Ontario to Develop Policy for Windfarms on Crown Land
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Ontario government will establish a policy framework dealing with the development of wind power sites on Crown land, according to Alternative Energy Commissioner Steve Gilchrist. The government has promised tax incentives for producers of green power and personal tax credits for solar PV panels. "In developing this strategy, the government is showing leadership in ensuring Ontario enjoys a healthy environment and the thriving economy that depends on an adequate energy supply," says Gilchrist.

Ballard Buys ALSTOM’s Interest in Generation Systems
BURNABY, BC, 2002-12-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ballard has acquired ALSTOM Canada’s interests in Ballard Generation Systems. ALSTOM will continue to distribute Ballard’s PEM stationary fuel cell systems.

Half of Ontario’s First Windfarm Sold by British Energy
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) British Energy has sold its 82% share of the Bruce nuclear reactor for US$495 million to a consortium led by Cameco of Saskatoon. The sale includes BE’s 50% interest in Huron Wind Limited Partnership, which has five 1.8 MW turbines with total capacity of 9 MW and was commissioned last month as the province's first commercial windfarm.

Canadian Hydrogen Company Buys Belgium Hydrogen Firm
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Stuart Energy Systems will acquire Vandenborre Technologies of Belgium for $28 million, to combine their generation technologies in onsite, electrolysis-based hydrogen infrastructure. Stuart is producing hydrogen from wind and solar power for storage and use when renewables are not available.

Ontario Liberal Leader Reiterates Support for Renewables
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) More than $150 million a year would be dedicated to developing green power under a provincial Liberal government, according to party leader Dalton McGuinty. He wants suppliers to source 5% of electricity from renewables by 2007 and 10% by 2010, and wants gasoline to contain ethanol.

Solar System Commissioned in Toronto
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Beach Solar Laundromat has commissioned 23 m2 of roof-top solar water heating panels in Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood. The Solcan panels will deliver 20,000 kWh/a of energy and reduce GHG emissions by 16,000 kg.

United Nations Agency Commends Canada for Ratification of Kyoto
NAIROBI, Kenya, 2002-12-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is even more impressive in light of the country’s high reliance on coal, gas and oil, according to Klaus Toepfer of the U.N. Environment Programme. Several funds and mechanisms to allow developed nations to launch renewable energy projects in poorer countries can become legally operational only when Kyoto comes into force, he says. "The fact that Canada believes it can achieve its reduction targets, despite being a big user and producer of fossil fuels, gives the clear signal to others that fighting global warming is not economic suicide,” and adaptation can have “important economic benefits in terms of the development of new technologies” and other factors.

New Solar PV Technology is Almost Ready for Architects and Builders, says Article
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) Spheral Solar Power represents a “significant breakthrough” for the PV market, according to Per Drewes of Sol Source Engineering in an article in EnergyPulse. The mechanical and electrical characteristics of Spheral Solar cells will appeal to system designers because the flexibility and light weight opens “almost an unlimited number of new applications for the solar industry.”

Position Opens at Pembina in Renewable Energy Field
DRAYTON VALLEY, AB, 2002-12-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Pembina Institute is seeking a director for a program that works with municipalities and First Nations to design and implement low-impact renewable energy systems. The Eco-Solutions Group is Pembina's technical analysis and client consulting arm, and deals with small hydro, wind, solar and biomass cogeneration. 

Ontario to Control Emissions from Industry
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Ontario government has released a discussion paper that proposes limits for air emissions from industry. Environment minister Chris Stockwell says electricity suppliers, vehicles and industry are responsible for 90% of the province’s emissions, but the first two face sector-wide regulations; the proposal would regulate the third source, he says. Early this month, the province passed legislation to obtain 20% of government power from renewables and provided tax incentives for green power generators.

Investment Fund Launches New LSIF for RRSP Season
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) Triax-Covington has launched two venture funds which are positioned to capitalize from fast growth sectors, including renewable energy and energy efficiency. “Significant new opportunities are rising” as nations balance energy supply and demand strategies which manage GHG emissions, says the company, and “new forms of cost-efficient alternative energies such as solar, wind or tidal, promise explosive growth for enterprises focused in this arena. Markets and revenues are growing exponentially, offering tremendous opportunities for investors."

Expect Kyoto Incentives in February Budget, Suggests Minister
KITCHENER, ON, 2002-12-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) Renewables have three times the job creation as conventional energy sources, says environment minister David Anderson, and homeowners can expect incentives in the next federal budget that will be similar to those provided during oil crisis of the 1970s, he is quoted in the Kitchener Waterloo Record. Ontario will be a big winner as Canada implements the Kyoto protocol, with a substantial number of jobs to be created in the province. The price of oil could increase 6¢ a barrel and, even with more support for alternative energies, the amount of domestic oil production will increase, he says.

Interest in Canada’s Wind Energy Approaches 2,800 MW
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-12-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) At least 2,794 MW of wind capacity could be installed in Canada, according to expressions of interest filed for the Wind Power Production Incentive. The federal government will incent 1,000 MW of new wind capacity over the next five years, with a subsidy of 1.2¢/kWh for ten years, dropping to 0.8 ¢/kWh for later installations. WPPI will leverage $1.5 billion in capital investments and reduce annual GHG emissions by 3 MT by 2010. Applications indicate that 145 windfarms could be constructed, ranging from 175 kW sites in Quebec to a 200 MW facility in Ontario. Twenty projects are in Quebec and 14 in Ontario, with 11 each in Alberta and BC.

Utility Selects RESL as Supplier for Wind Energy in Nova Scotia
HALIFAX, NS, 2002-12-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) Nova Scotia Power has selected Renewable Energy Services to supply 100 GWh a year from wind turbines. The selection of IPP follows a utility RFP and commissioning of 1.2 MW at two turbines this year. NSPI and RESL will sign a power purchase agreement on timing and grid connection.

Toronto Fund Administrator says RPS Boosts Renewables in U.S.
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) Clean Power Income Fund says California regulators have approved the sale of 12 MW of landfill gas electricity in San Diego from Gas Recovery Systems, following passage of a state renewables portfolio standard. "These new contracts demonstrate the impact of RPS legislation,” says Stephen Probyn of Clean Power, which has invested US$94 million in GRS. CPIF invests in generating assets and is the first fund to be certified under Canada's Environmental Choice program to use the EcoLogo symbol.

Takeover of Domestic Solar Firm is Delayed
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Intercedent Ventures has delayed an extraordinary meeting of shareholders that was designed to approve its amalgamation with ARISE Technologies. ARISE has been conditionally approved for listing on the TSX Venture Exchange, subject to raising $1.2 million in an IPO, but the timetable will not allow the meeting to be held as planned on December 20 in Vancouver. It has been postponed until next year.

Government Must Help Renewables Industry, says Ethanol Association
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-12-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s renewable energy industry needs a kick-start from government, says the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, or efforts to promote ethanol will be wasted. Several companies in the ethanol industry are cutting back on expansion plans or abandoning the business, says president Bliss Baker, and governments “must recognize that renewable sources of energy, such as wind, solar and ethanol, just won't develop into full-blown industries by happenstance; they require a concerted effort by governments at all levels to kick-start production." CRFA wants a national Renewable Fuels Standard to mandate ethanol and biodiesel content in gasoline, and targeted incentive programs of $400 million over eight years for grain-based and cellulose ethanol.

Ontario Organizations Support Green Power from New Wind Turbine
GUELPH, ON, 2002-12-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Six organizations in southern Ontario will purchase Green Tags to offset from 5% to 100% of their electricity. The groups include a communications manufacturer, computer wholesaler, environment consultants, graphic designer, web designer and the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph. 

Wind Turbine Commissioned on Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula
ROCKWOOD, ON, 2002-12-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) A 1.8 MW Vestas turbine has been commissioned at Ferndale, the first of up to three turbines planned by Sky Generation. The output will be sold into the Ontario grid and the project will be supported through the sale of green tags, and is the largest private wind project in the province. The unit arrived in the same shipment as the turbine for Tiverton, near the Bruce reactor.

Biomass Plant Planned for BC Forestry Community
REVELSTOKE, BC, 2002-12-18 (canadian association of renewable energies) A 2.8 MW cogeneration plant will be built in Revelstoke, using 70,000 tonne of wood waste a year to provide heat and electricity. A feasibility study was funded by FCM’s Green Funds, and BC Hydro has committed to purchasing the electricity when the plant is built. The facility will produce 10% of winter energy needs and 20% of summer demand.

North American Governments Release Report on Energy Efficiency
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-12-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) Energy ministers from Canada, the United States and Mexico have released a report on Energy Efficiency Standards & Labeling in North America. It is the second report from the North American Energy Working Group, which released the June analysis that predicts the consumption of non-hydro renewable electricity will drop two-thirds this decade. Energy efficiency standards, test procedures and appliance labeling are key elements for energy security, environmental protection and economic growth, it explains, and the work between the three countries “will bring the growing market for energy-efficient goods and services to North America's door."

Canadian Placed on DOE Task Force
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-12-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) The president of the University of Toronto, Robert Birgeneau, is one of eleven people appointed by the U.S. Department of Energy to sit on its high-level Task Force on the Future of Science Programs. Energy secretary Spencer Abraham says the task force will examine DOE programs and consider future priorities for scientific research. It will present a final report to the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board next summer. 

Earth Energy Systems Displace 0.2 MT and Save $43 Million Each Year
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-12-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) Earth energy systems displace the emission of at least 200,000 tonnes of CO2 each year, according to an analysis to be released by the Earth Energy Society of Canada. The current installed domestic capacity of 33,000 units reduce electricity demand by 577 million kWh, which represents annual savings of $40 million in space conditioning and water heating costs. Environmental benefits are higher if SO2 and NOx emissions are included, says EESC, and higher if marginal energy emissions are considered. A coalition of electric utilities will soon launch a national marketing program to promote the renewable energy technology.

Government Seeks Experts in Renewable Energies
HULL, QC, 2002-12-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government is seeking experts to assist NRCan in nine areas, including PV systems, RETScreen, project implementation support for renewables, interconnection of micropower systems, bioenergy and HVAC systems. Contracts would extend over a three-year period. 

Quebec Bans Construction of Small Dams
QUEBEC, QC, 2002-12-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) Premier Bernard Landry says the Quebec government will ban construction of small hydroelectric dams on 14 rivers in the province, as part of a new environmental water policy.

Renewables in Canada to Grow Faster than Gas or Nuclear, says DOE
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-12-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s consumption of renewable energies will grow at an average annual rate of 1.8% until 2020, compared with 1.7% for nuclear, 1.5% for natural gas and 0.4% for coal, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Hydroelectricity and wind “are beginning to gain much attention as Canada moves forward in its efforts to reduce GHG emissions,” it says. In 1999, 60% of Canada's power was generated by hydro, while biomass, EFW, solar and wind was 7.5%, and DOE says total domestic consumption of renewables was 3,850 trillion Btu in 1998.

Ontario Solar Company Receives $350,000 in Venture Funding
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) The manufacturer of solar DHW systems, Enerworks, has received $350,000 from Triax-Covington's E2 Venture Fund, Canada's only labour sponsored investment fund for alternative energies. "The outlook is extremely positive for a number of emerging Canadian companies that are developing and commercializing alternative and renewable energy and efficiency technologies,” says Bill Tharp of Meridian Advisors, which selects the investments. “Global focus on reducing greenhouse emissions and adopting cost efficient alternative energies promises explosive growth for enterprises focused in this arena."

Toronto to Install Wind Turbine Next Week
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) The first wind turbine in a downtown urban setting in North America will be erected on Tuesday in Toronto. Toronto Hydro Energy Services and WindShare are partners in the turbine on Exhibition Place. The official launch will take place in January after the unit has been tested.

Utility Completes Purchase of Wind Company
CALGARY, AB, 2002-12-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) TransAlta  has completed its $37 million purchase of Vision Quest Windelectric, boosting total investment in the Calgary company to $50 million. Vision Quest owns and operates 67 turbines with 44 MW of capacity, and is building Canada's largest windfarm at McBride Lake in Alberta.

Company Offers $1.4 Million in Flow-Through Shares under CRCE
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-12-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) Thermal Energy International will offer Canadian Renewable & Conservation Expense flow-through common shares, valued at $1.425 million. The company will use the proceeds to develop its FLU-ACE projects. CRCE was recently amended to allow investors to deduct 100% of the value of the shares to encourage projects in renewable energy and energy conservation, and to provide similar tax treatment to oil and gas exploration companies.

PetroCan Investors Want More Support for Renewables
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-12-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) A shareholder resolution has been filed with Petro-Canada, calling on the oil company to increase its investments in renewable energy. The resolution from Ethical Funds and Real Assets Investment Management asks for a disclosure of the financial risks associated with GHG emissions and to reduce these risks through market-based trading mechanisms and investments in renewables. The resolution will be distributed to all shareholders in a management proxy and voted on at the next annual meeting. Company officials have recently made "alarming statements" about the impact of ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, says the document, and PetroCan “needs an action plan for a carbon-constrained future."

Canada is Strong in Use of Renewables vs Global Average, says IEA
PARIS, France, 2002-12-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s use of renewable energies in 2000 was equivalent to 251 million tons of oil, according to the International Energy Agency. Of Canada’s total primary energy, 16.8% came from renewables, of which 4.5% was combustion renewables and waste (CRW), compared with a global average of 13.8% (11% from CRW). The data were released by IEA to focus on the differences in definition and lack of adequate data on renewables, and it considers only CRW, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, tidal and wave energy. Renewables are the second largest source for power generation, at 19%, with 92% from hydropower followed by CRW at 5%.

Now it’s Canada’s Turn to Encourage Renewables, says Greenpeace
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-12-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Greenpeace has congratulated the federal government for its vote to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. "It's time to imagine a Canada that is less dependent on fossil fuels and generates more of its energy from renewable sources,” says Steven Guilbeault. “Countries like Japan, Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands have aggressive  programs to encourage the development of renewable energy; now it's Canada's turn to join the future."

Canada’s Largest Union Supports Wind and Earth Energy
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Council of the Canadian Auto Workers union has unanimously adopted a position paper that calls for establishment of green power targets for utilities and incentives for alternative generators. “Alternative energy technologies (including wind power and geothermal heat pumps) are now cost-competitive in many applications,” say the 1,000 elected leaders of the CAW. “If government sets mandatory targets for electric utilities and other companies to use more of these technologies, the result could be a big boost for made-in-Canada manufacturing of this type of equipment – including high-technology windmills (which are currently imported from Europe) and heat transfer equipment.”

Deadline Closing for Green Power Bids in Alberta
EDMONTON, AB, 2002-12-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) Friday is the deadline for suppliers to offer renewable energy to the Alberta government’s green power procurement. One-quarter of electricity consumed in provincial government facilities in 2005 must come from renewables. The annual cost for power now is $30 million, with only 0.5% coming from green power. 

BC will Fail to Meet Goal for Renewables, says Suzuki Foundation
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-12-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) The plan of the BC government to acquire 50% of new electricity supply from renewables and clean sources may never happen because the plan is not mandatory, warns the David Suzuki Foundation. The plan allows BC to expand conventional sources of energy at a time when the province should “focus its efforts on clean, renewable energy,” says Gerry Scott. The plan contains no reference to environmental goals and Scott wants BC to make renewable energy a cornerstone of energy policy in order to stabilize prices, cut pollution and stimulate new job creation.

Alberta Coalition to Promote Renewables
EDMONTON, AB, 2002-12-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) A coalition of labour, church and environmental groups in Alberta has launched a campaign to protest legislation of the provincial government relating to the Kyoto Protocol and its “high-profile mis-information campaign.” Members of the coalition include the Alberta Federation of Labour, Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union, Pembina Institute and United Church of Canada, which say there is “great scope for new employment in a sustainable economy” that includes renewable energy.

Yukon Utility Ends Ten-Year Relicensing of Hydro Facility
WHITEHORSE, YK, 2002-12-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) Yukon Energy can install a third turbine of 5 to 7 MW at its Aishihik hydroelectric facility. The license expired on November 29, and the relicensing process began ten years ago. The utility must pay $270,000 to the Champagne Aishihik First Nation and almost $1 million in compensation to 110 claimants.

Hydro Project on Hold, says Quebec
MONTREAL, QC, 2002-12-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) The government of Quebec says a $5 billion hydroelectric project in Labrador is on hold due to opposition to the deal in Newfoundland. An agreement on the 2,200 MW Gull Island project at Churchill Falls was expected to be signed this month. The current Churchill Falls facility is 5,450 MW.

Installation of Solar Collectors Drops 10% from Peak Year
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-12-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada had installed 170,432 m² of solar collectors by last year, of which 80% (141,000 m²) were unglazed liquid collectors, 3,444 m² of glazed and 509 m² of vacuum tube collectors, with the balance of 25,479 m² in unglazed thermal air collectors. Installations in 2001 totalled 28,275 m² of collectors, compared with 31,153 m² in 2000, which was the highest year during the six-year period examined by NRCan.

Second Toronto Turbine Waits for Commissioning of First
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) WindShare says it has sold $720,000 in shares for the wind turbine at the Toronto Exhibition, almost 90% of the total required. Toronto Renewable Energy Coop and Toronto Hydro will focus on the second turbine at the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant as soon as construction starts December 17 on the first, with commissioning in early January. Toronto Hydro must submit a formal request to TPA on the second turbine, which will be “a key factor in deciding how the joint venture partners proceed, if at all, with this site.”

Canada Creates New Association for Bioenergy
LONDON, ON, 2002-12-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Bioenergy Association has been incorporated to represent the domestic biomass industry. It was legally formed on October 29 and has obtained the domain www.canbio.ca.

U.S. Renewables Firm Secures $ Millions from Canadian Investors
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-12-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) Solena Group has raised US$10 million from an investment syndicate led by divisions of Hydro-Quebec, Ontario Power Generation and CSL, and will use the money to develop its Plasma Gasification & Vitrification technology that converts organic feedstock into an alternative fuel.

Solar Laundromat to be Commissioned in Toronto
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) A laundromat in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto will be commissioned on December 21 by local MP, the Hon Maria Minna, as well as the local elected politicians for the province and the city. The Beach Solar Laundromat uses 250 ft2 of Solcan solar panels to deliver 20,000 kWh a year of energy and to reduce GHG emissions by 16 tonne. The solar panels will heat water for the laundromat, DHW for an on-site apartment and hot water for radiators throughout the building. 

Manitoba Investigates Potential for Wind Power in Province
WINNIPEG, MB, 2002-12-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) Manitoba Hydro has awarded a $320,000 contract to Hélimax Énergie to study the potential for wind energy generation for one year at seven to-be-disclosed sites in the southern part of the province. Currently, Manitoba generates 95% of its electricity from hydroelectric stations and wind may be used for pumped hydro storage. CEO Bob Brennan says the utility has been investigating wind power since 1990, but recent developments in turbine technology and affordability prompted the decision to consider windfarms seriously.

Oil Producers Suggest Renewable Energy Plan
CALGARY, AB, 2002-12-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers says innovation and new technologies could be encouraged to address climate change by the creation of a joint public-private funding program that would have an oil and gas fund as well as a “broader energy efficiency and renewable energy fund” that has a clear mandate, objectives and qualification criteria. The suggestion was contained in CAPP’s ‘Climate Change Policy Position’ presented to the Joint Environment and Energy Ministers meeting in October in Halifax.

Hollywood Stars Oppose Canadian Hydropower Site in Central America
HOLLYWOOD, California, 2002-12-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) Harrison Ford and Leonardo DiCaprio are among the actors protesting plans by Fortis of Newfoundland to build the US$30 million Chalillo hydrodam in a Belize rainforest. The 50 m dam on the Macal River is financed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank but environmentalists say flooding will destroy the habitat of the Scarlet Macaw, howler monkey and jaguar, as well as destroy ancient Mayan ruins.

Canadian Solar Firm Sells First Canadian Order
VICTORIA, BC, 2002-12-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) The transit authority in Victoria will install ten solar-powered LED illuminated stops from Carmanah Technologies, representing the company’s first order in Canada. Nine U.S. transit authorities, plus Victoria, will install 100 field trial units of the i-STOP before the end of this month. Carmanah says 2,500 transit agencies in North America have one million stops that can use its solar device.

Molding Company Purchases Green Power
BOLTON, ON, 2002-12-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) Husky Injection Molding Systems will purchase certified Evergreen power from Ontario Power Generation to reduce GHG emissions by 890 tonnes next year. “Purchasing electricity from renewable sources is a concrete step we can take today to foster the growth of green power projects in Ontario," says president and CEO Robert Schad. Husky supplies injection molding equipment to the plastic industry, and has reduced its CO2 emissions at Canadian operations by 15% below 1990 levels.

Hydro-Quebec Selects Three Small Hydro Projects
MONTREAL, QC, 2002-12-03 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hydro-Québec has selected three projects to install hydroelectric facilities of less than 50 MW. Of 14 public sites eligible for leasing, nine were covered by a call for tenders that closed two months ago, but only seven sites were of interest to bidders. Hydroméga Services will build a 38 MW site at Magpie Dam, Innergex II will build a 12 MW facility at Matawin Dam, and Groupe Axor will build a 25 MW site at Courbe du Sault. The cost of generating 337 GWh of power will be 4.3¢/kWh, and the sites are expected to be commissioned by 2006.

Partnership Closes First IPO
TORONTO, ON, 2002-12-03 (canadian association for renewable energies) Middlefield Group says its MRF 2002 II Limited Partnership has completed the first closing of an IPO for $16.8 million that will invest in flow-through common shares of companies involved in Canadian renewable energy exploration and development.

Lack of Data in Federal Policies may Constrain Renewables in Canada
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-12-02 (canadian association for renewable energies) Government commitments to renewable energies could be undermined by reliance on official predictions that renewables will soon diminish, and the use of ad hoc policy measures may endanger public support for renewables at a time when public support is critical, says the canadian association for renewable energies. An analysis indicates inconsistencies, contradictions and deficiencies in the policies to support wind energy and other renewables, and official predictions that generation from non-hydro renewables will decrease by two-thirds this decade “may result in negative perceptions of the investment climate in Canada or of the government commitment.” If federal and provincial governments are increasing support for renewables despite predictions of negative growth, “Canadians could anticipate that support would be stronger, more coherent and more strategic if these official predictions indicated positive growth,” suggests c.a.r.e.  Collection and dissemination of appropriate data on renewables becomes important in the debate over ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and the GHG reduction targets to which renewables can make a significant contribution but, without credible data, policy support for renewables in Canada may always be constrained, it warns.

Ontario Commissions First Commercial Windfarm
TIVERTON, ON, 2002-11-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario energy minister John Baird opened the province’s first commercial windfarm today, a 9 MW facility with five turbines located next to the Bruce nuclear reactor on the shores of Lake Huron. Huron Wind is a partnership between Ontario Power Generation and British Energy Canada.

Extend Subsidy to all Non-Hydro Renewables, says Policy Group
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) All non-hydro sources of renewable energy generation should receive a subsidy of 1.2¢/kWh to match the present federal subsidy for wind, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. If subsidies to conventional energy sources were shifted to energy efficiency tax credits and GHG emission permits were auctioned, more than $12.5 billion could be raised over the next decade to compensate for the costs of complying with Kyoto. CCPA’s original study in April said 12.2 jobs are created in renewable energy for every $1 million invested in energy projects, compared with 7.3 jobs for conventional energy projects and 36.6 jobs in energy conservation.

