It’s all in the timing as they say, and with the focus on the environment all the rage at the moment and with the Provincial Liberal party seeking out a progressive energy plan for the province, it all bodes well for the proposed wind farm projects for the North Coast.
The Liberals Innovative Clean Energy Fund, is designed to be an ambitious plan to cut greenhouse gasses in the province as outlined in the throne speech. But it won't come without some cost to British Columbians who will see a surcharge on their utilities to cover the cost of the 25 million dollar plan.
The local initiatives for wind power are looking forward to the provincial government's aspirations and making plans for their projects to come on line and make a contribution. The Daily News took a look at the impact of the government decision and the impact that they may have on the local projects.
WIND FARM FIRMS WELCOME NEW FOCUS ON CLEAN POWER
Liberal’s energy plan ‘progressive’ say firms with North Coast stake
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Page one and three
Two of the province’s major wind power players with interests on the North Coast are giving B.C.’s newly announced energy plan a thumbs up.
“We applaud the direction of the plan,” said Ray Castelli, president of NaiKun Wind Development, which is developing an offshore wind farm near the Queen Charlotte Islands.
“In particular, NaiKun supports the plan’s requirement that all new electricity projects have zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
“Wind energy, which is abundant and emits no greenhouse gases, will help ensure- as the Energy Plan requires- that B. C. will continue to have at least 90 per cent of its electricity from clean or renewable resources.”
When fully operational – construction of phase one is expected to begin in 2009 –the company’s five phase 1,750 Mega Watt (MW) wind farm in the Hecate Strait will generate enough electricity to power 600,000 homes. Castelli said he is enthusiastic about the fact that the government has called on the B. C. Utilities Commission to give greater consideration to economic, environmental and social costs and benefits when examining new power projects.
“This is a more progressive approach than focusing purely on financial cost since the public is clearly demanding that other important values should also be taken into account” he said.
The new energy plan has also met with the approval of Katabatic Power Corp. which has a joint venture with Deutsche Bank AG to develop the 3,000 MW Banks Island Wind Farm, located south of Prince Rupert, and which is also developing a 25.5 MW wind farm on nearby Mount Hays, for which it has signed a 25-year electricity purchase agreement with B. C. Hydro. The Mount Hays project is scheduled to become the first commercial wind farm in the province, providing power to BC Hydro customers by the fall of 2008.
“By committing to aggressive greenhouse gas reductions, the provincial government has reinforced B. C.’ position as a leader in wind energy generation,’ said Tony Duggleby, Katabatic’s chief executive officer.
With two projects in development, the company says they are well-positioned to meet B. C.’ energy targets of obtaining 90 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources, ensuring zero net greenhouse gas emissions for all new electricity production and making B. C. energy self-sufficient by 2016. Katabatic is also applauding the government’s initiative to incorporate First Nation’s into B. C.’s energy development.
“We’re in talks with the Gitxaala nation to develop the world’s largest wind farm on Banks Island, south of Prince Rupert,” said Duggleby. “By forging a relationship with the Gitxaala to develop clean power, we’re ahead of the curve.”
The plan is also being lauded by ocean energy developers who believe the new energy plan has finally recognized the unique opportunity that 4,000 MW of tidal stream, and 20,000 MW OF wave energy offers.
“We asked government to recognize that a decision to develop all of its renewable resources is similar to the 40 year old decisions to build the dams that carried B. C. into this century,” said Chris Knight, chair of the 70-member Ocean Renewable Energy Group (OREG). “They are seeing tidal, wave and other resources as a key to self sufficiency, electricity exports and a net zero emission electricity sector.”
The new $25 million Innovative Clean Energy Fund – designed to encourage the development of clean energy and energy efficient technologies in the electricity, alternative energy, transportation and oil and gas sectors – is being highlighted as key part of the announcement by the group.
“We have utilities on both of Canada’s coasts looking at the potential from wave and tidal energy. We have international and Canadian companies focused on B.C.’s amazing resources and expect several new projects to move ahead in the next couple of years,’ said Chris Campbell, OREG’s executive director.
“Predictable tidal and forecastable tidal and wave energy can become a competitive and reliable contribution to the energy needs of the province if we get to work in the next year or two.
“(But) we need the kind of partnership being offered by B.C. and the federal government. We have to get the experience in pilot production projects soon if wave and tidal are to play their potential role.”
The new B. C. Energy Plan was announced this week.
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