. They also say the megaproject will hike electricity bills in the short term. Navigant concludes the project would be a reliable, secure source of energy that would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Hydro


CALGARY FIRM SEEKS  N.S. HYDROCARBONS

A Calgary company named for an Irish saint who may have reached Newfoundland before the Vikings is travelling to Nova Scotia in search of hydrocarbons. St. Brendan’s has won exploration rights for three onshore blocks — about 335,500 hectares —in Malagash and Truemanville, Cumberland County, and Scotsburn, Pictou County, the province announced September 14th.The company, an affiliate of Triana Energy of Charleston, W.Va., has committed $10.4 million in exploration spending on the blocks over three years. In announcing the lease agreements September 14th, the government said they have nothing to do with the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing to extract hydrocarbons, which the province is reviewing following concerns about its environmental impacts. Energy Minister Charlie Parker said provincial regulations will ensure that the environment within the blocks, including groundwater, is protected. "Each activity must have a separate application to government and demonstrate measures to protect the environment," Parker said. Landowner approvals and public presentations are also required before any work can be done on the properties.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Onshore_Oil_And_Gas


N.S. POWER GIVEN RIGHTS TO CROWN WOOD

BIOMASS PLANT WILL OPERATE EVEN IF NEWPAGE FAILS

 
A critic of Nova Scotia Power's biomass plant under construction in Point Tupper said the utility has been given the right to harvest 175,000 tonnes of biomass on Crown land if the NewPage mill goes out of business. Neal Livingston, a small hydro producer and an environmentalist, said most ratepayers don't realize that if NewPage goes out of business, the province has agreed to give Nova Scotia Power access to the wood needed for the plant. Nova Scotia Power has said it intends to finish the $200-million biomass plant, even if the NewPage pulp and paper mill shuts down permanently. September 6th, Dexter confirmed the company has filed for bankruptcy.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Biomass


FARMERS LEARN ABOUT CONVERTING GRASS INTO FUEL

Farmers from across Atlantic Canada gathered in Truro, N.S., on Tuesday September 12 to learn about converting grass into fuel. The technology is based on converting marginal grassland and unwanted hay into pellets that can be burned in wood or pellet stoves or furnaces. Gus Swanson, a Pictou County farmer and inventor, created a furnace to burn hay pellets. He said he came up with the idea several years ago when the price of oil went up. Swanson now heats a three-bedroom apartment, a two-bedroom apartment and a two-bedroom house with hay pellets for about $300 a month. He was previously spending $900 a month when he used oil to heat the properties. Swanson is working on the project with a furnace maker in Pictou, a company that makes pellet machines in Cape Breton and government scientists at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Scientists estimate up to 100,000 homes could be heated with locally-grown grass if farmers show enough interest in using their fields to produce biomass fuels.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Other%20Renewable%20Energies

 

 

COMMUNITY FEED-IN TARIFF PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Community-Based Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) concept was introduced in the 2010 Renewable Electricity Plan to help reduce green-house gas emissions, provide a secure supply of clean energy at stable prices and create jobs. The program began accepting applications Monday September 19th, 2011. On the first day of applications more than 60 project proposals were received from more than a dozen community groups for a unique,

made-in-Nova Scotia initiative to encourage community participation in renewable energy projects. "It's exciting to see this kind of response for these community green energy projects," said Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "These projects will reduce our dependence on coal and get communities involved in innovative partnerships and opportunities. It allows for broader participation in renewable energy, resulting in projects that benefit, and are rooted, in communities." The COMFIT program will help the province reach its aggressive renewable electricity targets of 25 per cent renewable electricity by 2015 and 40 per cent by 2020. The province expects 100 megawatts to be produced through the COMFIT.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Other%20Renewable%20Energies


DSTN PRODUCES FIRST TOWER SECTION

DSTN reached another major milestone recently when it

transferred its first, unpainted, steel tower section from its production shop to its paint facilities. Commenting on the significance of the event, DSTN’s operations superintendant Brad Matthews said: "Starting a new factory is about much more than just installing equipment and hitting the ‘on’ switch. Over the last few months we have invested an enormous amount of time and effort in installing new equipment, commissioning it and then bringing everyone up to speed with that equipment as well as the demanding processes associated with tower manufacturing. This tower is the result of that effort." The tower section, measuring 23.6 meters in length and weighing 29 tonnes, is the top section of a wind tower that will reach a total height of over 85 meters. The tower will now be transferred to the paint shop where the steel will be blasted, painted and top-coated before all the internals are installed. Once that process is completed the section will be kept in DSTN's new storage yard until it is collected by its client.