Ontario Legislation Contains Rebates for Heat Pumps
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) Provincial legislation to provide tax incentives for new power generation facilities in Ontario also contains proposed rebates for water-source heat pumps used in eligible deep lake water cooling facilities.

Company Criticized for Linking 'Renewable Energy' and 'Free Power'
CALGARY, AB, 2002-11-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) The TSX will reinstate trading of shares in Tathacus, following a suspension related to a claim that the company could produce hydrogen with “free power” when it should have said "renewable power." The company says it never intended to imply that “solar energy or wind power produce electricity at no cost,” adding that both technologies have capital and operating costs. It says it was pointing out that Xogen Technology is compatible with wind and solar systems which collect their energy in storage batteries.

Irving Examines 60 MW Windfarm on PEI
SUMMERSIDE, PE, 2002-11-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) J.D. Irving is planning a 40-turbine windfarm in Malpeque, according to the Charlottetown Guardian. A monitoring tower has been installed and a public information session this week will explain the $80-to-$100 million project that would sell output to Maritime Electric. "When you look at what's being done in other jurisdictions, especially in Europe, wind power is almost to the point of being commonplace,'' the newspaper quotes spokesman Bill Broland. "New Brunswick and Nova Scotia don't have a lot of areas where there is potential. PEI, on the other hand, has this interesting little corridor through the middle of the Island around Malpeque, and that's what struck our interest.''

Saskatchewan Completes Second Major Windfarm
GULL LAKE, SK, 2002-11-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) SaskPower has commissioned nine turbines in its 6 MW Cypress windfarm, boosting the province’s wind output to 17 MW and making Saskatchewan the third largest wind power producer in Canada. "Along with the environmental benefits, harnessing the wind has already brought far-reaching economic benefits to the province, with more than one-third of the work conducted on the Cypress project having a Saskatchewan component,” says premier Lorne Calvert. "Saskatchewan is now clearly a leader in Canada in terms of wind and other alternative energy projects.” SunBridge is the other major windfarm in the province.

Canada Should Build on its Strength in Wind Energy, says Energy Council
KELOWNA, BC, 2002-11-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada must develop an energy path that “builds on our strengths as a nation, including a wide range of energy resources, including GHG-free hydroelectricity, nuclear and wind power,” according to the Energy Council of Canada. It has approved a position that Canada needs to “articulate and follow a strategy that: identifies an appropriate national development path” which recognizes the fundamental role of the consumption and production of energy in human welfare and takes into account the current continental and global economic and environmental situations. The country is “a very long way” from achieving its target to reduce GHG emissions, and “there is no prospect whatsoever that Canada will meet its Kyoto target.”

Utility Chairman to become Chair of Solar PV Company
KITCHENER, ON, 2002-11-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) ARISE Technologies says Brian Smith will become its new chairman in January. Smith has been chair of BC Hydro for six years.

Chretien Promotes Manitoba Hydro Development for Ontario, says Paper
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) Power shortages in Ontario could be alleviated by developing a $5 billion hydrodam in Manitoba, prime minister Jean Chretien told Ontario premier Ernie Eves, according to the National Post. “A renewable energy source makes sense economically," it quotes Manitoba premier Gary Doer, who does not want the 1,400 MW Conawapa dam linked to support for ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

Ontario Introduces Legislation with Incentives for Renewables
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-27 (canadian association for renewable energies) The provincial government has introduced tax measures to promote generation from solar, wind, biomass, fuel cells, cogeneration, hydro and natural gas, including a ten-year corporate and property tax holiday for new assets using these sources. Bill 210 includes a retail sales tax rebate for building materials purchased for such facilities and for the purchase of solar PV panels and systems. It amends the Ontario Energy Board Act to allow the energy minister to direct steps to promote the use of renewable energy sources, but the definition of “alternative or renewable source of energy” will be included in the regulations.

Nurses Call for More Renewable Energies
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-27 (canadian association for renewable energies) Government must shift subsidies from the oil industry to renewable energy, according to the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Canada must ratify the Kyoto Protocol, it says, and nurses “are prepared to support an action plan to achieve national targets and encourage long-term reductions of the emissions causing global warming. They see first-hand the health-care costs that inaction causes."

B.C. Commits to 50% from Clean Energy
VICTORIA, BC, 2002-11-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) The B.C. government's energy plan sets a target of 50% of new electricity within ten years from wind, solar, tidal, wave, geothermal, fuel cells, small hydro, cogeneration, hydrogen and ethanol. The 50% standard is the first of its kind in Canada, says energy minister Richard Neufeld, and environmental responsibility is a cornerstone which “encourages conservation and energy efficiency to help reduce the need for, and environmental impacts from, new generation.” The plan excludes nuclear power and is part of the government goal of generating $24 billion in investment and 8,000 new jobs in the energy and mining sectors.

Construction Starts on Canada’s First Solar Community
WATERLOO, ON, 2002-11-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) A model home is being constructed in Canada's first solar-powered community. ARISE Technologies received $1 million under the federal climate change program to build 10 to 15 solar homes with total BIPV capacity of 45 kWp. The model home will be finished by early spring and several focus groups have been held to identify affordability and financing as consumer barriers to PV. Work will involve a “mainstream builder and key partners” to make the project “the beginning of a national rooftop program,” it says.

Utility Publishes Draft Handbook for MicroHydro Sites
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro has released a handbook to encourage development of hydroelectric sites under 8 MW capacity. The draft describes key issues for microhydro development to make developers aware of the opportunities and challenges. “Micro and small hydroelectricity developments have significant potential for contributing to BC’s long-term energy mix,” but such proposals were “subject to complicated regulatory processes” before the utility decided to enable development. The draft version is being field tested at several pilot projects on Vancouver Island.

Solar Inverter Company Completes First Closing
CALGARY, AB, 2002-11-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) Sustainable Energy Technologies has completed the first closing of a private placement that will raise $205,000, with a second closing of $245,000 planned for December. Proceeds will be used to market SET’s power inverter to the solar PV industry  for grid connected applications. 

Venture Raises $19 Million for Renewables 
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) The NCE flow-through partnership has completed a second closing, raising a total of $18.8 million for investments in renewable energy companies.

SolarWall Obtains Funding from Federal Agency
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Conserval will receive assistance from Sustainable Development Technology Canada, as part of $6.6 million awarded by the agency for eight projects. Funding will enable greater use of SolarWall panels on building surfaces and reduce GHG emissions. “Although there are many solar technologies in the market place, this product has structural qualities that will enable it to be used in new applications,” says SDTC. If all eight technologies are applied, they will reduce emissions by 11.2 MT. This was SDTC's first funding announcement, and it will announce its second round of funding announcements in the spring.

Federal Government Welcomes Provincial Support for Wind Energy
MONTREAL, QC, 2002-11-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Federal minister Claude Drouin has commended the province of Quebec for its development of wind energy in the Gaspe and Magdalen Islands. The Secretary of State for Canada Economic Development was not asked to participate in the province's regional summit, but says Ottawa has worked recently to give priority to the development of wind energy, including a CED contribution of $2.2 million to three turbine prototypes by the Groupement eolien quebecois, in order to develop technological expertise for Quebec. 

Environmentalists Demonstrate Solar Panels in Alberta
EDMONTON, AB, 2002-11-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) PV panels were displayed outside the provincial legislature by Tooker Gomberg and Brian Johnston, who are conducting a ‘Kyoto Vigil’ to promote solar power.

Solar Company Reports Increase in Revenue
KITCHENER, ON, 2002-11-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) ARISE Technologies says revenue in the first nine months of this year is 135% ahead of 2001, with Q3 revenue up 191%. Resources were redirected to projects such as the Sunoco solar car wash and the TEAM solar homes project.

Decision Expected Soon on Large Hydro Facility
MONTREAL, QC, 2002-11-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Officials say an announcement will be made soon on the 2,000 MW hydroelectric facility at Gull Island in Labrador, to cost $5 billion.

Federal Agency Grants $500,000 to Develop Solar PV Signs
VICTORIA, BC, 2002-11-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) Carmanah Technologies has received $500,000 from Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop solar-powered LED edge-lit signs. The project will be developed in partnership with BC Hydro and British Columbia Institute of Technology, and is designed to develop solar-powered LED technology to reduce power consumption by 90% over conventional illuminated signs.

Green Power Sells Well in Alberta
CALGARY, AB, 2002-11-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) The green power program of the City of Calgary is approaching 12 million kWh of output since it started in 1998. Greenmax generated 3,768,981 kWh to September, compared with 3,876,773 kWh during all of 2001. Greenmax supplies c.a.r.e.’s GreenHosting service with electrons.

Canada to Fund Small Hydro in China
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian International Development Agency will provide $10 to $15 million to NRCan’s CANMET Energy Technology Centre to introduce automation technology into small hydro plants in western China and to improve accessibility to micro hydropower in rural areas. Funding will come from the Canada Climate Change Development Fund and the project will demonstrate the effectiveness of Canadian technologies in small hydro power as a viable alternative to high-emission energy sources. 

Renewables Commended for Input to Federal Strategy
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) Industry Canada has commended the ability of the renewable energy sector to collectively contribute to the federal Innovation Strategy, one of two sectors which it says is willing to explore new kinds of partnerships with government. More than 10,000 people provided input to consultation sessions, including a session with c.a.r.e. and other renewables groups. 

Renewable Energies Included in Federal Climate Change Plan
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) The increased use of renewable energy can reduce GHG emissions and move Canada’s industrial sector on a path to lower emissions intensity, according to the federal climate change plan released today. Innovation in renewables can “create significant economic opportunities for Canadian companies” and greater use of renewables are key areas identified by provinces, and will be one of three priority areas for new action. The current WPPI will reduce GHG emissions by 2.8 MT and the purchase of green power by federal facilities will reduce 0.2 MT, and the plan wants 3.9 MT to be reduced by sourcing 10% of new electricity from emerging renewables. “An increase in the production and use of renewable energy will be key to meeting our climate change objectives,” and a number of provinces “have already demonstrated leadership by undertaking initiatives or setting targets that will increase the overall share of electricity generated from emerging renewable energy sources.” The 10% target could be achieved from expanded production incentives, RPS in provinces, increased efforts to develop market demand, or the stimulus provided by the proposed emissions trading system. A federal-provincial working group is examining how RPS could work in the Canadian context, and it calls on consumers to ask their utilities to offer green power. Utilities in five provinces currently offer power from renewables and three more are considering, and the federal green power guideline will include a review process for low-impact, large-scale hydro projects to qualify for the EcoLogo.

New Brunswick to Introduce Renewable Portfolio Standard
FREDERICTON, NB, 2002-11-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) The province of New Brunswick will develop a RPS to require a portion of electricity from renewables. Details will be developed in consultation with industry and environmental groups, and will be part of the new Electricity Act promised in the Speech from the Throne.

Province Backs Wind Energy
QUEBEC, QC, 2002-11-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) The provincial government of Quebec is committed to creating a wind energy industry in the Gaspe peninsula, according to energy minister Rita Dionne-Marsolais. The Gaspésie, Îles-de-la-Madeleine and the region of Matane have identified wind energy for several years as their emerging industry, and she says the ACCORD initiative will support that goal. 

Canada Should Support DG and Fuel Cells, says Ballard
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) “A national strategy for fuel cells will be a critical factor in helping government achieve its goal of elevating Canada to one of the world’s top five countries for technology innovation by 2010,” Ballard Power Systems has told Canada’s Innovation Strategy. A report by PWC says Canada's fuel cell industry employs 1,800 people with $179 million a year on research, and the global demand for fuel cells could be $46 billion/a by 2011, with a market driven by the environmental benefits and increased demand for clean portable power and distributed power generation. The market for stationary fuel cells will be $18 billion/a, it notes.

Alberta Government to Buy Green Power
EDMONTON, AB, 2002-11-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) Provincial government facilities will obtain at least 25% of their electricity from renewable energies starting in 2005. Government buildings currently buy $30 million a year in power, of which 0.5% comes from wind, solar, biomass or small hydro. A RFP has been issued with a deadline of December 13 for suppliers to explain the benefits of their green power.

Municipalities Want More Money for Renewables
MONTREAL, QC, 2002-11-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government should increase its funding support to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities so more investments can be made in renewable energies, according to a pre-budget submission to the Department of Finance. A doubling of the GMIF to $400 million would allow more project support for FCM programs, “particularly” renewable energy projects, it notes.

Small Hydro has 1,853 MW of Low-Cost Potential in B.C.
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) More than half the potential run-of-river hydro sites in British Columbia could be developed at less than 9¢/kWh, according to Sigma Engineering. There are 756 potential sites, ranging from 500 kW to 47 MW in capacity and located in most regions of the province. Of the total 2,454 MW of potential capacity and 10,712 GWh of output, more than three-quarters would cost less than 9¢ to develop.

Fossil Fuels Changing Climate, says Ontario Environmental Commissioner
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) Climate change is occurring and is caused by the increase in GHG emissions from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, says the Environmental Commissioner in Ontario. Gord Miller’s job is to monitor compliance by provincial departments with the provincial Environmental Bill of Rights, and his report says “sticking to a business-as-usual approach will lead to serious consequences that must be factored into Ontario's economic, social and environmental planning."

Solar Manufacturer Launches New Website
MONTREAL, QC, 2002-11-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) ICP Global Technologies has updated its website to “lead the solar industry with an interactive, user-friendly and consumer-focused online resource for solar power solutions.”

Wind Energy Centre Receives $450,000 from Ottawa
GASPE, QC, 2002-11-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government has given $450,000 to the Technocentre éolien Gaspésie, bringing federal funding for wind energy in Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine to $2.6 million. The mission of the Technocentre is to make the region a provincial leader in wind energy, and federal agencies will invest more than $8 million, say officials of Canada Economic Development.

Arctic City Supports Renewable Energies
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s most northerly capital city, Iqaluit in Nunavut, has become the 100th municipal government to commit to reducing GHG emissions through the ‘Partners for Climate Protection’ program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. PCP was launched in 1995 to help municipalities use sustainable practices, including the use of renewables, to reduce emissions. 

Ontario Solar Incentives may be Lucrative, says Newspaper
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Ottawa Citizen says the provincial government is considering “lucrative tax incentives” to persuade 100,000 homeowners to install solar PV systems within five years. Tax incentive would be the most generous in North America, it quotes Steve Gilchrist, the new commissioner of alternative energy, adding that the price for $20,000 residential solar systems will drop. The newspaper quotes Energy Probe as saying a new subsidy for solar or wind energy amounts to another type of subsidy that distorts the market, while the Electricity Distributors Association is quoted as saying the plan requires that each home have meters worth up to $500 each.

Environment Minister Promotes Potential for Renewables to Business Group
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) “We see a great potential in renewable energy and related innovations,” environment minister David Anderson told the Empire Club of Canada. The related innovations include clean coal technology and carbon sequestration, he added.

NRCan Minister Tries Solar Rickshaw
KOLKATA, India, 2002-11-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Energy minister Herb Dhaliwal has concluded a trade mission to India with officials from 45 Canadian firms. While in Mumbai, he test-drove a solar-powered rickshaw.

Advocates of Wind Energy are not Deterred by Premium, says BC Hydro
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Wind energy is “much closer” to being cost-competitive with grid generation than solar PV in British Columbia, according to an analysis by BC Hydro, especially at high wind locations. The utility estimates that 1,900 residential sites could install 10 kW turbines to generate a total of 25 GWh/a and “it is certain that the premium for producing this form of green energy will not deter customers who perceive social and environmental value in producing their own green energy.”

Renewables and Efficiency should be ‘Married,’ says Energy Group
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) Energy efficiency can be married to renewable energy and other initiatives “to build a stronger economy in Canada and meet the various goals associated with GHG emissions reductions,” according to the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance. Industry Canada estimates Canada’s renewable energy industry could make $25 billion from GHG reduction activities, half for new hydroelectric plants and the balance split among wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and other alternatives. The CEEA study says Canada can achieve a sustainable economy if “energy efficiency and renewable energy are integrated in a manner that continues to allow us to improve our energy intensity without compromising the goals of sustainable development and emissions reductions.”

Solar PV and Small Wind have Low Potential for B.C. Power Mix
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) Geothermal, biomass, small hydro and tidal current have the potential to contribute to BC Hydro’s generation mix, but solar BIPV and small-scale wind do not, according to the utility’s Green Energy Study. Production costs for renewables range between 4¢ and 25¢/kWh but this will drop as “technologies are developed, the resources are better understood and the processes for developing the resources are established.” Other attributes and impacts, such as dispatchability and GHG reductions, “are important for consideration of green energy,” concludes the pre-feasibility assessment. ”No energy resource is benign and the environmental aspects can vary from resource to resource,” it adds.

Ontario Hospitals Want to Implement Renewables
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hospitals are committed to working with the Ontario government to foster alternative energy generation. The Ontario Hospital Association will work with Steve Gilchrist, the new Commissioner of Alternative Energy, on strategies to foster alternative energy generation, clean energy and energy conservation, says OHA president David MacKinnon.

Ontario to Launch 100,000 Solar Home Program
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Ontario government will allow individuals to claim a tax credit for the cost of solar PV panels, and has set of goal of converting 100,000 homes to solar power within five years. The proposal is part of the province’s response to rising power prices and includes a commitment from the government to procure 20% of its electricity from renewables and to require local utilities to offer net metering. It will encourage the use of wind power on First Nations and remote communities which use diesel generation, and will place greater emphasis in schools on alternative fuels and energy conservation. Finance officials are working on details.

Tidal Currents Could Generate 40% of Power in B.C., says Utility
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) The resources for generation from tidal currents in BC are considerable, according to a report prepared for BC Hydro, with a “realistic assumption” of 20,000 GWh/a from near-future technology. With existing technology, potential output is 2,700 GWh/a and facilities can generate for 11¢/kWh from large sites (>800 MW) and 25¢/kWh for facilities of 43 MW capacity, based on a conservative capacity factor of 20% and a maximum current speed of 3.5 m/s, according to Triton Consultants. Tidal energy is predictable and regular, and costs are expected to drop to 5-to-7¢/kWh as technologies develop. However, tidal is one to three years behind ocean wave technology and five to eight years behind wind power, and will need to produce hydrogen or with pumped storage hydroelectric. BC Hydro will study in-stream flow resources in rivers and undertake a resource assessment for the Queen Charlotte Islands where the tidal potential “could be significant.”

Government Should Encourage Clean Energy in its Innovation Strategy
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) The environment industry is a priority sector for Canada, according to an Industry Canada document on Innovation Strategy. “In a world that faces ever-increasing environmental challenges, few sectors possess as promising a future as Canada's environment industry” because it has “well-regarded capabilities” in alternative energy, energy efficiency and environmental technologies, with annual sales of  $12 billion and exports of $1.6 billion. The global market is $1,000 million dollars if it includes climate change, which is a “tremendous potential for the Canadian environment industry” as demand increases for clean energy. NRCan’s renewable energy expertise at CanMET is specifically mentioned, and the report calls on the federal government to revamp its fiscal policies to encourage new technology development and provide tax credits and incentives to promote adoption of technologies that contribute to “environmentally responsible stewardship.” With provincial governments, it should establish “realistic national environmental goals and standards, particularly in the areas of GHG emissions and water treatment,” and should introduce tax credits and incentives to use clean technologies and introduce disincentives for polluting.

Kyoto Would Increase Cost of Non-Renewables by 50-to-260%
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s ratification of the Kyoto protocol would increase the cost for natural gas by 94%, for gasoline by 50% and by 260% for coal, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. It says the assumptions of a global emissions credit market are flawed and that there are no environmental benefits to reducing emissions.

Scientists and Engineers Criticize Wind and Solar Energy
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) A group of Canadian scientists and engineers says it is a myth to believe that solar and wind power can be significant contributors to baseload energy needs. They say reliance on renewables is one of nine “Kyoto myths” because solar and wind are “far too diffuse and intermittent” to provide more than a small fraction of the energy needs of any major industrialized nation, let alone a northern country like Canada.

Federal Environment Minister Promotes Renewables in Alberta
EDMONTON, AB, 2002-11-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada will create jobs from the development of wind and solar power technologies to reduce GHG emissions, says environment minister David Anderson. Environmental industries are the fourth-largest industry employer in Canada, with 159,000 workers and annual revenues of $14 billion, and 23,000 of those jobs are located in Alberta, he says. Jobs will also be created in hydrogen-powered batteries and the switch to gas-fired cogeneration, as well as energy conservation retrofits and building design.

Department of Finance Reports its Progress to Support Renewable Energies
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) Development of the $260 million Wind Power Production Incentive was one of the results achieved last year under the Department of Finance’s 2001-03 sustainable development strategy. It also assessed policy options to make Class 43.1 more beneficial to renewables installations, and consulted with the domestic wind energy industry on the definition of a test wind turbine. Finance is preparing a case study on how other countries assist green power that will be completed by next year, using its experience from WPPI. 

Federal Government Should Set National Target for Renewable Energies
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government should set a national renewable energy portfolio target that would work with provincial RPS standards and green trading, according to a 200-page report from Pollution Probe. “Meaningful and stable policies ... are necessary to create long-term markets for renewable power,” and policies must be accompanied by other measures or incentives to be successful since “no single policy can overcome all of the barriers to causing a shift in Canada’s energy planning.” A national effort is needed to identify Canada’s potential renewable energy sources, and NRCan should increase and broaden its wind power incentive to include all non-large hydro renewables and to implement additional financial measures “to make the renewable power sector financially more viable.” Canada has many green power projects that would be feasible at a 2¢/kWh premium over combined cycle gas generation, and providing tax incentives could reduce the price of green power to make it competitive with conventional energy sources.

Solar Company Welcomes Ontario Support for PV
KITCHENER, ON, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) ARISE Technologies says the provincial government’s announcements on renewable energy are “important first steps” towards the development of a solar strategy in Ontario. President Ian MacLellan noted that the Select Committee recommended the installation of PV systems on 100,000 homes, and Tuesday’s announcement of a 100% corporate tax write-off for green power assets could allow industrial and commercial companies to use solar technology to meet their own energy generation needs.

Toronto Wind Turbine Solicits Corporate Investors
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) A cooperative has launched a campaign to obtain corporate support for the wind turbine in downtown Toronto that will be finished by the end of this year. WindShare says the campaign has attracted 300 individual and 12 corporate investors, with $700,000 in shares sold, and it must raise another $100,000 for the turbine at Exhibition Place. Enbridge Gas Distribution is a coop member, as are the Daily Bread Food Bank and FoodShare which each received $100,000 from an anonymous donor which was then invested in WindShare. The 750 kW Lagerwey turbine is a joint venture with Toronto Hydro Energy Services. The Toronto Renewable Energy Co-op received $300,000 from the federal government and $500,000 from the Toronto Atmospheric Fund to support the project.

Report Backs Solar to Heat Water at Toronto Indoor Swimming Pools
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) Installing solar water heaters at five indoor swimming pools in Toronto would save $34,658 in fuel costs per year and reduce GHG emissions by 275 tonnes, according to a feasibility study obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information legislation. Unglazed collectors were identified as the preferred option based on 70 different configurations, and would result in a simple payback of 8.6 years. The report says 310 collectors would be needed for heating the five pools and another 70 collectors to heat potable water in two of the five facilities. It also recommends a continuing program to install additional solar water heating systems.

Canadian PV Company Reports Higher Earnings in Quarter
CAMBRIDGE, ON, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) Revenue for the solar component of ATS Automation Tooling Systems was $11.1 million in the latest quarter, up 4% from last year, while six-month revenue was $19.7 million, down from $21.5 million. Higher sales for Photowatt, particularly in Germany due to government subsidy programs, more than offset the impact on revenue of lower unit prices, says president Klaus Woerner. It also launched Spheral Solar Power line during that period. 

