Nova Scotia speeds up green energy target

Renewable energy targets for Nova Scotia were accelerated Tuesday as the province, a heavy user of coal, announced its intention to get 25 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015.

The announcement by acting Energy Minister Frank Corbett moved a target set by the previous Progressive Conservative government ahead five years.

In a news release, Corbett said David Wheeler of Dalhousie University had been asked to consult with potential energy providers and other "interested parties" and report back to the government about how to reach the goal.

"We need more green energy and our stakeholders have a lot of good ideas," said Corbett. "I believe Dr. Wheeler will help bring together diverse audiences and get them to put forward ideas so we can move forward and reach our target."

He said understanding the role of so-called biomass would be an important part of the discussion, along with looking at how to expand the role of small and community-based renewable energy projects.

Corbett said the consultation process will begin in a few weeks and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Biomass project rejected

Last week, the Utility and Review Board turned down a request to approve a $1-billion, 25-year biomass project proposed by Nova Scotia Power, seriously throwing into question the utility's ability to meet a target of five per cent of its electrical needs from renewable sources by 2010.

Utility spokeswoman Jennifer Parker said the announcement of the new target comes as no surprise, as it was promised by the NDP during the June 9 election campaign.

"The new target is aggressive, but we also see it as being consistent with the path that we've been on in terms of that time frame," said Parker. "We have every intention of doing our part to meet or exceed the provincial goal that was laid out today."

However, she said the utility isn't ready to discuss how it would meet its most immediate goal, in light of last week's decision by the provincial regulator.

Cheryl Ratchford of the Halifax-based Ecology Action Centre believes the new target is reachable.

"There are a lot of things that need to happen to make that possible, but it's certainly achievable," said Ratchford.

Specifics needed

She said she hoped the study phase would look at specific steps, such as increasing energy storage technology and investments in research and development.

Wheeler said his consultation process would look to incorporate the range of ideas he hopes will be brought forward.

"Nothing ruled in, nothing ruled out, it's whatever gets us to that target in a way that maximizes the benefits for Nova Scotians," said Wheeler. "We've got a completely open brief in that respect and, of course, we need that if we're going to recommend the best options."

Wheeler said any recommendations will have to include input from Nova Scotia Power, the province's largest energy producer and top polluter, with non-renewable coal supplying 75 per cent of its electricity.

"They are a significant stakeholder in this process, obviously," Wheeler said. "They're a stakeholder because they have a major contribution to make in terms of thinking through how different scenarios may work out … and because whatever we recommend will likely directly impact them."

Meanwhile, Conservative energy critic Cecil Clarke commended the government for setting the new target, but also questioned the timing, wondering whether it was actually calculated to push back the delivery of renewable energy.