 

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Wind

 

 

FLOATING PIPELINE CO. GETS TRANSPORT CANADA OK

Floating Pipeline Company Ltd (FPC) could soon be transporting natural gas to customers in Canada. The Halifax-headquartered company manufactures 42-inch diameter containers in Saint John, N.B. The containers are fastened to a truck chassis and are capable of carrying up to 280,000 cubic feet of compressed gas from a stranded gas well, distribution line or a pipeline, to industrial customers. FPC has been working with partners in Peru, Thailand, Colombia and the Dominican Republic for about five years. In some of those markets, FPC partners with a company on the ground that transports the gas from point A to point B. After millions of dollars and almost two years worth of paperwork, FPC has special permit under the Transport of Dangerous Good Act for its technology from Transport Canada. Expanding beyond manufacturing into transportation in Canada has always been part of the plan, said FPC president and founding partner Len Thompson. FPC employs 25 people in New Brunswick and six engineering and accounting staff at the head office in Halifax.

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Natural_Gas_Distribution

DRAFT COAL REGULATIONS COULD COST NOVA SCOTIANS

A federal plan to retire most of Canada's coal-fired power plants by 2030 claims the impact on Nova Scotians would be minimal. But the province fears it would cause enormous costs for consumers and businesses. The federal departments of Environment and Health recently published the long-awaited draft regulations on coal-fired plants. The plan would force old plants in six provinces to close 45 years after they were commissioned. Any new coal plants would have to match the greenhouse gas emissions achieved by high-efficiency natural gas generating stations. Under the draft regulations, NSPI would have to phase-out six of its eight coal-fired units. That accounts for 952 megawatts of generation capacity - 53% of the province's total. The policy says provinces might be allowed to close newer plants in some instances if it makes more sense to keep older ones in operation longer. If Nova Scotia does not make that kind of swap, the first coal unit to close would be at Trenton, in 2016. The federal government has promised its policy would not create undue economic hardship for Nova Scotia.

To view complete article visit:
http://www.energyforstudents.ca/content/Natural_Gas_Distribution

 

 

TEACHERS RESOURCES
 

Waste Reduction Week (WRW) in Canada is intended to raise public consciousness about waste and its environmental and social ramifications. The WRW theme, “Too Good To Waste” is about conveying an appreciation for the richness and beauty of our diverse world and the importance of working toward ecological sustainability by conserving resources and curbing wasteful practices. School is the perfect place to practice waste reduction. Students who learn about waste in their classrooms or run their own composting or recycling programs can help teach their families about how to minimize waste.

For more information and Teachers tools (School kits, games and more) visit: http://www.wrwcanada.com/schools

 

Nova Scotia Recycles Contest
 
The Nova Scotia Recycles Contest is an opportunity to take action and promote waste reduction in your community. The purpose of the contest is to encourage participation in recycling and composting programs, and to celebrate the ongoing role of Nova Scotia youth in making this province a recognized leader in waste reduction. Open to students in grades primary to twelve, the contest is launched each fall and offers over $55,000 in cash and prizes!

 

For more information visit:

http://www.rrfb.com/ns-recycling-challenge.asp

 Electro City

This online sim game that has been developed specifically for teachers and students between Years 7 and 9. Students build and manage their own virtual towns and cities, making important decisions and learning about energy generation, environmental management and many more practical and relevant concepts. There is plenty of real-world information built into the game and kids can put that information to good use in their own cities.

 

 

For more information visit: http://www.electrocity.co.nz/

 

June 2011 Newsletter

 

JUNE  DEEP PANUKE NEWSLETTER

Encana has posted a new newsletter for the company’s Deep Panuke project in Nova Scotia’s offshore. In this newsletter you’ll learn more about offshore programs based in Nova Scotia this year to support first gas from the project, a new career video about working offshore and support for Project Webfoot, a popular learning program offered by Ducks Unlimited Canada and supported by Encana.

 View Newsletter: http://www.encana.com/operations/canada/deeppanuke/pdfs/news/dp-newsletter-current.pdf 
 

 

 

 

2011 NSYES TEAM NOVA SCOTIA SHOWCASE

A potential cure for cancer is just one of the extraordinary projects that was
on display at the 2011 NSYES Team Nova Scotia Showcase at SMU on Saturday, May 7th. Forty of Nova Scotia’s brightest young minds dazzled the public with their expertise in the McNally Main Auditorium at Saint Mary's University. “This is a wonderful chance to interact with some of Nova Scotia’s most innovative and globally minded young people” says Cliff Coveyduc, Executive director of NSYES. Many of the featured projects have an emphasis on improving the world around us, including a process for neutralizing battery acid using sea shells, and a spruce tree extract that could lead to a cure for cancer. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun too” says Kirsty Doyle, a 2009 Showcase participant. Each year more than 10,000 Nova Scotian students work for months to conduct experiments before competing in school-based science fairs. Members of this year’s Showcase team represented Nova Scotia at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Toronto, ON and we achieved a record metal count. With less than 3% of the population of Canada, we brought home over 12% of the prizes.

 

Congratulations Team Nova Scotia!