First Nation Community Includes Renewables in Energy Plan
ATLIN, BC, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation are developing a community energy plan for the off-grid community of Atlin, and will evaluate wind, small hydro and hybrids with existing diesel generation. The project will focus on the viability of renewable low-impact generation. BC Hydro has installed wind monitoring equipment on a local CBC radio tower and, last month, installed a wind monitoring tower and data logging equipment on Monarch Mountain to assess the wind resource for at least one year.

DFAIT Report Notes Opportunities for Small Hydro Industry
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) There are opportunities for Canadian companies in small hydropower project construction in the United States, as well as repair and replacement of aging hydroelectric dam equipment, development of advanced turbine technology, dam removal, and construction of power lines to connect regional grids and to connect U.S. utilities to the Canadian network, according to an analysis of the hydroelectric market in the U.S. produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade. There is 71,584 MW of hydroelectric capacity in the U.S. (1999) and the Department of Energy wants 4,300 MW of incremental power to be developed at existing hydroelectric facilities.

Solar Group Elects Former NRCan Official as President
OTTAWA, ON, 00-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) Stelios Pneumaticos is the new head of CanSIA, with Simon Boone of Generation Solar, Eric Smiley of BCIT and Joe Thwaites of Taylor Munro Energy Systems on the executive. Directors are Brian Wilkinson of Matrix Energy, Bob Douglas of Bay Consulting, Gordon Howell of Howell-Mayhew Engineering and Mike Cannon of Soltek Powersource.

Hydroelectricity is Most Profitable for Quebec
QUEBEC, QC, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) The development of hydroelectric facilities is a priority for the government of Quebec, which has created an interdepartmental committee to examine measures to accelerate new hydro facilities, according to energy minister Rita Dionne-Marsolais. The technology is the most profitable for the province because it eliminates the need to purchase fuels from outside Quebec and has economic benefits from the construction of hydropower sites in the province. Hydro-Quebec generates 30% electricity in Canada but accounts for only 0.3% of GHG emissions.

Canadian Firm Involved in Solar Vaccine Refrigerator
MISSISSAUGA, ON, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian affiliate of the Danfoss group is working with Greenpeace International, UNICEF, UNEP, WHO, Danish Energy Agency and three other groups to develop the Solar/Greenfreeze Vaccine Cooler (SolarChill). The refrigerator was unveiled at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg and features a solar-powered compressor.

Investment Partnership Seeks $20 Million for Renewables
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) Middlefield Group says it has filed a preliminary prospectus for MRF 2002 II Limited Partnership to invest in flow-through common shares of companies involved renewable energy and other sectors. Investors would be entitled to deduct 100% of their investment.

Utility Proposes Major Energy Efficiency Plan
MONTREAL, QC, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hydro-Québec has filed an energy efficiency plan with the Régie de l'énergie that would conserve energy equivalent to the consumption by 36,000 homes. The utility has eight programs for the residential market and eight for the business market, to save 750 GWh by 2006. The plan will involve an investment of $233 million over three years.

Utility Examining Restructuring, says Newspaper
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro has developed plans to break into as many as seven companies if the province decides to privatize or deregulate the power market, according to the Vancouver Sun, which says generating assets could be further divided depending on the type of power source. The utility generates 94% of electricity in the province but another report says rates must increase sharply so private companies will build new generating capacity.

Ontario Plan Address Electricity Crisis but not Energy Crisis
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) The province of Ontario has proposed numerous supportive measures for solar and wind energy in the province, but did not introduce a Renewables Portfolio Standard as part of its action plan, notes the canadian association for renewable energies. Government is missing an opportunity to address the ‘energy’ crisis rather than just the current ‘electricity’ fiasco, and the plan includes no measures to encourage Green Heat options. Energy minister Baird should have used the announcement to start the province’s inevitable transition to renewable energy heating technologies and, in so doing, avoid another crisis in near future, says the group.

Potential for BIPV on West Coast is 440 MW
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) The potential for building integrated solar PV is 280 MW for residential and 160 MW for commercial buildings, although a realistic uptake is 7 and 4 MW, says BC Hydro. The economics of using solar PV on the west coast are “unfavourable” and only 2.5% of consumers would incorporate BIPV. Solar will compete with conventional generation in the province by 2030, and the utility says promotion of BIPV requires complementary programs such as net metering and certification of equipment and practitioners, as well as education and marketing on the non-financial benefits of BIPV.

Federal Agency Examines $2.8 Billion of Requests in Renewables and Sustainable Projects
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) Sustainable Development Technology Canada has received 500 applications since it launched last November, seeking $875 million in support funding for $2.8 billion in total project costs. SDTC's funding capacity is $100 million and it will announce support this month for projects in renewable energy and sustainable development. “There is a large untapped potential of sustainable development innovation in this country,” it notes. “If this potential was realized, the commercialization of sustainable development technologies could make a substantive contribution" to reducing GHG emissions by 165 MT. Seventy-two percent of applications came from the oil and gas sector and power industry, but also from solar panels, earth energy and wave energy companies.

Nuclear is Better than Renewables, says Association
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Nuclear Association says alternative energy sources cannot provide enough power to replace fossil fuels and lower GHG emissions, but there is sufficient uranium to allow nuclear fission to provide an “almost limitless supply of energy.”

Ontario Announces Numerous Incentives for Renewable Energies
NIAGARA FALLS, ON, 2002-11-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) The provincial government will provide a tax holiday to encourage electricity generation from solar and wind facilities, including a property tax holiday for new assets that generate alternative electricity from renewables and a 100% corporate tax write-off for the cost of assets used to generate from renewables. The plan was announced by energy minister John Baird. The proposed legislation will provide a capital tax exemption for assets used to generate from renewables and provide a sales tax rebate for building materials used to construct the facilities. It will create a corporate income tax holiday for revenues derived from the sale of new renewables and introduce a requirement for net metering.

Canada Increases Solar PV Capacity by 23% for Second Consecutive Year
PARIS, France, 2002-11-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s installed capacity of solar PV rose by 23% last year, to 8,836 kW, the same rate of growth as the year before. Off-grid non-domestic applications account for 5,162 kW while the off-grid domestic market is 3,322 kW, with 341 kW in grid distributed and 11 kW in centralized grid applications. PV capacity in Canada rose to 0.28 W per capita, one-quarter of the average of 20 other IEA nations.

Environmental Coalition Backs Use of Renewables
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada must end subsidies to fossil fuel and nuclear industries, and re-direct the savings to investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, according to the Climate Action Network. It wants a minimum of 10% of Canadian electricity to come from ecologically-sustainable sources by 2010, and explicitly excludes large-scale hydro dams due to environmental damage. “Governments must gradually but resolutely shift towards sustainable energy policies that hinge on energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy sources,” which CANET says will play a strategic role in the 21st century.

Vancouver Residents are Skeptical about Solar, says Report
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) One of the larger barriers to solar energy for outdoor swimming pools in BC is skepticism that solar technology will work in a region with so much rain, according to a marketing report on a $87,000 pilot program, obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information legislation. The report is based on 178 interviews in the lower mainland, and found that pool owners would be more likely to switch to solar if a financing option were available. The main barrier to widespread diffusion is financial, compounded by the skepticism, and the report recommends that younger owners be used to refer the technology by word of mouth. Older residents are harder to convince and efforts should be directed to the under-44 age group, because improvement in the local economy will spur interest in solar and “the information and education of the strongest potential target market segment should not be postponed.” The interviews found that 50% of pool owners would change their heating to replace an old unit, 39% to save heating costs and only 4% for environmental reasons. “Targeting the educated, under-44 group with proper information, preferably via the internet, combined with advertising in local papers and engaging solar users in a referral program, should work effectively in speeding up the adoption of solar heat,” it concludes.

NRCan Leads Mission to India to Discuss Renewables
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) India is Canada's largest trading partner in southern Asia and offers promising opportunities for Canadian companies in renewable energy sources, according to NRCan minister Herb Dhaliwal, who will lead a trade mission of 45 domestic firms to India this week.

Shell Invests in B.C. Hydrogen Firm
BURNABY, BC, 2002-11-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Shell Hydrogen has purchased a US$7 million equity stake in QuestAir Technologies, to develop technology that purifies hydrogen.

Fuel Cell Founder Receives Top Recognition from Science Magazine
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Scientific American magazine has named Geoffrey Ballard as ‘Business Leader of the Year’ in its inaugural award to honour 50 individuals and organizations. Ballard will be recognized in the December issue for creating General Hydrogen to develop fuel cells.

NCE Venture Raises Millions in IPO for Renewables
TORONTO, ON, 2002-11-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) The NCE flow-through partnership has completed an initial closing of $9.7 million. The criteria allows investments to include shares in renewable energy companies.

Few Canadians Think that Solar Water Heating is Available, Survey Indicates
OTTAWA, ON, 2002-11-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) Only 12% of Canadian homeowners are aware that solar water heating is an available option, according to a survey by Ipsos-Reid. Half of 1,500 adult homeowners believe that traditional water heaters do no harm to the environment and “there is little perceived incentive on environmental grounds” to replace conventional systems with solar, it indicates. A major marketing hurdle is the uncertainty about the effectiveness and servicing of solar systems and, although there are 13,000 domestic solar DHW systems across Canada, 52% of respondents do not think solar water heating would work in their region.

BC has 5,000 MW of Potential Renewable Electricity
VANCOUVER, BC, 2002-11-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) There is “promising potential” for 5,000 MW of green power capacity in BC, according to BC Hydro. The Green Energy Study assessed the potential, costs and environmental / social impacts of developing small hydro, wind, geothermal, biomass, tidal and BIPV on the mainland. It cautions that the 5,000 MW estimate must be tempered since some technologies have high production costs while some resources are distant from the grid and require conventional back-up capacity. “Production costs will decrease over time as technologies are developed, the resources are better understood and processes for developing the resources are established,” and the utility is producing a map to show the location and capacity of green power sources.

Regina City Council to Consider Wind Power
REGINA, SK, 2002-11-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) City council in Regina has voted to discuss procurement of wind power in next year’s budget, according to the Leader-Post newspaper. At least two councillors believe the premium of $300,000 to SaskPower to obtain 10% of city electrons from wind is too high, and officials will negotiate a better price under the GreenPower program. Regina wants to reduce its GHG emissions by 20% by 2005.

Solar Needs to Become More Glamourous to Sell
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-11-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) A more glamourous marketing approach is needed to sell solar water heaters to consumers with higher disposable incomes, according to an evaluation of a residential SDHW initiative in Toronto that was obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information legislation. The Energy Action Council received $103,000 to install 26 solar systems at 25-50% discount, but found that it required 15 hours each to install. “Solar DHW systems can only be installed by skilled workers who have been properly trained,” it concludes. “It becomes obvious that, if the solar market is to grow, more solar installers must be trained and be available.” It recommends that a financial scheme be developed with local financial institutions or utilities, and that workshops be organized for plumbers and contractors. A major concern for solar installers is safety due to loose shingles and steep rooves and, despite recent attempts, the Toronto market for solar DHW technology remains “in the formative stages.”

Nova Scotia Enters Wind Power Market
LITTLE BROOK, Nova Scotia, 2002-11-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) Energy minister Gordon Balser has officially launched the province's first two commercial wind turbines in Little Brook and Grand Etang. Nova Scotia Power installed the Turbowinds and Vestas units, which reqired less than two weeks to connect to the grid.

Solar Water Heater Installed on Demo House in Native Community
KAHNAWAKE, Quebec, 2002-11-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) A solar water heater at a demonstration home on the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory cost $11,396 to install, including $4,785 for the four glazed collectors, according to reports obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information legislation. The system was evaluated for its ability to heat water and to supply water to a radiant floor tank when there is surplus insolation.

Ontario Needs Centre of Excellence for Energy Technology
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-11-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario should establish a centre of excellence for energy technology to ensure that the province is a world leader in the development of environmentally sensitive energy technology and systems, according to the Stakeholders' Alliance for Electricity Competition & Customer Choice. The centre was recommended by the Select Committee on Alternative Fuels.

Renewables in Canada Exceed Federal Predictions of 1997
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-11-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) The National Energy Board will soon release its energy forecast to 2025. In its last version released in 1999, it warned that higher penetration of renewables “will require more support and stimulus than current market conditions offer,” although the use of wind was predicted to increase. In 1997, 7% of secondary energy was met by renewables, but would decline to 6% or, under a pro-Renewables Sensitivity, to remain static. “Photovoltaic applications in Canada are unlikely to reach commercial stage in the foreseeable future and therefore were not considered,” it notes. “Renewables applications are not generally cost-competitive compared to conventional generation sources,” but wind was identified as a potential source because its costs have “declined significantly” in the last decade, although they were still higher than conventional fuels. “A major weakness related to wind turbines operations is the low availability factor due to the intermittent nature of the resource; thus they are not suitable for base load,” it noted. The use of renewables could increase with enhanced consumer preference for green power, technological progress, fiscal incentives, regulation and legislation, and the penetration rate for renewables was projected to increase by capturing up to 20% of incremental generation by 2025, it predicted. Generation from renewables would rise from 1.5% of total generation in 1997 to 4.2% by 2025 in the Renewables Sensitivity, with Québec, Ontario and BC accounting for three-quarters of green power by 2025. Total renewables production would rise to 31 TWh by 2025, four times higher than 1997 levels. “The increased use of renewable fuels will displace coal and gas generation,” predicted NEB. Total renewables generation capacity would increase from 2,112 MW in 1997 to 7,409 MW by 2025, or 5.5% of total. By 2025, wind would reach 3,420 MW, biomass 2,376 MW and small hydro 1,613 MW, and growing generation from renewables would lead to higher energy surplus available for exports. In the Renewables Sensitivity, GHG emissions would drop 1.6% by 2010 and 9% by 2025 due to increased use of wind, small hydro and biomass. 

Suzuki Foundation Urges Parliament to Endorse Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) Implementing the Kyoto Protocol will save consumers money, improve Canada’s standard of living and create jobs in all regions, the David Suzuki Foundation has told the federal Finance Committee. The economy can be stimulated “by ensuring that key sectors, such as clean renewable energy production, are given an opportunity to develop,” adding that “for the sake of current and future generations, we must make the transition away from a fossil fuel economy and towards one based on sustainable energy practices.” New financial incentives should be offered to producers to encourage development of low-impact renewable power technologies by expanding current incentives for wind energy, and providing additional incentives to producers in provinces that establish complimentary policy mechanisms which match or exceed the WPPI incentive. “By designing budgets and funding priorities to promote sustainable renewable energy and energy efficiency, we can ensure that Canada does its part to prevent climate change.”

Solar Heating Needs Investment in Market Develop and Incentives, says Report
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-11-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) The use of solar energy for domestic water heating “will continue to be an under-utilized energy resource" in BC unless there is long-term investment in market development, including financial incentives to consumers, according to the evaluation of a solar DHW pilot project that was obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information legislation. The Earth Festival Society received $87,079 to market seasonal passive solar water heaters at 40-58% discount, with most clients having strong environmental motives who purchased because they believed it was the right thing to do. In extreme cases, the payback was 44 years without a subsidy and assuming a 50% increase in power prices.

Prominent Canadians Endorse Kyoto
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-11-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) More than 150 well-known Canadians have called for the immediate ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.  Signatories include Buzz Hargrove of the CAW, authors Farley Mowat and Michael Ondaatje, musicians Bruce Cockburn and The Barenaked Ladies, actors Gordon Pinsent and Don Franks, director Norman Jewison, Nobel Laureate John Polanyi, dancer Frank Augustyn, satirists Cathy Jones and Mary Walsh, athletes, religious and business leaders, former cabinet ministers and more.

Awareness is Low of Earth Energy Technology
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-11-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) The awareness of earth energy technology among commercial designers and engineers is low in Canada, according workshops held in 1999 with $50,586 in federal assistance. The evaluation was obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information legislation. Sessions in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Moncton and Burnaby showed that only 57% of attendees were familiar with the technology before attending sessions.

Business Groups Urge Parliament to Support Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) Business groups have urged Parliament to promote renewable energies as part of the ‘made in Canada’ approach to climate change. Thomas D'Aquino of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, Pierre Alvarez of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Nancy Hughes Anthony of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce say that members of their Canadian Coalition for Responsible Environmental Solutions are making “multi-million dollar investments in renewable energy” to reduce GHG emissions. They want government to “provide incentives for both generators and consumers of renewable energy” and to consider goals for increasing use of renewable energy where available and appropriate, and say a national innovation strategy should include “meaningful, results-based incentives to spur investment in renewable energy.”

Solar Air Heating System on Natural Gas Facility Provides Payback of 8.8 Years
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-11-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) A solar air heating system displaces the need for 13,485 m3 of natural gas each year and reduces GHG emissions by 25 tonnes, according to a monitoring report by Enermodal Engineering and obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information legislation. The 197 m2 SolarWall was installed on the vehicle repair facility of Enbridge Consumers Gas in 1999 to provide 4,500 litres/sec of solar-heated ventilation air. Efficiency dropped because the gas company wanted the solar panels to be painted corporate blue instead of black, but annual fuel savings are $2,832, resulting in a non-subsidized payback of 8.8 years.

Government Highlights New Energy Technologies for GHG Mitigation
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) NSERC and NRCan say applications for funding under the next ‘Novel Next Generation Technology Initiative in Energy Research & Technology Related to GHG Mitigation’ must be directly related to GHG mitigation and new energy technologies and processes. A number of changes will encourage research specific to mitigation and improve the assessment of applications. The program will exclude projects dealing with agriculture, forestry, sinks, oceanography and nuclear energy.

Utility Wants 800 GWh/a from New Green Power
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-11-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro is seeking independent power producers that can generate 800,000 MWh a year from low-impact renewable energy resources. The 2002 Green Power Generation process will identify competitive projects that will then be invited to bid, and is part of the utility’s plan to meet 10% of new demand from green power by 2010.

Toronto Windmill Sells 80% of Shares to Community
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-11-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada's first community-based renewable energy co-operative has sold 80% of the wind turbine that will be commissioned this month in downtown Toronto. WindShare is selling ownership of the turbine in $500 blocks, and must raise $800,000 for its share of North America's first urban wind turbine. The 750 kW Lagerwey turbine is being installed with Toronto Hydro Energy Services. 

Solar Promotion Increases Consumer Sales in Swimming Pool Market
NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario, 2002-11-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) A pilot project to promote solar pool heating in souhern Ontario raised the knowledge level and attitude of more than half of residential pool owners, according to a market development project obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information legislation. The program cost $99,138 to send questionnaires to 2,200 pool owners and follow-up interviews with 220, including 30 with solar heaters. A local solar supplier sold 13 solar systems during 2001 as a result of the increased awareness, compared with average of two per year during the preceding five years, but the report concludes that “for the solar pool heater market to achieve sustained growth, solar suppliers must have access to a pool of personnel with expertise in marketing and installation.”

Canadian Analysis Shows Market Potential for Renewables in Britain
LONDON, England, 2002-11-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) Strong opportunities for Canadian renewable energy companies will open in Britain as a result of major new UK initiatives to expand that country’s renewables market, according to an analysis prepared by the Canadian High Commission. Opportunities will be greatest in biomass, offshore wind, small-scale hydro and solar PV, according to Simon Smith of DFAIT, since the British government wants renewables to provide 10% of electricity by 2010, compared with current share of 2.8%. “Several leading Canadian renewables companies have already found good reception for their technologies in the UK, and indeed this may result in their early commercial-stage projects being UK-based.” In 2000, 75% of renewables were used to generate electricity, with the balance used to generate heat.

Online Form Solicits Public Comments on Renewables and Energy Efficiency
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government has posted an online questionnaire to allow Canadians to comment on the draft plan on climate change. The site encourages input on how renewables can be strengthened in the plan to be handled by the National Climate Change Secretariat.

Transalta Invests in Biomass Company
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-11-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) TransAlta has invested $700,000 in Greenbelt Renewable Energy and will participate in development of two proposed 20 MW biomass power plants. The utility recently purchased Vision Quest Windelectric, and wants 10% of total capacity to come from renewables.

Government Funds GHG Mitigation Technology
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) NSERC and NRCan will provide $104,383 in the first year of a three-year contract to the Université de Montréal to develop a system for the biological production of hydrogen for use in sustainable energy generation. It is one of the first six winners of the ‘Novel Next Generation Technology Initiative in Energy Research & Technology Related to Greenhouse Gas Mitigation’ as part of the Action Plan on Climate Change.

Province Criticized for Deleting RPS from Market Paper
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, 2002-11-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) A provincial government decision to withhold approval for a recommendation to promote renewable energy in New Brunswick is an abuse of process, according to the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. This summer, the Market Design Committee’s final report made 95 recommendations, including a regulatory requirement for industrial power consumers and municipal utilities to purchase a set amount of their electricity from renewables, but the province dropped this "substantive recommendation" from the consensus, says David Coon. “To dissect out a portion of that consensus and throw it out for public consultation, instead of consulting on the entire report, is an abuse of the multi-stakeholder process."

Canadians Interested in Large Chinese Windfarm
BEIJING, China, 2002-11-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) A Canadian association may become involved in a 400 km2 windfarm in northern China’s Hebei Province. Alberta’s Pembina Institute and India’s Tata Energy Research Institute, with help from CIDA and IISD, may apply under the Clean Development Mechanism to tap into China’s exploitable wind energy of 253,000 MW. Current wind capacity in the country is 290 MW.

Government Agency Wants Productivity Measures to Include GHG Emissions
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) A research paper from Statistics Canada suggests that measurement of national productivity should include CO2 pollutants. Current measures ignore negative outputs from environmental degradation but the study says production of $480 billion by business in 1996 resulted in the release of 386 MT of CO2, of which 26% comes from utilities.

Major Expansion in France has No Impact on Canadian Solar Company
CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, 2002-11-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) ATS Automation Tooling Systems is constructing a new facility in France to replace two outmoded facilities near Lyon. Its total workforce is 435 in Bourgoin-Jallieu, with 80 at ATS France. Its solar subsidiary, Photowatt, employs most ATS workers in the area but its facility is unaffected.

Green Party Debuts on Political Opinion Polls in Ontario
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-11-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) A survey by Ipsos-Reid and the Globe & Mail shows the Green Party has support from 6% of decided voters in Ontario. The Toronto Star says that party’s support for renewables will take votes from the Liberals and NDP in the next election and re-elect the Conservatives.

University Claims to be Largest Occupied Solar Panel
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) A new building at the University of Ottawa claims to be one of the largest occupied solar panels in the world. The SITE building received $80,000 in CBIP funding because it uses a 500 kW heat pump to provide chilled water to cool the south atrium and to transfer heat to the north rotunda and to the glazed exterior corridors. The south atrium acts as a solar heat recycling system, and the combined use of direct solar and heat pump will save $120,000 a year in energy costs for the 17,600 m² six-floor building.

Liberal Politicians Urge Support for Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) Senior federal politicians have called for a transition to renewable energies, according to the Ottawa Citizen newspaper. A news conference held by Liberal MPs Clifford Lincoln, Charles Caccia, Rick Laliberte, Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Karen Redman and Karen Kraft Sloan says federal tax incentives must be re-balanced to disfavour incentives to oilsands and “put the same amount of energy and effort and tax incentives toward renewable energies.”

