First Nations wind project moves forward

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs, via Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiations Office, received approval today, September 18, 2012, for a wind project under the Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) Program. Benefits will be shared within the local community and Mi'kmaq communities throughout Nova Scotia.

"This project approval means that the KMK and Wind4All can generate renewable electricity that will stay right here in the Amherst area,” Said Brian Skabar, MLA for Cumberland North. “Clean, green electricity is already successfully powering homes and businesses in the Amherst area, and this project will increase those benefits for the community."

The 6.0 MW project will be developed by the Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMK) Mi'kmaq in partnership with Wind4all Communities.

"This COMFIT approval from the Department of Energy not only speaks to the quality of our Amherst Project but, more importantly, it speaks to the value and significance of our partnership with the KMK and Mi'kmaq," said Austen Hughes, general manager, Wind4All Communities.

"Through the Amherst project, the Mi'kmaq will become long-term and knowledgeable partners in the renewable energy sector," said Chief Gerard Julian, co-chair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs. "As project owners, we will be expanding our ability to continue to preserve Nova Scotian resources and protect the environment for generations to come."

The Province has supported the Mi'kmaq renewal energy project development by providing $200,000 to create a Mi'kmaq Renewable Energy Strategy and $2 million for a Mi'kmaq Major Resource and Energy Fund. Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq and the province will also hold a renewable energy seminar November 21, 2012. For more information on the seminar contact the Office of Aboriginal Affairs at 424-4174.

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

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

Eligible groups receive an established price per kilowatt hour for projects producing electricity from certain renewable resources. Projects can include wind, biomass, in-stream tidal and run-of-the-river hydroelectric developments. Eligible groups include municipalities, First Nations, co-operatives, universities and not-for-profit groups.

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

Source: Government of Nova Scotia Press Release