Statistics Canada Combines Solar with Oil & Gas
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) definition #4112 for construction industries says that ‘Gas, Oil & Other Energy Related Structures’ includes “establishments primarily engaged in the construction of gas and oil processing and storage structures. Included are establishments primarily engaged in the construction of solar energy plants and structures.”

Solar Manufacturer Introduces Versatile Solar-Powered Battery Charger
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-11-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) ICP Global Technologies has introduced its iSun BattPak to charge batteries in a conventional AC adapter, DC car adapter or with the company’s iSun portable solar charger. Once the batteries are charged, they can be left in the unit to serve as a power source.

Certification Program Finalizing Voluntary Standards for PV Installations
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-11-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) The North America Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is finalizing a voluntary certification program for installers of solar PV systems, and is accepting feedback on its proposed requirements until November 8. Certification is designed to provide a set of national standards for practitioners and encourage increased financing and reduced insurance rates for PV projects. 

Solar PV to Produce Hydrogen for Fuel Cell System
BURNABY, British Columbia, 2002-11-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) Palcan Fuel Cells and Goodings Environmental will develop an off-grid regenerative power system that uses solar PV or a wind turbine to electrolyze hydrogen for a use in a fuel cell. Project cost is $300,000, with half from the Western Diversification Program through Fuel Cells Canada.

Wind Power Interest Exceeds 2,500 MW
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-11-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government has received letters of interest for 67 wind energy projects under its Wind Power Production Incentive, of which 20 would be in Quebec, 14 in Ontario and 11 in Alberta. Total interest has exceeded 2,500 MW capacity, although WPPI is capped at 1,000 MW. Applicants include Canadian Hydro Developers, AXOR, CREC, Vision Quest, Hydromega, CHI and Guascor.

Calgary Utility and Vision Quest Plan $100 Million Windfarm
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-11-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) Municipal utility ENMAX and Vision Quest Windelectric will build and operate a 75 MW windfarm in southern Alberta. The annual output of 235,000 MWh from 114 Vestas turbines will be sold through the Greenmax program, the source for c.a.r.e.’sGreenHosting service, and boost renewables to 2% of Enmax’s total electricity supply.

Nova Scotia Urged to Get Involved in Wind Energy
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, 2002-11-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) The first province to endorse wind energy would receive the lion’s share of $260 million offered by the federal government for wind power, says Erik Twohig of the Renewable Energy Industries Association of Nova Scotia. Media reports from the CanWEA conference quote him as saying that province is moving too cautiously in developing wind power and risks being left behind by more vigorous competitors.

Funding Provided to Assess Conversion of Straw to Ethanol
KILLARNEY, Manitoba, 2002-11-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council has awarded $35,000 to Turtle Mountain Sustainable Ventures to research the market readiness of ethanol processing using straw fibre.

Ballard Power Doubles Quarterly Loss
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-11-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ballard Power Systems says its Q3 loss was US$40 million and the hydrogen fuel-cell maker has suspended development of its 60 kW stationary generator.

Groups Urge Alberta to Invest in Renewables
DRAYTON VALLEY, Alberta, 2002-10-31 (canadian association for renewable energies) Renewable energies could provide 10,000 MW of green power in Alberta, according to a coalition that wants the provincial government to increase its investments in renewable energy. They want 5% of electricity to come from renewables by 2008 and 10% by 2012, which would displace 4 megatonnes of GHG each year and result in $3 billion of new investment in renewable energy supplies in Alberta.

Utility Reviewing Nine Small Hydro Applications
QUEBEC, Quebec, 2002-10-31 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hydro Quebec will ask nine companies to bid on small hydro sites and the process will be subject to public review. Energy minister Rita Dionne-Marsolais says the submissions come from 14 applications for hydro facilities of less than 50 MW, following a RFP in March. Axor is involved in seven of the nine, Boralex and Hydromega in four each, and SNC-Lavalin in two.

Alberta does not Support Renewables, says Wind Company
PINCHER CREEK, Alberta, 2002-10-31 (canadian association for renewable energies) Lack of support from the Alberta government is stalling the development of wind energy in the province, says a renewable energy developer. Benign Energy Canada was approved last year to build a $100 million windfarm in southwest Alberta, but the 65 MW project cannot proceed because the price of power is too low to make it feasible, says Allan Kettles in a newspaper article. The province's climate change strategy includes a government procurement program for 10% of electricity from renewables by 2004. 

Ontario Power Generation Doubles Earnings in Latest Quarter
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-31 (canadian association for renewable energies) OPG doubled its profit in the July-September period due to hot weather that increased demand for electric air conditioning. Overall revenue was flat as the utility sold less power under the deregulated market, and the utility posted a gain from the sale of four hydroelectric stations near Sault Ste. Marie.

BC Hydro Impacted by Dry Weather
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-10-31 (canadian association for renewable energies) Continuing abnormally low rainfall has created exceptionally low water levels at a number of B.C. Hydro reservoirs in the lower mainland and on Vancouver Island. Generation of electricity is sufficient, but officials say the challenge is meeting the water needs for fish. Rainfall along Vancouver’s coast is down 45% from normal.

Shareholders Approve Legal Transaction for Proposed B.C. Windfarm
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-10-31 (canadian association for renewable energies) Uniterre shareholders have approved the transfer of their interest in the proposed 700 MW offshore Nai Kun windfarm to Nai Kun Wind Development. The development application was filed in February, for construction to begin in 2004.

Alberta Windfarm Buys 55-114 Turbines from Denmark
RINGKOBING, Denmark, 2002-10-30 (canadian association for renewable energies)  Vestas has sold 55 of its 660 kW wind turbines to Vision Quest Wind Electric, with an option for another 59 turbines, to be installed at a new 75 MW windfarm at McBride Lake in southern Alberta. The total value is Euro 50 million. VQ already operates 67 V47 turbines and was purchased this week by TransAlta.

Renewable Energy Standards are an Option for Canada, says Pembina
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) The failure of Canada’s voluntary approach to reducing GHG emissions demonstrates the need to provide incentives for renewable energy, according to the Pembina Institute. A mandatory emissions reduction approach must be implemented immediately, which includes expanded standards for low-impact renewables and energy efficiency. These solutions “are a logical outcome of Kyoto ratification but will not emerge on the scale needed if Canada continues to rely on voluntary actions,” says Matthew Bramley in ‘The Case for Kyoto: The Failure of Voluntary Corporate Action.’

Utility Signs Agreement for Micro-Hydro Project on Vancouver Island
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-10-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro and Synex Energy Resources will develop a 4 MW hydro facility at Mears Creek and a 3 MW site at McKelvie Creek, as part of the Vancouver Island Green Demonstration Project. Agreements with IPPs will provide the hydroelectric portion of the project, while the utility also evaluates ocean wave energy and wind.

Ministers Meeting Endorses Incentives for Renewables
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, 2002-10-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Incentives for renewable energies must be included in any national plan to reduce GHG emissions, according to a final communique from federal and provincial energy and environment ministers. Any plan to ratify the Kyoto Protocol “must include incentives for all citizens, communities, businesses and jurisdictions to make the shift to an economy based on renewable and other clean energy, lower emissions and sustainable practices across sectors,” and include an allocation system that supports hydroelectricity, wind, ethanol and other renewables.

Canada’s First Turbine Factory Expected in Quebec
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-10-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) A production plant for 1.5 MW wind turbines is expected to be built by next fall in Rivière-du-Loup, according to media reports. AAER World recently signed a $49 million contract to produce 27 turbines for China, with an option for 66 more. CEO and president Dave Gagnon says every megawatt of wind capacity creates 14.6 direct and indirect jobs in manufacturing, 2.6 in operations and maintenance, and 4.2 jobs in installation. AAER will use wind technology from a European company.

Union Spearheads Pro-Kyoto Groups
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) A coalition of labour leaders, environmentalists, municipal government and community groups has been formed by the Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union to support Canada’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. The union wants government to emphasize renewable energy supply as part of its strategy.

Federal Government Announces $25 Million Promotion for Renewables
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government will spend $25 million until March 2006 to encourage electric utilities and marketers to promote wind, solar and biomass power. The Market Incentive Program is designed to establish renewables as full-fledged competitors by 2010, and to reduce GHG emissions from electricity generation. "The growing market for emerging renewable energy will help individuals, consumers and businesses to make purchasing decisions that will reduce GHG and air pollutants in Canada," says environment minister David Anderson in a message to the Green Power Trade Show. The funding is part of the $500 million Action Plan on Climate Change and was included in the December 2001 budget.

Ontario Claims Lead in Renewable Power Generation
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario is a leading jurisdiction in North America in its support for clean energy, says provincial environment minister Chris Stockwell. Deregulation of the power market has prompted electricity retailers to develop green power products, he said before meeting with other provinces on the Kyoto Protocol, and the province has introduced emissions trading tp provide incentives for renewables. His department has modified its environmental assessment requirements for new projects, to exempt solar PV facilities and small windfarms from EA requirements.

Saskatchewan Willing to Develop Renewable Energies
REGINA, Saskatchewan, 2002-10-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) The government of Saskatchewan is willing to work with the federal government to address climate change by undertaking initiatives and doing more in the area of renewable energy utilization, according to a provincial position paper on the Kyoto Protocol. “Incentives for wind power, ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable energy sources would assist Saskatchewan to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels,” and it notes that SaskPower is conducting feasibility studies of solar power.

OPG Cuts Back on Clean Energy and Exceeds Commitment on GHG Emissions
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario Hydro promised the provincial government in 1991 that it would purchase 3,100 MW of clean power from IPPs by 2000, but OPG cut back and purchased only 1,688 MW, 45% less, according to the Ontario Clean Air Alliance. Had the utility fulfilled its pledges, GHG emissions would have been 14 MT or 46% below a cap.

TransAlta Buys Vision Quest
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-10-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) TransAlta will purchase Vision Quest Windelectric for $37 million, which brings the utility’s total investment in the Calgary wind company to $50 million. TransAlta's long-term goal is to have 10% of total generation from renewables, and VQ will become a wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary. VQ owns and operates 67 turbines with total capacity of 44 MW. TransAlta is Canada's largest non-regulated electric generation and marketing company, with $7 billion in assets and 9,000 MW of capacity.

Clean Air Coalition Seeks List of Support Measures from Ottawa
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-10-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) Renewable energy could serve as a cornerstone in the federal government's strategies for Innovation, Clean Air and Children's Health, according to a pre-budget submission from the Clean Air Renewable Energy Coalition. Renewables will be “an even more important component” in reducing GHG emissions under Kyoto, and the group wants government to establish a national low-impact renewable energy target for Canada, increase its Wind Power Production Incentive to 2.7¢/kWh, extend incentive programs to other renewables technologies, implement policy mechanisms that will set a national renewable energy target, explore Renewable Portfolio Standards or System Benefits Charge, and expand Market Incentive Program funding to $30 million per year until 2012. Canada “currently lags behind the majority of industrialized countries” in renewable energy, and policies to support renewables represent “an opportunity to realize the benefits of capital investment, regional creation of jobs, and related technology advancements, while cleaning our air and improving the health of children and other susceptible Canadians.”

Small Hydro Turbine Arrives at BC Site
TRAIL, British Columbia, 2002-10-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) The fourth and final generating unit for the Seven Mile Dam has arrived and will be commissioned by BC Hydro next April. The 10 MW unit was built in Montreal and the budget for the project is $97 million.

Northern Community Investigates Renewable Energies 
WHA TI, Northwest Territories, 2002-10-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) The environmental group Ecology North and the Pembina Institute will work with 500 residents of Wha Ti First Nation to identify renewable energy options that will reduce the community’s annual expenditure of $1 million for diesel fuel. The two-year partnership will cut GHG emissions in half within five years and is funded by Environment Canada, INAC, NRCan, CMHC and the territorial government.

Environmentalists Protest Esso for Lack of Support to Renewables
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) Activists from Greenpeace, the Sierra Club and the Toronto Environmental Alliance picketed 33 Esso service stations in five provinces last week, encouraging motorists to buy their gas elsewhere. “Despite its billions in profits, it refuses to invest a single penny in renewable energy, yet can find millions to fund climate skeptics and to keep George Bush out of the Kyoto Protocol,” said the groups.

Federal Government Seeks Interest in CDM-JI Projects
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) DFAIT will provide information to Canadian companies on program objectives within its Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation Office, which has a budget of $25.5 million to strengthen Canada’s capacity to take advantage of the Kyoto Mechanisms, encourage domestic participation in CDM and JI, and help Canadian firms to obtain emissions reduction credits from projects. It will also assist Canadian firms to apply for financial assistance to identify CDM/JI opportunities (including market studies), feasibility studies and environment impact assessments.

NRCan to Study Quality of Data in Power Generation
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) NRCan will pay $33,384 to the New Westminster firm of M.K. Jaccard & Associates to examine the quality and quantity of data in the electricity generation sector.

Complaint Filed with Federal Agency Over Renewable Energy Generation
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Policies of the Ontario government are a market barrier to renewable energy generation, according to the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law & Policy, which has filed a complaint with the federal Competition Tribunal over “perverse government subsidies.” The mounting barriers to green power must be addressed by adopting recommendations of a Select Committee, says CIELAP lawyer Christine Elwell. “Green power producers face extraordinary challenges,” including extra environmental approvals, insurance transmission rates and the lack of clear net billing, and the complaint under the Competition Act allows the green power industry to avoid relying on governments to mandate positive policies.

Renewables Seen as a Key Element in Federal Climate Change Strategy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Green power is one of the new markets where domestic companies could develop a “critical competitive advantage” if Canada moves to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. GHG emissions from electricity generation will increase 38% by 2010, according to the federal strategy, which will “explore promising new areas such as renewable energy,” bioenergy, fuel cells, clean coal and distributed power systems. Government offers accelerated depreciation for renewables technologies under Class 43.1, and will reduce emissions by 2.8 MT under its wind power production incentive and 0.2 MT from federal green power procurement. It wants the renewables to reduce a further 3.9 MT by providing 10% of new electricity generating capacity, and another 10 MT from community adoption of renewables.

Renewables to be Focus in Second Phase of Government Initiative on Emissions
BANFF, Alberta, 2002-10-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government will focus on the purchase of GHG reduction credits from renewable energy facilities over the next 12 to 18 months, under the second phase of its $15 million Pilot Emission Removals, Reductions & Learnings program. An initial budget of $5 million will buy verified emission reductions from landfill gas capture and geological storage projects; submissions are being accepted now.

First 20 Clients Purchase Green Power Certificates from Utility
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-10-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Twenty organizations will purchase BC Hydro’s new Green Power Certificates under a pilot project. Each Certificate represents the attributes from 1 MWh of qualified green power that the utility will purchase, and is above BC Hydro’s commitment to source 10% of new capacity from renewables. Charter clients include Canada Place, Vancouver Convention Centre, Greater Vancouver Regional District, Municipality of Whistler, Royal Roads University, University of BC, UVic and the Vancouver 2010 Bid.

Hydropower Must Play Key Role in Climate Change Strategy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada must decrease dependence on fossil fuels and use more renewable energy to generate electricity, says the Canadian Hydropower Association. Environmental assessments do not consider climate change and similar negative impacts, which “amounts to favouring fossil fuel power plants over hydropower plants,” says Pierre Fortin. “Hydropower is the only low-emitting and renewable large-scale economic source of energy that can help meet the growing demand for energy.”

First Commercial Wind Turbine Installed in Nova Scotia
LITTLE BROOK, Nova Scotia, 2002-10-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Construction of Nova Scotia's first large wind turbine has been completed in Digby County with the commissioning of the 600 kW Turbowinds unit. Nova Scotia Power's second wind turbine, a Vestas, will be commissioned this month in Grand Etang, Inverness County. 

More Wind Monitoring Towers Installed in B.C.
PORT McNEILL and CHETWYND, British Columbia, 2002-10-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro has installed monitoring towers at Franklin Range on Vancouver Island and at Mt. Wartenbee near Chetwynd, so the utility can measure wind regimes. Since April 2000, towers have been installed at ten other locations around the province, including three at Rumble Ridge where BC Hydro and AXOR plan to build a windfarm by late next year.

Alberta Scientists Urge Support for Renewables in Kyoto Debate
EDMONTON, Alberta, 2002-10-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) More than 60 scientists at universities in Alberta have urged premier Ralph Klein to encourage renewable energy sources and other measures to reduce GHG emissions. "Alberta and Canada have the technical expertise to meet the Kyoto targets if efforts are made to mobilize it," says D.W. Schindler of the University of Alberta, who summarizes the damage to Alberta if the Kyoto Protocol is not ratified.

Decommissioning Plan Proceeds for Coursier Dam
REVELSTOKE, British Columbia, 2002-10-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro will submit an application by the middle of November to decommission Coursier Dam, 30 km south of Revelstoke. The action will decrease generation by 30% at the 8 MW Walter Hardman generating station. The dam was built in 1963 but has been identified as deficient and a threat to public safety.

Earth Energy to be Used for New Arena in Anne Murray's Hometown
SPRINGHILL, Nova Scotia, 2002-10-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) A $6 million arena that uses renewable energy will be built in the Town of Springhill with federal assistance. The sports complex will replace a civic facility destroyed last year, and will use earth energy heat pumps that rely on warm water from the former coal mine.

PV Producer Purchases Canadian Equipment
GOLDEN, Colorado, 2002-10-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) MVSystems says it has received a production line from NewSun Technology of Ottawa and E-Ton of Taiwan that can coat 5 MW a year of multi-crystalline silicon solar cells with SiNx layers to improve conversion efficiency. It says it has recently received numerous system orders from the University of Waterloo for laser crystallization and sputtering systems.

Quebec Manufacturer Produces New Battery
BOUCHERVILLE, Québec, 2002-10-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) AVESTOR has started commercial production of the world’s first lithium-metal-polymer battery. The joint venture of Hydro-Québec and Kerr-McGee Chemical will target initial sales at the telecom industry and then produce units for electric utilities. LMP batteries are smaller and lighter than valve-regulated lead-acid batteries, and have implications for use with renewables.

NRCan Wants to Develop Databank on Renewable Energies in Canada
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) Despite assurances from energy minister Herb Dhaliwal that NRCan has reliable data on all renewable energies in Canada, his officials have held a series of meetings to collect such information. At least two meetings were held in September to discuss development of a databank that would have input from Statistics Canada, Environment Canada, small hydro and wind energy developers, and others. The project would develop "a new, more comprehensive approach to collecting and presenting renewable energy data, and to create an up-to-date, reliable databank with complete information on renewable energy in Canada,” according to the agenda. The meetings were designed to seek agreement on the definition of hydro, wind, solar, tidal, biomass and ground source heat pumps, and to calculate the thermal production from renewables. A formal request for an analysis was made by c.a.r.e. in July, following release of NRCan data that predict generation from non-hydro renewables will drop two-thirds by 2010. In August, Dhaliwal said NRCan will improve its data but will continue to rely on IEA for wind, PV and solar heating figures.

Union to Urge Politicians to Endorse Renewable Energies
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada's largest energy union will meet with federal politicians on Wednesday to promote renewable energy under the Kyoto Protocol, in advance of next week's meeting of federal and provincial officials. The 30,000-member Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union wants the federal implementation plan to include regional energy grids that emphasize renewable energy supply, explains president Brian Payne. CEP is holding meetings during October and November to promote support for its policy.

CanWEA President Joins Board of New Wind Company
SURREY, British Columbia, 2002-10-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) The head of the Canadian Wind Energy Association has joined the Board of Directors of Greenwind Power. Guy Painchaud is president and CEO of GPCo, a consulting firm that was involved in development of the 100 MW le Nordais windfarm in Quebec's Gaspe region. Greenwind will test its wind technology in Nain, Labrador with a hybrid system.

Sudbury 50 MW Windfarm Moves Closer to Reality
SUDBURY, Ontario, 2002-10-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) Council in the city of Greater Sudbury has authorized staff to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with REpower Wind Corp and Northland Power that will lead to a windfarm being built within 18 months. The plan to install 50 MW of turbines follows the recent announcement that Repower Systems AG of Germany has joined forces with local entrepreneurs to create REpower Canada that will manufacture turbines locally by as early as this fall. The project will cost $86 million, with annual revenue of $12 million.

CIDA Funds Small Hydro Facility in China
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian International Development Agency will support NRCan’s CANMET Energy Technology Centre in a $15 million small hydro development in western China. The Canada Climate Change Development Fund will promote environmentally sustainable development by enhancing gender capacity in renewable energy and demonstrate the effectiveness of Canadian technologies in small hydro power as a viable alternative to high-emission energy sources. Planned activities include improving awareness of and accessibility to micro hydropower in rural areas not connected to the grid.

Group Calls on Ottawa to Introduce National Renewable Fuels Strategy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association wants the federal government to introduce a National Renewable Fuels Strategy. It is encouraging provincial energy and environment ministers to support the initiative, adding that a strategy would create new markets for 100 million bushels of grain and generate $1.5 billion in direct investment, while reducing GHG emissions by 30 megatonne, at a cost of $400 million over seven years.

TransAlta Wants to Increase Presence of Renewables
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-10-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) TransAlta will increase renewable energy to 10% of total capacity by 2010, according to president and CEO Steve Snyder. The Calgary firm is Canada's largest non-regulated electric generator with 9,000 MW of capacity, which it wants to expand to 15,000 MW.

Canadian Solar Company Expands Production Facilities in Asia
CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, 2002-10-18 (canadian association for renewable energies)  ATS Automation Tooling Systems will expand its capabilities in China and Malaysia. The expansion will involve a manufacturing facility in Wuxi to capitalize the strong growth near Shanghai, with additional fabricating capabilities in Penang, Malaysia. ATS owns Photowatt International and Spheral Solar Power.

Inverter Company Completes License Agreement With RWE Piller
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-10-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) Sustainable Energy Technologies has received $790,000 under its license agreement with RWE Piller GmbH. In addition to the license fee, Piller is contributing to the cost of non-recurring engineering and will pay royalties to SET based on future sales of inverters to the fuel cell market. 

Electricity Generators Want Energy Ministers to Invest in a Sustainable Future
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Electricity Association wants federal and provincial energy ministers to ensure that the power industry can invest in a sustainable future. “Secure, reliable, affordable supplies of electricity are at the heart of our prosperity and our economic security, but the production, transmission and distribution of electricity carry consequences for the environment which are to some degree unavoidable,” says CEA president Hans Konow. “Efforts to mitigate environmental effects must be undertaken in a way that does not unduly compromise the security, reliability or affordability of power upplies.”

Ontario Community Leaders Recognized At Co-op Gala
GUELPH, Ontario, 2002-10-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) A Toronto lawyer has received the ‘Co-operative Innovator Award’ for his legal advice and leadership to the co-operative system in the development of wind energy in downtown Toronto. Brian Iler, of Iler Campbell Barristers & Solicitors, helped build the community-based green power co-op in Toronto and was recognized by the Ontario Co-operative Association during Co-op Week earlier this month.

Manitoba Wants Renewable Energy in National Kyoto Plan
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-10-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) The provincial government wants the federal implementation strategy for the Kyoto Protocol to contain fiscal incentives for the use of renewables, and to consider all costs and benefits of the agreement, including the cost of doing nothing as well as the economic benefits from greater use of renewable energy. Manitoba will also reduce its GHG emissions by 18% by 2010, compared to 6% expected of Canada. Ottawa will unveil its implementation plan next week in Halifax.

Manitoba Senior’s Residence Installs Solar Wall
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-10-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Manitoba government will install a solar wall on a 20-story senior’s residence in Winnipeg to heat the facility with renewable energy and to demonstrate the proactive steps that can be taken to deal with climate change. The solar wall will replace original mechanical systems that have exceeded their service life.

BC Gas Projects Need Review to Assess Availability of Renewables
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-10-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) Natural gas projects proposed by BC Hydro must be reviewed publicly and independently to reduce environmental costs and to examine the alternative of relying on renewables, says the David Suzuki Foundation. It wants the government to refer two pipeline and generation projects to the provincial Utilities Commission because the cost has increased $330 million since first conceived.

Green Roofs Initiative Unveiled in Toronto
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) A study by Environment Canada shows that green roofs can save millions of dollars in energy consumption, improve air quality and reduce GHG emissions. The government will invest $1 million in the Green Roof Infrastructure Demonstration Project to plant vegetation on buildings.

Three Ethanol Plants Announced for Prairies
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-10-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) Three ethanol plants will be built in Saskatchewan to produce 240 million litre by Broe and the provincial government. The first $55 million plant will open in 2004 near Regina and use 218,000 tonnes of wheat per year. The provincial government agreed to provide grants for ethanol produced and used in the province and will mandate the use of ethanol-blended gasoline soon.

Ballard Founder Warns About Attempts to Reduce Energy Production
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-10-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) The founder of fuel cell company Ballard Power Systems says ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will retard social progress. Progress depends on increasing energy per capita, Geoffrey Ballard told the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association. Hydrogen will be the world’s future energy source for transportation, and he says it will be produced from nuclear reactors.

Montreal Firm to Build Wind Turbines for China
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-10-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) A Chinese company will pay $49 million to AAER to manufacture 27 wind turbines in Quebec; the deal includes an option to purchase another 66 units which would boost the order to $120 million. AAER plans to establish a 1.5 MW turbine production plant in Quebec next fall due to Canada’s decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, Hydro Québec's plan to increase wind energy capacity and the federal WPPI, and it says a U.S. group may also announce a $200 million intent to purchase 120 of its turbines.

Quebec Must Develop Wind, Biomass and Solar, says Minister
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) Quebec energy minster Rita Dionne-Marsolais says her province has developed hydroelectricity as a renewable energy, and must proceed to innovate wind, biomass, solar and new fuels. The exploitation of these sources poses great challenges and should enable Quebec to diversify its energy supply, she told an energy conference.

Renewable Energy Shares $10 Million in Municipal Green Funds
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-10-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will provide $10 million to 49 projects from its $50 million Green Municipal Enabling Fund and $200 million revolving Green Municipal Investment Fund. Nine GMEF studies involve renewable energy:

• Kitimat (BC) receives $25,075 to evaluate the feasibility of geothermal in a community pool;
• Masset (BC) receives $100,000 to investigate the feasibility of wind generation;
• Prince George (BC) receives $100,000 to evaluate co-generation from wood waste;
• Dawson City (YK) receives $25,000 to assess the use of solar thermal energy to heat municipal facilities;
• Hinton (AB) receives $100,000 to develop a sustainable industrial park that will use alternative energy;
• Frontenac Islands (ON) receives $100,000 to assess wind energy;
• Milton (ON) receives $100,000 to examines ways to develop a sustainable ‘eco-tech’ village;
• Sudbury (ON) receives $100,000 to produce a business plan for a 50 MW windfarm;
• Timmins (ON) receives $100,000 to evaluate cavern thermal energy storage to produce renewable thermal energy for heating and cooling.

Quebec Utility to Issue RFP for 1,000 MW of Wind Power
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-10-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) Tenders will be called early next year for the first stage of 1,000 MW of wind power for Hydro Québec. The utility’s strategic plan was approved by the provincial government, to solicit bids for wind capacity over the next ten years plus another 200 MW from forest biomass. 

Oil Companies that Fail to Support Renewables Will Die, predicts Executive
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) Renewable energies will overtake oil and gas as the dominant form of power within 50 years, predicts Tom Delay of the U.K. Carbon Trust. Oil companies that fail to invest in renewables will die while their competitors will thrive with wind and solar energy, and he tells the Ottawa Citizen that BP and Shell support the Kyoto protocol in international circles but remain neutral in Canada while the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers fights the agreement to reduce GHG emissions.

Quebec Utility Selects Suppliers for $6 Billion of Cogen and Hydro Power
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-10-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hydro Québec has selected Groupe Axor and Calpine Canada to supply 550 MW of natural gas cogeneration by 2007, while its own production group will provide 350 MW of hydroelectricity from the LG-2 facility. The cost will be 6¢/kWh and other tenders will be called next year to obtain more low-cost power.

Energy Workers Union Supports Renewables
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada's largest energy union wants regional energy grids which support renewable energy supply. Delegates to the national convention of the Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union of Canada discussed a national energy policy that includes ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and a transition program for workers affected by it.

Business Coalition Repeats its Support for Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Coalition for Responsible Environmental Solutions has reiterated its support for “incentives for generators of renewable energy and those who invest in these clean energy sources.” Responding to the Throne Speech, the business groups criticize the government’s commitment to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and say that support for renewable energies is a better option.

Shareholders Meeting Called to Approve Change in Windfarm
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-10-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) A special meeting has been called to approve the transfer of Uniterre's interest in the Nai Kun windfarm development to Nai Kun Wind Development Inc. NKWDI is a sole-purpose entity to develop the proposed 700 MW windfarm off the north coast of BC. If approved, NKWDI will assume responsibility for development of the facility while Uniterre Resources will be a shareholder. 

BC Hydro says Green Power Needed for Vancouver Island
VANCOUVER ISLAND, British Columbia, 2002-10-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro “must commit to new ways of saving electricity, including green and alternative energies,” to address the power needs of Vancouver Island, says utility president Michael Costello. BC Hydro will invest $90 million over four years to address the power demands.

Canadian Solar Firm Gets Listed on US Federal Program
VICTORIA, British Columbia, 2002-10-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) Carmanah Technologies has been designated as a Federal Supply Contractor for the General Services Administration to provide solar-powered LED lights to U.S. government agencies. The Coast Guard, Navy and other agencies now can place orders directly with Carmanah and the firm says it has sold $180,000 in products through the GSA Schedule contract since it was designated last month.

Revenue for Renewables Drops 50% in Two Years
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s renewable energy industry generated $159.8 million in 2000, compared with $315.2 in 1998, according to Statistics Canada. The category includes energy efficient equipment, which the agency concedes is the source of most of the decline from $284 million in 1998 to $96 million for goods. Service revenue fared better, rising from $31 million to $63 million, which is partly attributed to green power production. The largest single element in the renewable energy category was $40 million in engineering services, followed by $27 million in construction. Ontario reported $62 million in goods and $23 million in services, with Alberta second at $8 and $5 million respectively. Two-thirds of goods revenue came from small companies (<100 employees) and exports raised $15 million in 2000. “The environment industry is a beneficiary of the increasing pressure on firms in all sectors to achieve higher standards of environmental performance,” says StatsCan. “The increasing pressure on industry to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development presents growth opportunities for the evolving environment industry.” The 2000 analysis contains estimates on revenues from wind energy systems.

Earth Energy Sector Launches Initiative to Avoid NIMBY Opposition
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-03 (canadian association for renewable energies) The earth energy industry in Canada has initiated a campaign to promote the invisibility of its technology and its designation as a renewable energy that can heat or cool buildings in any region of the country. Activities include the GreenHeat partnership to quantify national GHG reductions and working with the GeoExchange coalition of major utilities that will launch on October 9.

Analysis Shows Energy Savings from the Use of Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-02 (canadian association for renewable energies) Energy costs could drop by $200 billion within 30 years if Canada were to use alternative forms of energy, retrofit buildings and improve public transportation, according to an analysis by the David Suzuki Foundation and the Climate Action Network of Canada. The report details how GHG emissions can be reduced by 50% by 2030, and counters claims that Kyoto targets are unrealistic and too expensive, explains author Ralph Torrie.

Public Health Officials Endorse Renewable Energies
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-02 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Ontario Public Health Association says the province “must develop renewable energy sources that do not damage the environment upon which human life depends.” It says the legislative committee on alternative energies has prepared a "road map” that will protect public health by moving away from reliance on fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency.

Ontario Ministers Back Greater Use of Renewable Energies
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-02 (canadian association for renewable energies) Provincial energy minister John Baird and environment minister Chris Stockwell say Ontario will report on initiatives to increase renewable energies before year-end. Baird will consult on creation of a renewable portfolio standard, and will establish an alternative energy strategy and encourage green power. They were responding to the June report from an all-party Committee which calls for greater support for renewables.

Danish Windfarm Turbines Arrive in Ontario
OWEN SOUND, Ontario, 2002-10-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) Five Vestas turbines have arrived from Denmark to be installed as the first commercial windfarm in Ontario. The 1.8 MW turbines will be installed at the Huron Wind site along Lake Huron, next to the Bruce nuclear reactor, for commissioning by the end of this year.

Solicore and ICP Global End Joint Development Pact
LAKELAND, Florida, 2002-10-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) Solicore has ended a joint development agreement with ICP Global Technologies of Montreal, which the two parties signed in August.

Wind Developer Offers Certified Green Tags Across the Country
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-10-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) Vision Quest Windelectric is selling tradeable green power certificates (Green Tags) which represent reduced CO2 emissions from replacing combustion generation with wind. VQ operates 67 turbines with total capacity of 44 MW and is the first company in Canada to become certified under the Green Leaf™ certificate program administered by TerraChoice Environmental Services.

Buyers Guide to Include Listing of Domestic Association Members
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-10-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) The national Buyers Guide & Directory will include a listing of members of the canadian association for renewable energies, as well as members of the Earth Energy Society of Canada, Canadian Solar Industries and Canadian Wind Energy associations.

Stuart Energy Meets Milestone for 'Green Hydrogen' Project in Hong Kong
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-10-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) Stuart Energy Systems says it has achieved the second of three milestones in its project with a Hong Kong firm to develop a Hydrogen Back-up Power System for the Asian market. The H2BPS is designed to use hydrogen systems linked to wind, solar or hydro generating facilities.

Shell Environmental Fund Considering Renewables Projects
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-10-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Shell Environmental Fund is considering the latest round of applications for $5,000 projects that improve the environment. Recent funding was awarded to the Nova Scotia Wind Energy Project sponsored by Dalhousie University.

Aerospace Bearing Manufacturer to Buy Evergreen Power from OPG
STRATFORD, Ontario, 2002-09-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) FAG Bearings will purchase certified EcoLogo green power from Ontario Power Generation. "Using green power to meet some of our electricity requirement is completely in line with our corporate philosophy," says president and CEO Frank Lang. "We are always looking for innovative ways to support the environment and buying green electricity for our operations will help promote additional electrical generation from renewable resources.” Evergreen is sold directly to large industrial firms but not the residential market.

Renewable Energy Tax Incentives to Benefit Thermal Energy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-09-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Thermal Energy International says it will benefit from the new tax incentives for renewables by raising working capital more easily through issuance of Flow Through Shares. The Canadian Renewable & Conservation Expenses was amended in July to enhance tax incentives for investments in renewables and conservation projects, and TEI will use CRCE for ‘look-back rule’ to raise $1 million. TEI produces FLU-ACE products to recover heat from gas streams.

Solar Company Receives West Coast Award
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-09-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Carmanah Technologies has been recognized as ‘Technology Company of the Year’ by VIATeC for its commitment to excellence in solar-powered LED technology. VIATeC is a not-for-profit organization that promotes industry on Vancouver Island.

Battery Technology to Be Combined With Consumer Solar Technologies
LAKELAND, Florida, 2002-09-27 (canadian association for renewable energies) Solicore has signed a joint development agreement with ICP Global Technologies of Montreal to develop a range of solar-energy products for consumer and industrial applications. Solicore has patented a dry electrolyte that can be linked with ICP’s solar PV panels.

Major Business Groups Publicly Support Renewable Energies
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-09-27 (canadian association for renewable energies) Major business groups in Canada want incentives for renewable energy generation and for those who invest in clean energy sources, as well as incentives for consumers who upgrade to cleaner sources from older technology and enhanced education and consumer awareness campaigns aimed at energy conservation. The Canadian Coalition for Responsible Environmental Solutions is supported by 25 business organizations, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Canadian Council of Chief Executives (formerly BCNI) and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

Utility Increases Capacity at Two Run-of-River Hydroelectric Sites
QUEBEC, Quebec, 2002-09-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hydro Quebec will pay $40 million to GE Hydro for the supply and installation of eight generators at two hydropower stations near Cadillac. The rehabilitation project will increase capacity by 25% at the Rapide-2 and Rapide-7 stations along the Outaouais River in the Abitibi Temiscamingue region by replacing the original generators which have been operating since the plants were commissioned in the 1940s. The upgrade will increase capacity of the run-of-river facilities from 48 to 60 MW.

Canadian Physicians Back Kyoto Protocol
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-09-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is a “powerful step to start reducing fossil fuel use” and improve air quality and public health, says a coalition of 2,000 doctors and medical groups coordinated by the David Suzuki Foundation. Climate change is a serious health issue and positive solutions such as energy efficiency must be implemented on a broad scale, it says.

Mining Company Sells Small Hydro Site to NWT Utility
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-09-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Miramar Con Mine will sell its 7 MW Bluefish hydroelectric facility to Northwest Territories Power for $10 million cash and free electricity for two years. The facility is 40 km northwest of Yellowknife and generates power for use by the mine.

PV Company to Install Solar-Powered Transit Lighting in England
VICTORIA, British Columbia, 2002-09-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Carmanah Technologies is one of two companies selected for a field trial of 24 solar-powered LED illuminated transit stops in London, following a nine-month test of its i-STOP solar-powered illumination system. London Bus Services would pay $18 million to install solar power on its 12,000 illuminated transit stops, and a final decision on supplier is scheduled for next April.

Agriculture Canada Supports Windfarm Co-ops
WOLFE ISLAND, Ontario, 2002-09-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Agricultural Rural Communities Initiative will contribute $55,000 to help the Hearthmakers Energy Co-operative develop locally-owned windfarm co-ops for residents near Kingston. "Renewable wind energy is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly source of energy," says secretary of state Andy Mitchell. "This project will equip local residents with the skills necessary to deal with the emerging trend of alternative methods of energy generation."

Federal Industry Minister Supports Renewable Energy Before Business Group
LONDON, Ontario, 2002-09-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) Industry minister Allan Rock linked renewable energy and climate change in a speech to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, urging businesses to adopt innovative processes and increase energy efficiency because it makes good business sense. He says government is finalizing a national climate change plan which must achieve both environmental objectives and economic goals.

Opposition Leader Wants More Renewable Energy from Niagara Falls
NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario, 2002-09-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario opposition leader Dalton McGuinty says 15% more green power could be generated if a third tunnel were installed at the Beck generating station. The project is part of McGuinty's five-point plan to improve air quality in Ontario by promoting renewable energy.

Canadian Company Unveils Solar-Powered Lighting for Transit Stops
VICTORIA, British Columbia, 2002-09-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) Carmanah Technologies has released the first solar-powered, LED-illuminated transit stop in North America. i-STOP features a flashing beacon to notify an oncoming bus that a stop is requested, a security light so passengers don't wait in the dark, and an illuminated schedule during the night. The unit can install on conventional transit signposts in minutes and uses high-intensity LEDs for all lighting features.

Applications for FCM Green Funds Now Accepted Year-round
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-09-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has changed its process for Green Municipal Funds, which provide grants of $100,000 for feasibility studies in renewable energy or low-interest loans for capital costs of projects. Both GMEF and GMIF applications now will be accepted at any time.

Chretien Wants Kyoto Plan within Three Weeks
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-09-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) The CBC reports that prime minister Jean Chretien wants Cabinet approval for a draft plan to implement the Kyoto accord by October 8. The plan will include new spending of $5 billion to pay for incentive programs and tax breaks for consumers who become more energy efficient.

Chretien Promotes Environmental Technologies
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-09-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) The technologies required to address climate change produce fantastic economic opportunities and Canada should maximize the benefits of developing new environmental technologies, says prime minister Jean Chretien. Climate change is a crucial part of his government agenda and he told energy officials in Calgary that he regrets the decision of the U.S. not to ratify Kyoto.

Federal and Provincial Politicians Create Group to Study Renewable Energy
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-09-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ministers of energy from the federal, provincial and territorial governments have created a new working group to study options for increasing the deployment of renewable technologies. Their annual conference heard from the renewables sector, and other groups, with a focus on sustainable development. The conference also discussed climate change and other environmental issues.

Inverter Company Seeking $450,000 in Private Placement
CALGARY, ALBERTA, 2002-09-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Sustainable Energy Technologies wants to raise $450,000 from private investors to market its power inverter to the solar PV industry for grid-connected applications. It claims its bi-directional inverter has average conversion efficiency of 93% through full load.

Ontario Opposition Party Supports Renewable Energies
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-09-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario power suppliers would be required to source 5% from renewables by 2007 and 10% by 2010 under a liberal government of Dalton McGuinty. More than $150 million a year would be dedicated to developing green power under a plan announced by the provincial opposition party.

Utility to Offset Thermal with Hydroelectric Generation
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-09-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hydro Quebec will offset GHG emissions from its new 800 MW thermal facility at Suroît with emission credits from other hydroelectric sites. The utility says the move complies with the Kyoto Protocol, but that hydropower remains its preferred generating option.

BC Hydro Shortlists IPPs for Tenders on Green Power and Gas Generation
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-09-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) Twenty-two of 37 original proposals have been short-listed by BC Hydro, and will be asked to submit tenders to generate power from biomass, hydro and natural gas facilities. The utility wants to bring 800 GW/h on line this year.

Alberta's Omission of the Role of Renewables in Kyoto is Challenged
EDMONTON, Alberta, 2002-09-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Pembina Institute and Albertans for Ratifying Kyoto want the provincial government to end its opposition to the Kyoto Protocol. They say the Alberta plan ignores key measures such as quotas and incentives to promote renewable sources of electricity.

Canada Leads OECD in Production of Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-09-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada will soon be spending $50 million a year to support renewable energies, according to energy minister Herb Dhaliwal. Canada is a world leader in renewables, with 17% of primary energy coming from renewables compared with 6% for other developed countries in the OECD, and he will meet with provincial energy ministers this month to discuss how to increase the use of renewables.

Renewable Energy is a Key Issue for Canadian Premiers and U.S. Governors
QUEBEC CITY, Quebec, 2002-08-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Five premiers from eastern Canada and six governors from New England have agreed to investigate renewable energy. The New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers said renewable energy is a “significant and high-growth” industry and resolved to direct their joint energy committee to investigate market opportunities for renewable energy.

Canadian PV Official to Propose Renewables Solution in Johannesburg
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-08-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) The head of ICP Global Technologies will propose to the WSSD that renewable energies should be promoted through incentives to produce and research, rather than sales. Sass Peress will go to Johannesburg to propose economic incentives for renewables.

Canadian Hydro And Brascan Power to Sell Green Power to BC Hydro
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-08-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canadian Hydro Developers and Brascan Power will sell output from their Pingston hydroelectric plant to BC Hydro for 20 years. The 30 MW, $52 millon run-of-river facility will be operational by December and the partners are already seeking approval to expand capacity to 45 MW.

Ontario Utility to Generate Green Power from Waste Biomass
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario Power Generation will develop certified green power using the BioTherm process of DynaMotive Energy Systems. The utility will use DynaMotive's fast pyrolysis system to convert biomass to liquid fuel (BioOil), using discarded organic resources from the forest industry.

Electricity Utilities Award Scholarship for Renewables Research
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-08-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) The e7 has awarded scholarships under its Sustainable Development Scholarship Program, including $20,000 to Ofer Ben-Dov of Israel who is at York University researching business strategies for renewable energy.

Federal Advisory Group Releases Workbook on Eco-Efficiency Indicators
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) The National Round Table on the Environment & the Economy has developed decision rules for energy intensity indicators, and has produced an online workbook that encourages the maximum sustainable use of renewable resources, among other factors.

Central Ontario Municipality Approves Windfarm
PICTON, Ontario, 2002-08-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) Zoning has been approved for a windfarm of up to 22 MW in Prince Edward County, to be installed by Vision Quest Windelectric of Calgary. The Royal Road Windfarm will be developed in stages with up to 32 turbines.

NRCan Re-Defines ‘Test’ Wind Turbine
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) NRCan has revised its 1987 definition of a test wind turbine, which is used to determine eligibility under the Canadian Renewable & Conservation Expenses and accelerated capital cost depreciation under CCA 43.1.

U.S. Rejects Renewable Energy Timetable at World Summit
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 2002-08-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) The United States is opposed to specific timetables on the adoption of renewable energy, according to a U.S. representative to WSSD. Dennis Kucinich confirmed U.S. opposition following media reports that his country was working with Canada and Australia to stop the global meeting from adopting timetables to replace fossil fuels with renewable energies.

Alberta Group Advocates Kyoto Signature
EDMONTON, Alberta, 2002-08-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) A new citizens group will promote ratification of the Kyoto Protocol as a means to increase economic growth in Alberta from strong investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. ‘Albertans for Ratifying Kyoto’ says 72% of residents support ratification.

Wind Power Adds 9¢/kWh Premium to Base Cost of Electricity in Toronto
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-27 (canadian association for renewable energies) Toronto residents can purchase wind energy at a premium of 9¢/kWh when the city’s first wind turbine is commissioned later this year. Toronto Hydro Energy Services offers Citisource Green Power a $5 per 55 kWh block above its base rate of 5.8¢, excluding all transmission and distribution charges. THESI will retire the emission credits from the sale of wind power.

Esso Should Support Renewables, says Greenpeace
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) ExxonMobil is the only major oil company to invest nothing in renewable energy despite its $15 billion profit, according to Greenpeace. "Since Esso won't spend money on energy that doesn't cause climate change, at least it could start cutting cheques for more victims," it says in response to the oil company’s donation to the Hay West campaign.

Ontario Splits Energy and Environment Ministries
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Ontario departments of energy and environment have been split, only four months they were combined. John Baird will be Minister of Energy.

NRCan Declines to Assess Renewable Energy Capacity and Potential in Canada
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) Federal energy minister Herb Dhaliwal says NRCan will "continue to improve" its data on renewable energy, but will rely on IEA figures for wind, PV and solar heating. He told c.a.r.e. that renewables contribute 17% of energy production in this country, compared with an OECD average of 6%, but he did not explain the NRCan forecast that generation from non-hydro renewables will drop this decade by two-thirds.

Canada Should Ratify Kyoto, say Governing Backbenchers
CHICOUTIMI, Quebec, 2002-08-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada should ratify the Kyoto Protocol, according to 96 Liberal MPs and 23 senators. “Ratification represents enormous economic opportunity for Canadian businesses, will lead to the development of new green technologies,” says the letter circulated by Toronto MP John Godfrey.

Solar Car Crashes on Ontario Highway
BELLEVILLE, Ontario, 2002-08-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) The $900,000 solar car developed by the University of Toronto has been badly damaged in a two-car accident, injuring its driver, during a tour to promote solar energy. The 'Blue Sky' is powered by 3,000 solar cells and was traveling towards Quebec with PV cars from the University of Waterloo and l'École de Technologie Supérieure when it collided with a conventional vehicle.

ScotiaBank Notes Growing Market for Renewables
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) The energy sector is one of Canada's economic bright spots, with competitively priced energy now prompting the development of renewable energy initiatives, says ScotiaBank in its ‘Fiscal Pulse: Provincial Budget Roundup.’

BC Hydro Prepares to Seek Electricity from Renewables
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-08-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro will issue a call for green energy submissions in October, as part of the utility’s plan to purchase 800 GWh from IPP green sites. Any change from the base price of $49/MWh will be announced in September and there may be a reverse auction. The 50 MW capacity limit for green energy projects will be removed and the low impact criteria for small hydro will be reviewed.

Quebec-Owned Convenience Chain Installs Solar PV in Chicago
CHICAGO, Illinois, 2002-08-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) A Bigfoot convenience store in Chicago will install PV panels in its island canopy to power the gasoline pumps. The store is operated by Alimentation Couche-Tard of Laval, which operates 1,915 convenience stores in Canada and the U.S.

Environmental Groups Urge Renewables Prior to Johannesburg
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) Greenpeace Canada and other environmental groups warn that prime minister Jean Chretien will leave a legacy of environmental failure if Canada does not endorse the Kyoto Protocol at the WSSD summit next week in South Africa. They point to the agreement’s support for renewable energy for the global poor and a goal of 10% from renewables.

Solar Company Starting to Hire Staff
CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, 2002-08-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Spheral Solar Power has started to hire staff for its 20 MW PV production facility. A federal loan of $30 million and investment of $67 million by ATS will create 837 jobs.

Opposition May be Mounting to Offshore B.C. Windfarm
VICTORIA, British Columbia, 2002-08-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) A resident of a solar-powered home on Sidney Island is battling a $300 million windfarm planned for the Saanich area. An article in the Times Colonist explains her battle against the plan by Sea Breeze Energy to install 50 offshore turbines.

CanSIA Advertises for Executive Director
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Solar Industries Association is seeking an Executive Director to manage programs and administer its activities. Annual remuneration is $55,000 with performance based commissions; applications are due by September 3.

Toronto Group Receives International Funding to Market Windfarm Cooperatives
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative has received US$25,000 to develop interest in 20 MW of co-operatively owned windfarms around the Great Lakes. The North America Commission for Environmental Cooperation wants TREC to replicate the European co-op model for windfarm ownership. “If our success with WindShare in Toronto is any indication, there is a pent-up public demand for real change in the electricity mix,” says Bryan Young of TREC.

Government Funds 32 Pilot Projects in Renewable Energy Space Conditioning
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government paid $975,000 over four years towards pilot projects under the Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative. Data obtained by c.a.r.e. under the Access to Information Act show that 19 solar water heating projects were supported, seven biomass, four earth energy, one solar air heating, and one project for all renewables technologies. The largest single contribution ($95k) was to Energy Action Council to install solar DHW systems in Toronto, followed by $66k to TN Conseil to test market residential solar pool heating. The federal TEAM program contributed $49k of the total spending.

Solar PV Firm Reports Lower Q2 Revenue
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) Revenue for Photowatt International dropped 20% in the second quarter of 2002 to $8.7 million, but achieved its fourth consecutive quarter of profitability. Without one write-off, solar revenue would have increased 9%. Photowatt and Spheral Solar Power are both owned by ATS.

Funding Secured for Hydroelectric Expansion
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland & Labrador, 2002-08-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) A syndicate will lend $65 million to the Exploits River Hydro Partnership to add 27 MW to Abitibi-Consolidated's hydro plant at Grand Falls-Windsor and to replace nine small hydro units at Bishops Falls. The expansion will increase generation by 30% to 600 GWh/a.

Climate Change Could Curtail Canada’s Hydroelectric Capacity
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada’s generation of hydroelectricity could be jeopardized by climate change as the supply of water declines over the next 100 years, according to a NRCan report that details potential problems as global temperatures increase. Hydroelectric sites place a “major demand” to provide two-thirds of Canada’s electricity, and "the potential for hydroelectric generation will likely rise in northern regions and decrease in the south.”

Vancouver Firm to Commercialize Ocean Energy
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-08-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) Blue Energy Canada says it has raised US$20 million to commercialize its ocean energy turbine and it wants to install a 500 kW commercial demonstration project. BC Hydro recently said that province has "numerous coastal locations appropriate for tidal energy extraction" but the utility signed deals with Britain’s Ocean Power and Australia’s Energetech to explore ocean wave projects.

Solar Car Tour Will Stop In Mississauga
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) The first cooperative effort between three solar car racing teams will stop in Mississauga on August 19. The 'Drive the Future Tour' was conceived by students at the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and l'Ecole de Technologie Superieure to promote alternative energy vehicles and raise awareness about climate change.

U.S. Venture Capital Firm Plans November Session in Toronto
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-15 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Cleantech Venture Network says it will bring 100 investors to meet companies that are seeking funding for their renewable energy business in Canada.

Western Utility Expects to Exceed Target for Green Energy
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-08-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro expects to surpass its target to meet 10% of new demand with new renewable energy through 2010. The voluntary commitment will be exceeded based on trends in 19 projects signed recently for 158 MW capacity of small hydro, 8 MW of biomass and 5 MW of biogas.

Solar Company Reports Strong Sales in Transport Sector
VICTORIA, British Columbia, 2002-08-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) A Canadian manufacturer of solar-powered LED lights reports a revenue increase of 78% for the first six months of this year from the sale of 10,783 solar systems. Carmanah Technologies says it now has installed 45,000 units around the world since it expanded its business from military applications to penetrate the transportation sector. 

Report says Canada and U.S. Face Tough Environmental Choices
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-08-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) Increases in consumption and population are eroding the “great strides” that Canada and the United States have made in protecting the environment, according to a 228 page report from UNEP and WRI. The two countries “still face serious challenges” before they are on a sustainable development path and they must “accept more responsibility for the environmental changes they are causing.” Without subsidies, energy prices would rise and encourage efficiency and alternative sources, adds the report.

BC Utility Receives 38 Proposals for IPP Generation
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-08-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro has received 38 proposals to generate 6,800 GWh of power from 980 MW capacity of biomass, hydro and other technologies. The utility wants to sign long-term contracts for 800 GWh that would be available by November 2005.

BC Hydro Posts Solar Interconnection Form on Internet
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-08-13 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro has posted its ‘Solar PV Application’ to allow residents to request interconnection to the provincial grid.

Ottawa Acknowledges Missing Link in Renewable Energy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) “While the co-benefits are clear of improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources, most provincial and federal government actions have not made a strong link between these issues,” the federal government concedes in its report to the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Despite a $260 million incentive for wind power, “the federal government continues to wrestle with the challenge of integrating energy policies with its various ongoing initiatives to address air pollution,” but says it still provides $12 million in tax incentives to renewable energies and $156 million to nuclear while “all levels of government have implemented a variety of programs to promote energy efficiency, alternative transportation fuels and renewable energy.” The document was prepared for this month's summit in Johannesburg, to provide “an accurate assessment of our national progress towards sustainable development over the past decade,” says environment minister David Anderson.

Solar Company Will Amalgamate with Funding Corporation
KITCHENER, Ontario, 2002-08-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) ARISE Technologies will amalgamate with Intercedent Ventures, a capital pool company. ARISE wants to raise $1.2 million in an IPO and reports sales for the first six months of this year are $497,000, more than double the same period in 2001, and says it has sold 1,000 solar energy systems around the world.

Manitoba Utility to Sell Hydropower to U.S.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-08-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Manitoba Hydro will export 500 MW of hydroelectricity to Minnesota starting in 2005. The utility has signed a ten-year agreement with Xcel Energy to sell 2.1 billion kWh every year, generating $1.7 billion in revenue for Manitoba over the life of the contract. Past exports of Manitoba hydro have reduced GHG emissions in Minnesota by 157 megatonnes.

Two Major Canadian Solar Companies to Merge
VICTORIA, British Columbia, 2002-08-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) Soltek Solar Energy and Powersource Energy Systems will merge this month to form Soltek Powersource Ltd, which they claim will supply more than half the domestic market for solar energy. The new company will have a staff of 50 at facilities in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary and Barrie, and will be Canadian distributors for Shell Solar and BP Solar modules.

Solar Car Wash Opens near Toronto
MARKHAM, Ontario, 2002-08-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) Forty solar thermal panels have been installed on the roof of a Sunoco car wash in Markham. It is the first of the oil company's 58 facilities in Ontario that may adapt solar technology if this site demonstrates benefits, say officials. It will reduce natural gas consumption by 16,000 m3 and carbon dioxide emissions by 30 tonnes a year.

Northern City to Study Solar Thermal in Arctic Applications
DAWSON, Yukon, 2002-08-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) The arctic city of Dawson will examine the feasibility of using solar thermal energy to heat municipal facilities, including a public swimming pool. It is one of four projects approved for funding under the latest round of GMEF funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Canada Ranks Second in Per Capita Global Emissions of CO2
CANBERRA, Australia, 2002-08-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada has the second-highest per capita emissions of greenhouse gases in the industrialized world, according to an Australian analysis. Every Canadian emits 22.2 tonnes of carbon equivalent a year, second only to Australians at 27.9, when fuel combustion, fugitive fuels, industrial processes and agriculture are included. Although average per capita emissions in industrialized nations declined by 14% between 1990 and 1999, they increased 13% in Canada and 4% in the U.S., the report calculates.

Canada's Interest in Wind Energy Continues to Climb
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ten weeks after NRCan announced it would support the installation of 1,000 MW of new wind energy capacity, 43 projects have been proposed for a total of 1,727 MW. The five-year Wind Power Production Incentive will provide $260 million at a declining subsidy of 1.2¢/kWh.

Sunoco To Open Largest Solar Thermal Car Wash in Canada
MARKHAM, Ontario, 2002-08-06 (canadian association for renewable energies) Sunoco will open its first solar thermal car wash near Toronto tomorrow that will be the largest in Canada. It was designed by Enermodal Engineering and installed by ARISE Technologies, with funding from NRCan’s Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative.

Western Wind Forms Eastern Subsidiary
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-08-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) Western Wind Energy has formed a subsidiary in New Brunswick, ‘Eastern Wind Power Inc,’ to pursue wind opportunities in New Brunswick. The company will install monitoring towers to verify existing wind data in the Atlantic provinces.

Government Cracks Down on Toxic Substances from Power Plants
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-03 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government will define particulate matter and ozone from combustion as 'toxic substances' under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Quebec and Newfoundland Agree on Hydroelectric Facility in Labrador
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, 2002-08-02 (canadian association for renewable energies) An information agreement has been reached between Quebec and Newfoundland on the 2,000 MW Gull Island facility, according to media reports. The estimated cost of the dam and transmission lines could reach C$4 billion and flood 85 km2 of Labrador.

Newfoundland Town Wants Wind Turbine
BURGEO, Newfoundland, 2002-08-02 (canadian association for renewable energies) The town of Burgeo wants to install a community wind turbine, says a CBC report, and has asked CHI Canada to recommend their community when it completes a feasibility study on wind energy for the province. Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro may approve a windfarm by 2003.

B.C. has Strong Potential for Wind Energy, but No Government Support
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-08-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) The coast of British Columbia has has enough onshore wind potential to become a major world player in wind production, says a report commissioned by Greenpeace and Living Oceans Society. Three small cities on the B.C. coast have enough wind potential to create 5,000 long-term jobs and millions of dollars in government revenue, with the potential to install 1,200 MW by 2011.

Marketing Assistance Available to Canada's Renewable Energy Sector
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) c.a.r.e. has launched a service to help solar and wind energy companies to produce news releases that will increase their corporate profile on industry developments.

Natural Gas Utility Buys Green Power for 13 Facilities across Saskatchewan
REGINA, Saskatchewan, 2002-08-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) SaskEnergy and TransGas will buy power from the SunBridge windfarm for 13 regional offices. SaskPower has been selling GreenPower to commercial customers since March, when the University of Regina signed up. The Cypress windfarm will begin generating this September. 

Engineering Society Concludes that Sustainable Energy is Needed
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-08-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) Although carbon fuels could satisfy the 600% increase in global energy demand expected this century, the environmental risk is too large to accept and a sustainable energy strategy must be developed, concludes the Canadian Academy of Engineering. Renewables currently provide "relatively small amounts of energy in Canada, but their potential is significant" and the learned society will release an assessment of renewables in a second phase of its report.

Ontario Power Generation to Explain Proposed Expansions at Two Small Hydro Sites
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-08-01 (canadian association for renewable energies) OPG will hold information sessions on August 7 and 8, to explain plans to increase the generating capacity at Healey Falls to 17.7 MW and at the McVittie site to 4.2 MW. Both facilities are certified under EcoLogo and the output is sold under the Evergreen brand. OPG will also commission a new 12 MW hydro facility on the English River by next fall.

Solar Panels Installed Along Oil Pipeline in Northern Canada
WAITSFIELD, Vermont, 2002-07-31 (canadian association for renewable energies) Northern Power Systems has installed 22 solar systems at key points along the 493-km Corridor Pipeline in northern Alberta. Fourteen grid-connected PV systems and eight diesel-PV hybrid systems will power block valve actuation for the pipeline that transports bitumen oil from the Athabasca Oil Sands Project.

Wind Association Launches New Internet Site
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-07-31 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian Wind Energy Association has updated its internet domain. The revised site offers an industry directory and other resources, and runs a live news feed from the c.a.r.e. site for domestic stories that are related to wind energy.

Company Predicts Millions of Dollars in Renewable Energy Sales
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Thermal Energy International says its new marketing strategy will realize $20 million in sales for its FLU-ACE unit, which it refers to as a 'renewable energy' product.

CIDA Funds Renewable Energy in Cuban Communities
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian International Development Agency will fund $800,000 for a three-year project to install wind turbines in eight communities in Cuba. An unsolicited proposal was signed with Suncurrent Industries to supply renewable energy to isolated areas of Cuba.

Ottawa Changes Rules to Benefit Wind Energy Industry
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government will change the income tax act to enhance incentives for renewable energy projects. The changes will allow the cost of a second test turbine under the Canadian Renewable & Conservation Expenses, and will allow companies to renounce CRCE to flow-through investors in favour of its application in a subsequent year. “I am confident that Canadians will support our efforts to encourage the production of more renewable energy in Canada,” says finance minister John Manley, who says the changes will ensure that renewable energy projects can raise financing in the same manner as non-renewables projects.

Folk Music Festival Uses Green Power
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-07-29 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Calgary Folk Music Festival is the first music festival in Canada to consume green power. ENMAX will donate 16,500 kWh, equivalent to the power consumed by the Festival for its operations, from the same wind turbines used by the GreenHosting site.

Canadian Company Supplies Storage for Wind Facility in Tasmania
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-07-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) Vanteck (VRB) Technology will provide energy storage for a windfarm at Hydro Tasmania's King Island Renewable Energy Expansion Project. The VRBPower unit can sustain output of 200 kW for four hours or 300 kW for five minutes, allowing time to start a diesel generator when the wind dies. The unit was chosen over lead acid batteries. 

Canada Backs Work on Renewables in Pacific Rim
MEXICO CITY, Mexico, 2002-07-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada “continues to fully support” the work of an APEC energy working group that is involved in R&D of renewable energy technology and the deployment of renewable energy technologies. It signed a declaration at the fifth meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation energy ministers. 

Ontario Starts Construction of its First Windfarm
KINCARDINE, Ontario, 2002-07-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) Five Vestas turbines will be installed this September at Ontario’s first commercial windfarm, with generation expected before the end of the year. Huron Wind, a partnership of British Energy and OPG, will install the 1.8 MW turbines next to the Bruce nuclear reactor.

BC Hydro Adds Second IPP Generator to its Grid
PORT ALICE, British Columbia, 2002-07-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro has connected the refurbished Raging River small hydro facility to the grid, to generate 13 GWh/a. Located on northern Vancouver Island, Raging River is the second IPP to sign a power purchase agreement under the utility’s plan to bring up to 20 IPPs on line. 

REDI Payments Show Increase in Financial Support
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government paid $1.8 million in financial incentives during the first four years of the Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative, a six-year program with a total budget of $24 million. According to data obtained by c.a.r.e. under the Access to Information Act, 92 facilities received funding, of which 11 received the maximum of $80k (the original maximum was $50k). Thirty-four grants were used to install solar air systems, 25 for solar water heaters, and 33 for biomass units (earth energy heat pumps do not receive an incentive). In the 1998-99 fiscal year, ten projects ($176k from REDI) were approved, which dropped to nine ($120k) the following year. In 2000-01, there were 24 projects ($327k) and 49 ($1.2 million) last year. By June, NRCan had paid $136k towards four projects this fiscal year and allocated another $1.1 million. Three federal departments, Enbridge Consumers Gas, ABB, Bombardier, Consoltex, ICP Global, Tapis Coronet and the city of Sudbury are some of the recipients. 

BC Hydro Reduces Spills at Two Dams
PEACE RIVER REGION, British Columbia, 2002-07-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) Lack of rainfall has forced BC Hydro to reduce spills at two of its hydroelectric facilities. The WAC Bennett and Peace Canyon Dams have combined capacity of 3,400 MW.

U.S. Railway Buys Solar Lights from Canadian Supplier
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-07-23 (canadian association for renewable energies) Union Pacific Railway of Nebraska has ordered $93,000 in solar-powered lights for the largest rail yard in North America. Carmanah Technologies will supply 350 units for blue flag protection purposes.

Initiative to Use National Associations as Delivery Mechanism for Renewable Energies
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-22 (canadian association for renewable energies) A new service will promote the value of renewables to associations across Canada. c.a.r.e. will link its members with associations that want to adopt renewables for electricity and space conditioning applications under its Associations & Climate Change program. The Canadian Association of Society Executives printed a feature article on `The Greening of Associations' in its latest magazine.

Solar Company says New Process will Slash Production Costs of PV Cells
CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, 2002-07-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Canadian government will invest $29.5 million in a process to produce solar PV cells. ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc will begin commercial production of its Spheral Solar(TM) Technology solar cells by late next year. It is building a 11,150 m2 automated facility that will manufacture PV cells which are comprised of thousands of tiny silicon beads bonded in an aluminum foil.

Canadian Activist Arrested in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines, 2002-07-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) A Canadian member of the environmental group Greenpeace was arrested for protesting a 1,200 MW coal power plant in Sual town of Pangasinan province in northern Philippines. Five activists want wind and solar power to be used for energy, instead of coal.

Manitoba Seeks Input on Ethanol Mandate
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-07-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) A three-person panel of the province of Manitoba will hold meetings to seek public comment on the use of ethanol as a renewable fuel. The Manitoba plan is similar to Saskatchewan, which announced in March a plan to increase ethanol.

Hearing Set for 80 MW Hydroelectric Project in Alberta
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-07-16 (canadian association for renewable energies) A hearing has been set in October to approve the proposed 80 MW Dunvegan hydroelectric project on Alberta’s Peace River. Canadian Hydro Developers wants to add the facility to its nine ‘run of river’ hydroelectric sites and three windfarms.

Environmental Groups Criticize Esso’s Lack of Support for Renewables
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-07-12 (canadian association for renewable energies) Five Canadian environmental groups have joined the global campaign to criticize Esso for its opposition to climate change measures and its lack of support for renewable energies. The David Suzuki Foundation, Friends of the Earth, Pembina Institute, Sierra Club and Toronto Environmental Alliance have joined Greenpeace in the StopEsso campaign. “Despite $15 billion in world profit, Esso is the only major oil company that invests nothing in renewable energy,” says John Bennett of Sierra Club.

BC Hydro Sells Wind Monitoring Tower for Telecom Use
ALERT BAY, British Columbia, 2002-07-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro has sold a 50 m wind monitoring tower on northern Vancouver Island to 'Namgis First Nation for use as a computer communications tower. The tower was erected two years ago as the utility’s first wind monitoring operation, but data showed the wind resource was not strong enough at that site.

Residential Resort to be First in B.C. to Use Earth Energy Only
WINFIELD, British Columbia, 2002-07-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) An Ontario company will construct a 147-unit resort near Kelowna that will rely exclusively on earth energy for heating and cooling. Earth Energy Utility Corp will finance the project at Emerald Beach Villas, using ground-coupled heat pumps to eliminate the need for natural gas.

British Columbia Passes Legislation to Regulate Geothermal Development
VICTORIA, British Columbia, 2002-07-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) The province of B.C. uses the Geothermal Resources Act to regulate development at Meager Mountain and Mount Cayley, the only sites in Canada with boreholes for power generation. The Act regulates water that reaches the surface at 80oC; it does not cover surface hot springs or earth energy heat pumps. The province owns all geothermal resources, and reminds surface property owners that they do not own underlying geothermal rights.

OPG Expands Green Power Hydro Capacity by 8.2 MW
NORTH BAY, Ontario, 2002-07-11 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario Power Generation will add new turbines to increase capacity at its Healey Falls hydroelectric plant on the Trent River to 17.7 MW, and its McVittie facility on the Wanapitei River to 4.2 MW. Work should be completed by early 2004 and both hydro sites are certified as green power under EcoLogo.

Calgary Company Completes Testing of PV Inverter for Fuel Cells
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-07-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) Sustainable Energy Technologies says it has finished testing its bi-directional 5 kW inverter for RWE Piller GmbH, which will be licensed for fuel cell applications of the unit. The inverter platform is designed for grid-connected solar PV applications.

Québec Funds Renewable Energy Projects
QUEBEC, Québec, 2002-07-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) The government of Québec funded more than $1 million for 15 projects in wind and solar energy last year. The ministry of energy funded eight wind projects for $544,00 and seven solar projects for $497,000, as well as $503,000 for three biomass and $1.8 million for 12 hydrogen projects.

Canadian Report Shows Strong Wind Potential in Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine, 2002-07-10 (canadian association for renewable energies) A report sponsored by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada says a 25 MW windfarm could be constructed along the Black Sea in Uzhny, 30 km from Odessa. The $21 million cost to install 43 Jacobs 600 kW turbines and $200,000 a year to maintain, would generate $2.5 million a year in revenue, excluding GHG credits under a JI project.

Québec Utility to Purchase 100 MW of Power from Windfarms
QUEBEC, Québec, 2002-07-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hydro Québec will purchase the output from 100 MW of wind energy capacity for the next decade, according to energy minister Rita Dionne-Marsolais. The provincial cabinet has adopted the utility’s strategic plan to 2006, which includes new initiatives to develop a wind industry. Hydro Québec wanted to buy 50-75 MW of wind by 2004, but Dionne-Marsolais increased the level to 100 MW per year.

Canadian Solar Company Sells PV Lights to Hong Kong Harbour
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-07-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) Carmanah Technologies has sold $50,000 of solar-powered LED marine navigation lights to the port of Hong Kong, and says its products will replace all current low range lighting at the harbour once performance of the initial units is proved. Carmanah recently sold $200,000 of solar lights to the Canadian Coast Guard.

Bioenergy Remains Economic Energy Option in Québec
QUEBEC, Québec, 2002-07-09 (canadian association for renewable energies) The use of bioenergy reduces power costs by 32-35%, according to the latest analysis from the government of Québec.

Government Asked to Undertake Comprehensive Analysis of Renewables in Canada
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government has been asked to undertake an immediate and comprehensive analysis of the capacity and potential of renewable energies in Canada. c.a.r.e. says NRCan should quantify the generation from wind, PV and small hydro facilities that are both grid and off-grid, as well as the space conditioning contribution from GreenHeat options. The lack of official data is “a glaring deficiency” in efforts to promote renewables and makes it impossible to benchmark the current level or track future outputs, both in terms of energy supply and GHG impacts. Ten-year and 25-year projections must be developed in a consolidated fashion, in consultation with the industry and subject to periodic open review, it proposes.

Renewable Energies Recommended in New Brunswick Deregulation Report
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, 2002-07-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) The province of New Brunswick should legislate net metering, renewable portfolio standards and energy efficiency programs when it introduces competition to its energy sector next year, according to the final report of the Market Design Committee. The report contains 95 recommendations, including that utilities be required to purchase electricity from embedded generators at avoided cost and that energy from facilities that receive an RPS credit cannot be offered as green power.

Renewables Sector Offered Input on Science & Technology Innovation Strategy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government is developing a strategy to position renewable energies to the year 2025 within the Innovation Strategy announced in February. The position will be based on input from a session on June 21 for renewables, and other industry stakeholders can provide input to the process via an online survey.

Renewable Energies Featured as Solutions to Canada’s GHG Emissions
EDMONTON, Alberta, 2002-07-08 (canadian association for renewable energies) An article on the ability of renewable energies to reduce GHG emissions in Canada has been printed in ‘GHG Solutions’ newsletter produced by the Environmental Services Association of Alberta. The cover story is an overview by c.a.r.e. Executive Director Bill Eggertson, with another story on the mitigation potential of earth energy installations.

Two Wind Turbines Announced for Nova Scotia
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, 2002-07-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) Nova Scotia Power will install the province’s first two commercial-size wind turbines in Little Brook (Digby County) and Grand Etang (Inverness County). The 600 kW turbines will be installed this fall.

BC Hydro Connects First Private Small Hydro Facility
VALEMOUNT, British Columbia, 2002-07-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) BC Hydro has connected its first green independent power producer to the grid. The 6 MW Hystad Creek run-of-river site is one of several green IPP projects that have signed purchase agreements with the utility, but is the first to be connected.

East-Coast Utility Expands Wind Monitoring Program
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, 2002-07-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) NB Power will assess the potential for wind energy at numerous sites around New Brunswick, in addition to its advanced monitoring at Lamèque. The utility will install monitoring stations next month in Dorchester and Amherst (shared with NS Power), and possibly in Escuminac/Baie St.-Anne, Sackville, Dorchester and Memramcook. NB Power is exploring renewable energy as part of its development plan, and was identified as a priority in the province’s energy policy.

Newfoundland Power Upgrades Hydroelectric Facility
ST JOHNS, Newfoundland, 2002-07-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) Newfoundland Power has started a $3 million upgrade to its hydroelectric facilities in Conception Bay. The penstock will be rebuilt and equipment replaced at Seal Cove, which displaces 16,000 barrels of oil a year.

Utility Offers Incentive for Using Solar or Wind to Pump Water for Livestock
REGINA, Saskatchewan, 2002-07-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) The electric utility in Saskatchewan will pay 50% of the costs above $500 (to $500 max) for a water pumping system that uses solar PV or wind. "Water is a major concern for raising livestock," says SaskPower. "Solar or wind-powered water pumps can offer an economical, safe, reliable and environmentally friendly alternative."

Renewable Energy Funding Goes to Fuel Cells
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) Solid oxide fuel cells have received funding under the Canada Foundation for Innovation renewable energy category. The University of Alberta received $283k for SOFC manufacturing and control, bringing to five the projects for renewable energy (BCIT received $140k in 1999 for its PV lab; UNB received $194k in 1999 to establish a test facility for wind and solar; UVic received $123k in 1999 for a facility for thermal radiation and energy conversion; and U of Saskatchewan received $142k in 2001 for infrastructure). CFI has funded 2,192 projects for a total of $1.8 billion.

Canadian Bank Funds U.S. Solar Company
NASHUA, New Hampshire, 2002-07-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Royal Bank of Canada has provided US$5 million of investment capital to GT Equipment Technologies, parent of PV manufacturer GT Solar. The money was provided by RBC's Energy Fund, which offers $100 million to companies in alternative power technology.

Support Renewables to Reduce Smog
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-07-05 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Ontario government must implement “tough new renewable energy, conservation and efficiency targets” to reduce smog in southern Ontario, says Marilyn Churley, deputy leader of the provincial NDP and the party's Environment Critic. "The NDP's plan for Accountable Public Power has a package of incentives that will ensure that when Ontario needs new power it will come from clean sources or be offset with conservation,” she says.

Applications Close Soon for Sustainable Funding
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) Applications will be accepted until July 24 for $100 million in funding for projects that involve technologies to address climate change and clean air. This is the second round of funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada, and it supports alternative energy, power generation, fuel cells, energy efficiency, building design, biomass, renewable fuels and conventional combustion technologies.

Interest in Domestic Windfarms may be Higher than Government could Support
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canadian companies have expressed interest in building more wind energy capacity than the federal government could incent under its five-year production credit. In the first month following announcement of the $260 million Wind Power Production Incentive, NRCan received 23 letters of intent to install a potential of 1,050 MW, including a 200 MW windfarm in Ontario and smaller facilities in Quebec, BC and Alberta. WPPI will fund up to 1,000 MW of new capacity with a declining subsidy of 1.2¢/kWh.

OPG Prefers Carbon Sequestration to Renewables
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-07-04 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario Power Generation will purchase 9 megatonnes of carbon emission credits from geological sequestration projects in Texas, Wyoming and Mississippi. The utility says GHG reductions could come from more green power sources but it purchased 10 MT of emission credits last year.

Associations Receive $1.4 Million from Federal Renewable Energy Program
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-07-03 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government has awarded $1.4 million over the past four years under its Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative to domestic associations, according to data obtained by c.a.r.e. under Access to Information Act.  FCM received $290k; CanSIA rec'd $206k; Cdn Electricity Assn rec'd $150k; LEAP rec'd $150k; Arctic Energy Alliance rec'd $130k; Yukon Energy Solutions rec'd $120k; Earth Energy Society rec'd $105k; Energie Solaire Québec rec'd $70k; SESCI rec'd $52k; Hearth Products Assn rec'd $28k; and the balance went in small contracts. REDI is a $24 million six-year program to stimulate the market for solar thermal water and air heating, biomass and earth energy systems, and recently expanded to include green power technologies.

Solar Cars Featured at 2002 Clean Air Commute Week
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-07-03 (canadian association for renewable energies) PV-powered cars from Queen's University, McMaster University and the University of Waterloo participated in Toronto's first solar car ‘clean air commute’ through downtown Toronto, from OPG offices on University to Unilever Canada on Bloor East. The event was started ten years ago by Pollution Probe, to raise public awareness about environmental and health concerns of automobile emissions.

Small Chance for Renewables to Meet Federal Emission Targets, says Utility
REGINA, Saskatchewan, 2002-07-02 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada would need to install 7,600 MW of zero-emission generating capacity within eight years if it wants to meet its goal of displacing GHG emissions, according to the provincial utility in Saskatchewan. A federal paper assumes that new green power facilities will reduce emissions by 13 megatonnes by 2010, but SaskPower says that goal would require 7,600 MW of capacity, well above the current national wind total of 207 MW. The utility says its estimate is based on performance of its 11 MW SunBridge windfarm and expectations for the 5.9 MW Cypress windfarm it is building now.

Limited Partnership Offers $75 Million for Renewables
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-07-02 (canadian association for renewable energies) NCE Resources Group has filed a final prospectus for a $75 million flow-through investment fund with criteria that allow shares in renewable energy companies.

Renewables Should Receive Federal Support Based on Weighted Benefits
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-30 (canadian association for renewable energies) Any renewable energy technology that offers environmental benefits and is cost-effective on lifecycle costs, should receive priority consideration as a Targeted Measure under the federal climate change program, suggest c.a.r.e.  Additional weighting should be given to technologies that are adaptable to all regions of Canada and which enhance domestic economic development of a sustainable nature.

Canada Sees “Tremendous Potential” for Renewable Energies in Japan
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government says Canadian renewable energy companies are “well-positioned” to take advantage of market opportunities in Japan for new energy technologies. Although automotive fuel cells are most important, DFAIT says Canada’s expertise includes wind, PV power and solar walls for preheating. Japan's energy policies reflect a strong commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, and that country will increase the proportion of renewable energy by 600% by 2010.

First Windfarm Officially Opens on Canada’s Prairies
GULL LAKE, Saskatchewan, 2002-06-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) The $22 million SunBridge windfarm has been officially opened 300 km west of Regina, although the 17 turbines have been generating since February. The 11 MW project is a partnership between Enbridge and Suncor Energy, and output is purchased by SaskPower under a ten-year $12.4 million federal commitment to support green power in Saskatchewan. SunBridge will provide 6% of Canada's total wind energy and will reduce CO2 emissions by 32,000 tonnes a year.

Hydropower Needs Government Help to Reduce GHG Emissions
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) It is essential that hydropower development be accelerated through the removal of federal and provincial barriers if Canada is to reduce its GHG emissions, according to the Canadian Hydropower Association. If Canada wants to meet its Kyoto objectives, the federal government “should not only encourage but also ensure the development of hydropower.”

Lung Association says Renewables Should Receive R&D Support
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, 2002-06-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government should place a premium on research of renewable energy technologies in order to reduce the risks associated with GHG emissions and climate change, according to the New Brunswick Lung Association. “The status quo is the problem and Canada should attempt to reduce its reliance on the original sources of the climate change problem” and government must foster job creation in fields that build national capacity to address climate change.

Renewables Should be Cornerstone of BC Energy Policy, says DSF
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-28 (canadian association for renewable energies) The government of British Columbia should promote renewables for the price stability, pollution reduction and new jobs they create, says the David Suzuki Foundation. It wants BC to open its energy policy review to the public so citizens can see if recommendations of the provincial task force meet those goals. The final report has been delayed until September, but interim recommendations called for new coal and gas-fired projects.

Wind Turbines Planned for Estonia and Northern Canada
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-27 (canadian association for renewable energies) Secureview Systems will purchase Estwind Energy and install six Vestas turbines in Estonia, after which it will install more windfarms in eastern Europe and then in northern Canada. The Vancouver firm may change its name to reflect its new focus on wind energy.

G8 Leaders Should Use Renewable Energies to Support Africa
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-27 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada could adopt the Kyoto Protocol and use it to assist developing nations with renewable energy projects, says the David Suzuki Foundation, rather than seeking credits for exporting natural gas to the U.S. The meeting of G8 leaders in Alberta should include Kyoto as part of their approach to help Africa, and climate change should be “a critical consideration in any G8 discussion about sustainable development.” Of the G8 nations, only Canada and the U.S. have not ratified the agreement.

Increase Incentive for Wind and Expand to Other Technologies, says Coalition
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-27 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government should more than quadruple its incentive for wind energy production and should also provide financial support to solar PV, biomass, wave, tidal and small hydro facilities, according to the Clean Air Renewable Energy Coalition. The Wind Power Production Incentive provides 1.2¢/kWh, but its after-tax market value is 0.6¢ and the Coalition says it should be raised to 2.7¢ and should escalate (instead of decline) to “ensure appropriate investment in wind energy and to match the U.S. Production Tax Credit equivalent.” It told the climate change consultations that renewable energy should be eligible for offsets within any domestic emission trading regime developed in Canada.

Renewable Energies Receive 4% of Federal Climate Change Projects
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-26 (canadian association for renewable energies) Twelve renewable energy activities have been funded from the 281 approved projects of the federal Climate Change Action Fund, created in 1998 to fund reductions in GHG emissions with an annual budget of $50 million. Renewables received $9 million in the first three years, $7 million of which is for two projects alone:

• Ethanol from Biomass, Iogen, to develop a process to produce ethanol from biomass waste. CCAF funded $5,000k; Industry Canada funded $5,000k (repayable).
• Photovoltaic Module Production Lines for Export, ATS, to develop assembly lines to produce PV panels in China. CCAF funded $1,942k; NRCan funded $50k.
• Partners for Climate Protection, FCM, to remove barriers to GHG reductions in 63 municipalities. CCAF funded $789k over three years.
• Sudbury District Energy Project, to install a single heating and cooling system in the downtown core using biomass and other fuels. CCAF funded $500k.
• Green Power Turbine Project, TREC, to install two windmills in a downtown urban setting. CCAF funded $330k; Environment Canada funded $99k.
• Building Integrated Photovoltaics Demonstration, BCIT, to demonstrate the use of BIPV technology to generate electricity for commercial and residential buildings. CCAF funded $110k; CMHC funded $30k; Environment Canada funded $10k.
• La caravane de l’efficacité énergétique, Centre de formation en entreprise et récupération, to establish three information booths to describe energies and to promote  renewables. CCAF funded $76k over three years.
• Nova Scotia Wind Energy Project, Dalhousie U, to show that wind can mitigate climate change. CCAF funded $50k.
• Climate Works, Environmental Youth Alliance, to employ 20 people to create six green energy solution models for sites in Vancouver. CCAF funded $50k.
• Energy Efficiency Caravan, Réseau québecois des CFER, to run energy efficiency caravans in eight Quebec regions to explain how to use energy wisely. CCAF funded $50k.
• Building Public Awareness for Green Electricity Choices, FOE, develop a buyer's guide to support green power purchases in Ontario and Alberta. CCAF funded $47k.
• Catch the Wind, TREC, to research and implement a social marketing campaign for TREC’s Cooperative that will sell wind energy. CCAF funded $30k.

Federal Government Refuses to Use Green Power for World Summit
KANANASKIS, Alberta, 2002-06-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government will not use renewable energy at the G8 summit. It has imposed ‘Green Meeting Initiatives’ to control the environmental stewardship of hotels and to reduce environmental impacts from food preparation, but it will not purchase electricity from green power sites in the province. At the April meeting of G8 environment ministers in Banff, Environment Canada purchased offsetting GHG emission reductions from a renewable energy project in Brazil.

Germany Does Not Receive GHG Credit for Wind Technology Used in Canada
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-25 (canadian association for renewable energies) Clean energy credits would not reduce GHG emissions and would only lower U.S. energy prices and make renewable energy less competitive, according to West Coast Environmental Law. Germany exports wind turbine technology to Canada but does not receive emission credits, and Canada should drop its demand for 70 megatonne of credits for selling natural gas to the U.S. WCEL says GHG reductions of 50% are needed globally to avert the worst of climate change and the Kyoto protocol can be implemented “without significant impacts on the Canadian economy.”

Business Council Supports Renewables in its Proposed Strategy on GHG Emissions
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-24 (canadian association for renewable energies) One of Canada’s largest business lobby groups has called for government to increase the share of renewable energy by offering tax credits or other incentives. New public investments in renewables could be “potentially substantial,” says the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (formerly called BCNI) in its strategy ‘Kyoto Protocol Revisited,' and warns that “higher spending on environmental measures may reduce the ability of governments to address growing needs in other areas such as health care and education.”

Greenpeace to Promote Renewable Energies to World Leaders in Kananaskis
KANANASKIS, Alberta, 2002-06-21 (canadian association for renewable energies) The need for a commitment to renewable energies will be a focus for Greenpeace at the G8 summit in Alberta. “The time is ripe for the G8 to lead the world in making a global transition to renewable energy,” and it notes that a G8 Task Force (c.a.r.e.'s Bill Eggertson was a member of the advisory group) called last year for renewables to serve one billion people within a decade. Greenpeace is calling on the G8 to “commit to a project that will kick-start the necessary revolution in renewable energy by placing the interests of real people and the planet before the interests of big oil.”

Toronto to Use Lake Water for Downtown Cooling
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) A $180 million project will provide buildings in downtown Toronto with cooling from Lake Ontario. Enwave District Energy will use cold lake water to provide air conditioning, and has partnered with the Lung Association to raise awareness of the environmental benefits. The Deep Lake Water Cooling Solutions “will be the largest lake water cooling service in the world” and will reduce cooling demand by 40%. By 2004, it expects to produce 52,000 tons of cooling per hour, enough for 100 office towers.

“Too Simplistic” to Increase Use of Renewable Energies, says Utility
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ontario Power Generation wants to become a sustainable energy company, but it is “too simplistic” to rely on renewable energy sources, according to the utility’s vice president of sustainable development. While the environmental dimension is critical, Helen Howes says SD involves broader corporate responsibilities to employees and customers. In a progress report on SD, she says OPG will continue to manage hydroelectric, nuclear and fossil fuel facilities, “with an increasing amount of green power.”

Renewables Industry to Provide Direction on Innovation Funding
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-20 (canadian association for renewable energies) The renewable energy sector has been asked to suggest its role in the federal Innovation Strategy that will determine where funding resources should be focussed. “Further investments in S&T in renewable energy technologies can assist in increasing the share of these technologies in Canada’s energy supply and make them more competitive under current market conditions," says a document prepared for an industry consultation. It says wind could generate 56% of Canada’s electricity, while advances in solar thermal have led to a “significant and immediate potential” to heat water and reduce CO2 emissions.

North American Environment Ministers Support Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Environment ministers from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will support further analysis on the environmental aspects of renewable energy markets, including the commercialization of emerging renewable low-impact energy technologies. At the CEC annual meeting, the ministers also pledged to examine transmission and distribution of green power and to continue work on renewable energy, including the technical basis of renewable energy definitions. 

New Windfarms Open in Alberta
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canadian Hydro Developers has commissioned 26 MW of new wind capacity at its Cowley North and Sinnott windfarms near Pincher Creek. Construction of the 20 Nordex turbines  took nine months and boosts the company’s total wind capacity to 47.4 MW. Premier Ralph Klein was one of the dignitaries attending the ceremony.

Canadian Analysis Shows Large Potential for Renewables in India
NEW DELHI, India, 2002-06-19 (canadian association for renewable energies) There are “tremendous CDM opportunity in India, particularly for renewable energy projects,” says an analysis from Canada's CDM & JI Office. A workshop by DFAIT says opportunities include solar PV, wind power for MW-size systems, small hydro, and decentralized electricity including renewable energy-based localized grids for 18,000 remote villages. India has targeted 10,000 MW of rural electrification from renewables by 2012.

Small Wind Turbines Being Tested at PEI Site
NORTH CAPE, Prince Edward Island, 2002-06-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) Two small Vergnet-Canada wind turbines will be tested at the Atlantic Wind Testing Site to fill “an important niche” of reducing GHG emissions by 50%  and reducing costs by 20% below imported turbines, say officials of NRCan and Environment Canada. The federal government will contribute $1 million to testing, as well as $270,000 a year for AWTS, and Vergnet will supply a 10 kW and a 60 kW turbine engineered with Canadian components to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to +40oC.

PV Panels Installed on Tallest Tower in the World
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) Ten PV panels have been installed at the top of the CN Tower, with funding from NRCan's TEAM. The 1 kW system was provided by ATS Automation Tooling Systems and the panels are mounted at the 400 m elevation. The inverter and monitoring meters are located in the public viewing area of the Look Out Level, where up to 13,000 visitors a day are exposed to the system.

Ontario Budget Provides Tax Rebate for Renewable Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) The Ontario government will provide a sales tax rebate for sport utility vehicles and trucks equipped with hybrid electric technology. Its budget also proposes an exemption from the 14.3¢/litre fuel tax for biodiesel fuels. It claims that air quality will improve as a result of the province’s deregulated electricity market which allows consumers to choose electricity from renewable energy sources.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells are Zero-Emission when Produced from Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) The federal government has noted that fuel cells are zero emission only when hydrogen is produced from renewable energy. A Ford Focus Fuel-Cell Vehicle, powered by a Ballard fuel cell, is driving across Canada from the World Hydrogen Conference in Montréal. Most current fuel cells use hydrocarbons but are perceived as a non-emission energy technology.

Nuclear Beats Renewables in GHG Emissions, say Data Filed During Consultations
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-18 (canadian association for renewable energies) Nuclear reactors emit less GHG than solar or wind energy facilities, according to documents filed in the consultation process on the Environment Canada guideline on ‘Renewable Low-impact Electricity.’ Nuclear releases 2-59 kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent per TWh of generation, while wind releases 7-124 and solar releases 13-731 kT, says material filed with TerraChoice Environmental. Solar has the lowest energy payback at 1-14, while wind was 5-39 and nuclear was 5-107.  TerraChoice has sent revisions to Environment Canada, which will release the final legal definition after it reviews the material.

Expert Advisory Group of NAFTA Calls for Support of Renewable Energies
MONTREAL, Quebec, 2002-06-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) Canada, Mexico and the U.S. must develop a carbon emissions trading regime to address climate change and to promote renewable energy, according to a NAFTA advisory group. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation urges governments in North America to “promote the development and use of renewable energy through increased market-based incentives and funding." The report, ‘Environmental Challenges & Opportunities of the Evolving North American Electricity Market,’ examines how electricity can be affordable and abundant without compromising environmental and health objectives under an integrated continental electricity market.

Canadian Firm Installing Wind Energy Project in Cuba
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) Suncurrent Industries will install Canadian wind energy technology in rural areas of Cuba in the first recognized CDM project where GHG emissions will be monitored, verified and certified as emission reduction credits. The Alberta firm is working with CIDA to install wind-water pumpers and wind electric hybrid systems in Camaguey and Santiago de Cuba Provinces. Northern coastal regions of Cuba can yield capacity factors of 28% for large wind turbines.

Hydroelectric Sites Have Significant Damage on Climate Change
BERKELEY, California, 2002-06-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) Hydroelectric dams are a significant source of GHG emissions and may be worse than coal plants, according to the International Rivers Network. A study from the Université de Québec says reservoir emissions could increase Canada's GHG output from electricity by 17% if those emissions were counted. Hydro facilities in Canada emit 10 to 200 grams of CO2e per kWh of generation, compared with 430 to 635 g/kWh for natural gas cogen sites and 7 to 40 g/kWh from wind turbines.

OPG Should Pursue Renewables Rather than Export Coal Power
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) Electric utilities in Ontario should focus on renewable energy, efficiency and gas-fired generation for future business, says the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, rather than exporting power from five thermal plants to the United States. OPG wants to install a 975 MW submarine cable under Lake Erie to export coal-fired production, rather than phasing it out as nuclear reactors are re-commissioned.

Toronto Residents Want Renewables to Combat Smog
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-17 (canadian association for renewable energies) A series of citizens meetings in the Greater Toronto Area has recommended support for renewable energy as a method to curb smog emissions. Five hundred people participated in six fora that ended last week, and the findings will be presented as a ‘Citizens' Declaration on Clean Air’ at the third annual Smog Summit on June 21. Other solutions included ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, better funding for transit, taxes on SUVs, full-cost accounting, and incentives for less use of energy.

Oil Companies Must Switch to Renewables Now, says Greenpeace
HAMBURG, Germany, 2002-06-14 (canadian association for renewable energies) Oil companies can become economically profitable in the long term if they invest now in renewable energy, according to a study commissioned by Greenpeace. Multinational oil corporations must assume responsibility for global climate protection and replace 5% of oil consumption with renewable energy by 2012, compared with 1990 emissions. A ten-year development program would require an investment of US$56 to $143 billion, to yield 16,700 MW of wind capacity, 9,800 MW of solar (including 1,800 MW of PV), 4,000 MW of biomass and 20 million square meters of collectors.

Groups Combine to Commercialize Process for Solar PV Technologies
WATERLOO, Ontario, 2002-06-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). Three groups in Ontario have launched a research initiative to develop a new generation of solar electric products. Materials & Manufacturing Ontario, the University of Toronto and ARISE Technologies say a new process to manufacture PV panels, ‘DC Saddle-Field Thin Film Deposition,’ will lower the cost and increase performance compared with traditional technologies.

Kyoto is Good for Canada’s Economy, say Pembina Institute / CANet
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol would benefit Canada’s competitiveness, not hurt it, because it would stimulate efficiency, innovation and business opportunities. The Pembina Institute says renewable energy quotas, emissions trading systems and efficiency standards are all “competitiveness-friendly” because they let the marketplace decide how to meet environmental objectives. Under Kyoto, investment in windpower facilities in Canada could be worth $6.5 billion by 2010, it explains.

Canadian Solar Energy Company Files $3 Million IPO
KITCHENER, Ontario, 2002-06-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). ARISE Technologies has filed a final prospectus with regulatory authorities in Ontario, BC and Alberta to raise $3 million in an initial public offering.

Whitehorse has Two Wind Turbines while Toronto Has None Yet, says Greenpeace
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). Ontario is behind other provinces in generating electricity from wind, with only three turbines compared with 163 in Alberta and 138 in Quebec, and 350 planned in BC, says Greenpeace. The group says power generation should be not be privatized so coal and nuclear plants can be shut down in favour of clean energy.

Wind Energy Company Receives Environmental Award in Alberta
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). Vision Quest Windelectric has received an award from the Alberta Emerald Foundation for Environmental Excellence for its part in the ‘Ride the Wind’ project that powers the light rail transit system for Calgary Transit. VQW generates 26 million kWh a year from turbines to operate the LRT system, which is the first public transportation system in North America to be wind powered.

Electric Utilities Recommend Major Support for Renewables
PARIS, France, 2002-06-13 (canadian association for renewable energies). A report prepared by Hydro-Quebec, Ontario Power Generation and other utilities for the United Nations Environment Programme, calls for an institutional framework to promote construction of wind, solar, hydro, biomass and geothermal facilities with tax credits. The World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg should deliver a deal to promote global access to energy including special initiatives for promoting renewable energy, says the E7, and utilities should identify opportunities to advance renewable technologies. The Summit should foster innovative financing options that maximize opportunities for renewables projects and consider the option of loans for renewable energy projects.

Canadian Inverter Claims 93% Conversion Efficiency
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-13 (canadian association for renewable energies). A 5 kW power inverter developed by Sustainable Energy surpassed 93% efficiency across a full power range, according to testing by Sandia National Laboratories. Officials of the Calgary company say other inverters have high peak efficiencies, but that drops rapidly as the load increases beyond 20% of full load. Full load efficiency is important because most of an inverter's energy transfer occurs at higher power levels.

New Brunswick Studying Sites for Wind Power
SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick, 2002-06-12 (canadian association for renewable energies). NB Power is studying four possible locations for a windfarm in the province, as part of its efforts to supplement output from the Point Lepreau nuclear reactor. The utility may spend $845 million to extend the life of the reactor.

Alberta Opens Office To Fight Climate Change
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-12 (canadian association for renewable energies). The government of Alberta will spend $250,000 to establish a one-stop office for information about energy efficiency and conservation. Climate Change Central will be launched today, featuring innovative actions such as the solar retrofit on bus barns in the city Calgary.

Canada’s Kyoto Compromise Can Hurt Renewables, says Suzuki
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-11 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada’s plan to obtain credit for exporting natural gas and hydroelectricity will help to keep renewable energy out of the market, according to the David Suzuki Foundation. The export of cheap fossil fuels prevent the use of renewables and energy efficiency practices, and the group suggests that countries whose exports hinder renewables should be penalized for such exports.

Federal Government Welcomes Green Power Initiative in Ontario
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-11 (canadian association for renewable energies). Energy minister Herb Dhaliwal and environment minister David Anderson applaud the Green Electricity Leaders' Coalition of Ontario to promote green power for commercial customers. The initiative was launched by Friends of the Earth, which was funded to produce a Green Electricity Buyers' Guide.

Federal Government Expects Green Power to Plummet this Decade
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada expects generation of electricity from renewable energy to drop by two-thirds this decade, according to a North American Energy Working Group created by ministers from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Generation from non-hydro renewables in Canada grew from 2 TWh in 1990 to 6 TWh in 2000, but will drop to 2 TWh in 2010. Generation continues to increase in the other NAFTA countries, and there is no indication why renewables are expected to decline in Canada.

Toronto Hydro to Purchase 25% of its own Consumption from Green Power
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). Toronto Hydro-Electric System will purchase 2,000 MWh of electricity from renewables, starting with output from the wind turbine currently under construction on Toronto’s waterfront Exhibition Place. THES becomes the first municipal distribution utility in Ontario to commit to purchasing 25% of its internal need from green power.

DuPont Canada to Obtain Electricity from Renewables
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, 2002-06-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). DuPont Canada will source 10% of its energy from renewable energy sources, to support its parent company commitment to obtain green power by 2010. DuPont Canada has joined the Green Electricity Leaders Coalition of Ontario to work with VisionQuest, Suncor, and OPG to explore use of renewables.

IEA Recommends Greater Use of Renewable Energy
PARIS, France, 2002-06-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). The International Energy Agency says barriers to the greater use of renewable energy will stop the world from adopting a sustainable energy path. There are 25 recommendations in its report, 'Toward Solutions: Sustainable Development in the Energy Sector,' which is IEA's contribution to the World Summit this August in Johannesburg. Demand for fossil fuels is expected to increase 57% over the next 20 years, and will exert "enormous pressure on the global environment" and barriers to the deployment of renewable energy technologies point to a need for countries to do more, it says.

Most Canadians Support Kyoto: Poll
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). More than two-thirds of Canadians support ratification of the Kyoto protocol, according to a national survey by EKOS for CBC, the Toronto Star and La Presse. Respondents do not think that signing the international agreement on climate change will have a disastrous effect on Canada’s economy. Canada needs to reduce emissions by 20% within six years, and is holding consultations to discuss four options, one of which involves the increased use of renewables.

Canadian Company to Link Fuel Cell with PV
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). Whistler Inc will integrate its fuel cell in a 1,300 unit subdivision in New Mexico where Viable International Technology Associates will install its PV Energy Management Smart Systems to allow a closed looped renewable energy producing system for day and night.

Wind and PV are Highlights of Electric Utility’s Past Year
REGINA, Saskatchewan, 2002-06-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). Development of a windfarm and a solar PV project were two of the highlights of the 2001 Environment Review issued by SaskPower. The 5.3 MW wind project will be operational by August, and the utility installed a solar demonstration project at the Saskatchewan Science Centre.

Canadian Firm to Offer Private Placement
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). Western Wind Energy will offer a private placement of 1 to 2 million units at $1 per unit, to raise money for pre-development costs including site work, permitting and working capital.

Second Arctic Utility Criticizes Problems with Wind Energy
IQALUIT, Nunavut, 2002-06-07 (canadian association for renewable energies). An electric utility in the Arctic says its three wind turbines “do not operate reliably in cold weather” and need more attention from southern suppliers. Nunavut Power says the economics need to “dramatically improve” before wind can be a viable source, and customers must be willing to pay a premium for green power. An analysis says two 80 kW units “could provide up to 60% of the communities generation at some time of the day.” Last year, Northwest Territories Power said wind energy was not suitable for Arctic conditions.

Canada Needs Strategy to Protect its Leadership Position in Fuel Cells
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-07 (canadian association for renewable energies). Governments in Canada have invested $150 million in fuel cells during the past 20 years, but the leadership position could be lost unless a strategic partnership with industry is implemented quickly. The U.S. and Japan are focused on the economic benefits of fuel cells and hydrogen, according to a report from Fuel Cells Canada and PricewaterhouseCoopers, and fuel cells will be worth $46 billion worldwide by 2011.

Electricity Association Backs Wind Power
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-06-06 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Canadian Electricity Association supports development of wind energy and other emerging technologies to address climate change. Kyoto would be very difficult to implement under federal proposals, and CEA wants a ‘made-in-Canada’ approach that provides incentives now to slow GHG growth and creates the right conditions for expanding nuclear power and clean coal technologies.

Toronto Starts Construction of First Wind Turbine
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-06 (canadian association for renewable energies). The 6,000 kg anchor for the first downtown wind turbine in Canada will be poured with cement on June 7. The steel anchor will hold the $1.2 million Lagerwey turbine from Holland in place when it is delivered later this year. The pouring ceremony will include the first lease payment from the Toronto Hydro Energy Services and the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative to CNE Exhibition Place.

Bids to Close in Nova Scotia for Wind Power Proposals
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, 2002-06-06 (canadian association for renewable energies). Developers must submit proposals by mid-June to generate 100 million kWh of electricity from windfarms. Nova Scotia Power issued a RFP in May, following pre-qualification last year. NSP is looking at options to develop another 70 million kWh from wind, existing hydro or other renewables.

Ontario Committee wants RPS, SBC and Tax Exemptions for Renewables
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-05 (canadian association for renewable energies). A provincial committee has recommended that Ontario enact a Renewable Portfolio Standard and give rebates for the installation of solar panels on 100,000 homes. The Select Committee on Alternative Fuel Sources says renewables can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and its final report contains 141 recommendations to formulate an alternative energy strategy. It calls for specific funding and tax provisions, such as exemption of wind turbines and PV panels from property assessment, and a Systems Benefits Charge to fund renewables programs. It wants net metering and the elimination of carbon-based electricity generation by 2015, as well as new conservation and energy efficiency standards, aggressive government procurement incentives and targets to use renewable energies.

Renewable Energy Purchased by Financial Institution
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-06-05 (canadian association for renewable energies). The RBC Financial Group will purchase certified green power from Ontario Power Generation, and reduce its annual GHG emissions by 890 tonnes. OPG’s Green Power comes from facilities that are certified by EcoLogo (or equivalent), and the company plans to expand to 2% of production output by 2005.

Government Extends Research on BioFuel
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-05 (canadian association for renewable energies). The federal government has extended a $8 million research agreement with DynaMotive Energy Systems to continue development of a fast pyrolysis technology to convert forestry and agricultural residues into a renewable fuel.

Canadian Company Licenses Inverter to German Electronics Firm
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-04 (canadian association for renewable energies). Sustainable Energy Technologies will license its inverter technology to RWE Piller GmbH for applications using the Nuvera fuel cell system. Several prototypes will be delivered this month on the same platform used for grid-connected and off-grid solar PV markets. SET claims its inverter offers an average conversion efficiency of 93% through full load.

Electric Utilities Generate 3.4 Million Tonne of Toxic Pollutants
MONTREAL, Québec, 2002-06-04 (canadian association for renewable energies). Electric utilities, factories and coal mines produced 3.4 million tonnes of toxic chemical waste in Canada and the U.S. in 1999, according to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Releases to the air dropped, while releases to the land increased. Electrical utilities are the largest source, at 450,000 tonnes.

Global Conference to Highlight Hydrogen
MONTREAL, Québec, 2002-06-04 (canadian association for renewable energies). The 14th World Energy Conference will be held in Montreal from June 9 to 13, under the theme ‘The Hydrogen Planet.’ It anticipates 1,200 participants and is organized by the Canadian Hydrogen Association, National Hydrogen Association (US) and International Association for Hydrogen Energy.

Renewables Subsidiary Raises Money for Oil Sands Project
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-04 (canadian association for renewable energies). OPTI Canada, a subsidiary of the ORMAT geothermal giant, has raised $90 million in a private placement to produce 70,000 bbd of oil from its Long Lake Project near Fort McMurray.

National Municipal Award Recognizes Earth Energy System
HAMILTON, Ontario, 2002-06.03 (canadian association for renewable energies). An earth energy system in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, has received the renewable energy award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and CH2M HILL. The unit saves money at the town’s swimming pool and creates a zero-emissions heating system.

Canadian Hydroelectric Group Buys Facilities in New Hampshire
MASSON-ANGERS, Quebec, 2002-06-03 (canadian association for renewable energies). Great Lakes Hydro Income Fund has spent US$31.5 million to purchase 31 MW of hydro capacity at six facilities in New Hampshire. The acquisition expands the Fund's generation facilities to 21 hydroelectric stations in Ontario, Quebec, BC, Maine and New Hampshire, with total installed capacity of 965 MW.

BC Utility Calls for Customer Power Generation
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-06-03 (canadian association for renewable energies). BC Hydro wants customer-based generation facilities to provide 800 GWh of power by November 2005. There is a ceiling price of $49 per MWh, with a premium for green energy. Projects must use “proven” technologies that are in current commercial use in at least three facilities.

Federal Agency to Review Environmental Effects of Gas Generation
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-06-03 (canadian association for renewable energies). A federal review of a pipeline to Vancouver Island will consider the environmental impacts of burning natural gas to generate electricity. BC Hydro wants to pipe gas across the Georgia Strait, but environmentalists want the utility’s 20 MW Vancouver Island Green Energy Demonstration Project (10 MW of wind turbines, 9 MW of micro-hydro and 4 MW of ocean wave energy) to help meet demand.

Europe Unanimously Ratifies Kyoto Protocol
NEW YORK, New York, 2002-06-02 (canadian association for renewable energies). Fifteen nations in Europe have ratified the Kyoto Protocol at a ceremony at the United Nations: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the European Community. Government statements indicate that Canada may be changing its commitment to ratify the global treaty to control GHG emissions.

CMHC Studies Small PV and Wind Turbines in Housing
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-30 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp will provide up to $20,000 for a study on small-scale renewable energy production and net metering policies. The work by ABRI Sustainable Design of Newport, NS, will examine the experience of PV installations under 10 kW, wind turbines under 100 kW and microhydro installations up to 100 kW capacity.

IPO Offers $75 Million for Renewable Energy Firms
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-05-30 (canadian association for renewable energies). Middlefield Group will launch an initial public offering of $75 million for companies involved in development of renewable energy, oil, gas and mining in Canada. MRF 2002 Limited Partnership has been formed to invest in flow-through common shares, to provide 100% deductibility of investments in 2002.

Wind Power Could Generate 12% of Global Electricity by 2020
BALI, Indonesia, 2002-05-29 (canadian association for renewable energies). Wind energy could provide 12% of the world’s power if there were not a lack of political will, according to Greenpeace and the European Wind Energy Association. “The only barrier is political blindness and a woeful ignorance of what wind power can deliver,” and governments must stop “their perverse subsidies to fossil fuels and nuclear power” which they estimate at $250 to $300 billion a year. By 2020, wind power could create 1.475 million jobs and displace the emission of 11,768 megatonne of CO2, they add.

Arctic Hydroelectric Facility to be Re-licenced after Review
WHITEHORSE, Yukon, 2002-05-29 (canadian association for renewable energies). Yukon Energy is nearing the end of a $5 million, eleven-year review of a licence for the Aishihik hydroelectric facility on Aishihik and Canyon Lakes. The facility was built in 1975 and its current license expires this September; the utility wants to increase storage and add a third turbine of 7 MW in future.

Biofuel Group Warns that Canada Dropping Behind U.S.
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-05-29 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association wants government to develop a national strategy that includes a Renewable Fuels mandate, and is seeking a tax credit of 2¢ per litre to encourage greater use of ethanol by oil companies. Ethanol production records are being set in the U.S., but a potential of 300 million litres in Canada may never develop due to obstacles.

Toronto Agency to Run its Diesel Vehicles on Biodiesel
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-05-29 (canadian association for renewable energies). Toronto Hydro-Electric System expects to use soybean fuel to run 400 of its diesel-powered vehicles by July. Presently, 80 THES vehicles use the vegetable-based biodiesel.

Ontario Preparing to Table Report on Renewable Energies
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-05-28 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Select Committee on Alternative Fuel Sources is expected to table its report in the provincial legislature by June 6. Its mandate was to report before the end of May, but chairman Doug Galt is expected to seek a one-week delay. The committee will recommend ways to support the development and application of “environmentally friendly, sustainable alternatives” to fossil fuels.

Nuclear Wants to be Included as a Renewable Energy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-28 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Canadian Nuclear Association wants the federal government to expand the definition of renewable energy to include nuclear. In comments to Environment Canada’s March consultations on ‘renewable low-impact electricity,’ CNA says eligibility guidelines should focus "on environmental costs and benefits of the various generation options that can meaningfully contribute to the objectives of the program, rather than on the narrow question of renewables.” Renewables emit up to 80 grams of carbon equivalent for every kWh of generation, compared with 10 g from nuclear reactors, it explains.

Diversifying from Hydro to Wind is a Challenge for Québec
MONTREAL, Québec, 2002-05-27 (canadian association for renewable energies). Hydroelectricity is a "green and renewable energy" and an asset for the province of Quebec, according to energy minister Rita Dionne-Marsolais. It will emphasize the importance of the 31,000 MW of installed hydro capacity, but she told AQPER that a challenge now is to diversify generation to include wind power.

Federal Report says Renewables Could Benefit from Climate Change Action
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-27 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada’s renewable energy industry would benefit from climate change mitigation, according to an analysis prepared for the federal government. The ‘Analysis & Modelling Group’ of the federal climate change program shows that renewables and energy efficiency would benefit, while upstream oil and gas, oil refining, chemicals and other energy-intensive industries would be “especially vulnerable” due to declining market share.

Canadian Youth to Promote Renewable Energies at WSSD in Johannesburg
VICTORIA, BC, 2002-05-27 (canadian association for renewable energies). Justin Friesen of Nova Scotia is one of two child delegates selected by UNEP to attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development this year. He was picked by 400 children at the fourth International Children's Conference on the Environment, which adopted positions promoting research on alternative energy, the use of solar and wind, signing of the Kyoto protocol and tax breaks for environmentally friendly products.

Québec Government Provides Support to Wind Energy Firm
QUEBEC CITY, Québec, 2002-05-24 (canadian association for renewable energies). The provincial government has given $25,000 to GPCo to determine the potential for wind generation in Potou (Senegal) and to undertake a feasibility study on linking a turbine with PV, as well as to quantify the reduction of GHG emissions. Company principal, Guy Painchaud, is the president of CanWEA.

Québec Government Provides Support to Solar Energy Firm
SHERBROOKE, Québec, 2002-05-24 (canadian association for renewable energies). The provincial government has given $40,000 to Solutions Energétiques Enerconcept to develop a new collector for solar air heating in agricultural and industrial applications. Company principal, Christian Vachon, is the president of CanSIA.

Canadian Fuel Cell to Use Biofuel in Stockholm
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-24 (canadian association for renewable energies). Fuel Cell Technologies has won an international competition to supply power for a residential project in the City of Stockholm. It will install three 5 kW fuel cells that operate on bio-fuel to co-generate electricity and heat for hot water and space heating.

Canadian Company to Pursue Biomass Generation
MONTREAL, Québec, 2002-05-24 (canadian association for renewable energies). BusinessWay International will form a subsidiary to acquire Pourslo's biomass technology, and to increase the 14,000 MW of annual installed power generation capacity around the world. The companies claim their process creates 3% of ash, compared with 30% from other biomass firms.

Québec Government May Increase Role of Wind Energy in Province
QUEBEC CITY, Québec, 2002-05-24 (canadian association for renewable energies). The provincial government wants its electric utility to almost double its goals for wind energy. Hydro Quebec’s strategic plan calls for 50 to 75 MW of wind energy per year by 2004, but energy minister Rita Dionne-Marsolais will recommend to Cabinet that the level be increased to at least 100 MW per year. She also invested $1.9 million to develop wind energy infrastructure in the Gaspé region.

Ballard Working on Power Converter for PV and Wind
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-05-23 (canadian association for renewable energies). A Canadian fuel cell company is developing a power conversion device to work with PV systems, wind turbines, flywheels, fuel cells and other technologies. Ballard Power Systems has introduced the first of its Ecostar Power Converters that offers grid compatibility, anti-islanding capabilities, accepts both DC and AC inputs, and is compliant with IEEE 1547 and UL 1741.

Canadian Architect Designs Major PV Building in US
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-05-23 (canadian association for renewable energies). Bing Thom Architects of Vancouver was one of the firms that designed the new US$45 million headquarters for the National Association of Realtors. The 12-story building near the U.S. Capitol will be “one of the most environmentally green commercial structures in the nation,” with a rooftop solar array, double curtain wall for thermal heat dissipation, and recyclable water system.

Government Gives $260 Million to Wind Production
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-22 (canadian association for renewable energies). The federal government will encourage the installation of 1,000 MW of wind generating capacity within the next five years through its Wind Power Production Incentive. New windfarms of at least 500 kW can receive 1.2¢/kWh for production for ten years, dropping to 0.8¢ for turbines commissioned in 2007. NRCan says the incentive will facilitate$1.5 billion in investments and reduce GHG emissions by 3 MT a year. 

Federal Government Funds Solar Boat
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-22 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Canadian Coast Guard will invest $10,000 in the design and construction of a solar-powered boat. The money will buy solar cells and batteries for the Photon project at Montreal's Ecole de technologie superieure. Engineering students will submit the solar boat at Solar Splash 2002 in Buffalo this June.

Alberta Not Credible on Climate Change Plan
DRAYTON VALLEY, Alberta, 2002-05-22 (canadian association for renewable energies). The plan from the Alberta government to address climate change does not propose meaningful initiatives to support renewable energy, such as financial incentives or a RPS, according to the Pembina Institute. The plan would allow Alberta's GHG emissions to remain far above 1990 level and it has “zero credibility” as an alternative to the Kyoto Protocol.

Hydro Québec Wants to Sell Power from Smaller Sites
MONTREAL, Québec, 2002-05-21 (canadian association for renewable energies). Hydro Québec wants to sell electricity from hydraulic facilities that are smaller than 50 MW capacity and leased from the provincial government. The deadline to express interest is June 14, with contracts announced by late November. Visits to eligible sites are offered to potential bidders by the utility.

Extend Tax Write-Off to More Renewable Energies, says EESC
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-21 (canadian association for renewable energies). Accelerated tax write-offs should be allowed for incremental costs associated with the use of renewable energy for space conditioning in an industrial process, according to input to Finance Canada. The federal government may amend Class 43.1, and the Earth Energy Society says any additional costs of installing designated renewable energy technologies should be eligible. With claims that billions of dollars are required to comply with the Kyoto Protocol, EESC says "extending this CCA to energy-related costs is a cost-effective use of public monies."

Renewable Energy Firm Increases Wind Power Output
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-05-20. The commissioning of two windfarms late last helped to increase total output by 35% for Canadian Hydro Developers. The addition of the 20 MW Cowley North and 7 MW Sinnott windfarms increased the firm’s facilities to nine run-of-river hydroelectric plants and three windfarms certified under EcoLogo, with total output rising from 48 million to 64 million kWh in the comparable first-quarter periods.

Canada Much Slower than U.S. on Renewable Energy Action
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-17 (canadian association for renewable energies). The United States leads Canada in support for renewable energies and initiatives to reduce GHG emissions, according to the Pembina Institute and World Wildlife Fund. While the U.S. population is nine times larger than Canada, it has 20 times the installed wind energy capacity. Thirteen U.S. states have RPS legislation, while BC Hydro and Hydro Quebec have only “modest” requirements, and Ontario and Alberta have none.

Four Hydro Facilities Purchased in Northern Ontario
MONTREAL, Québec, 2002-05-17 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Great Lakes Hydro Income Fund has purchased four hydroelectric generating stations and water storage facilities from Ontario Power Generation for $340 million. The capacity of the four sites is 490 MW, located on the Mississagi River, east of Sault Ste. Marie. The Fund now controls 900 MW of generation capacity at 15 hydroelectric stations.

Hydro Québec Wants Kyoto Credit for its Generation
MONTREAL, Québec, 2002-05-17 (canadian association for renewable energies). The provincial electric utility wants recognition for its ability to reduce GHG emissions. It says its hydroelectric facilities limit emissions and, if a system of trading credits is implemented, it does not want it to penalize the Québec utility.

Environmentalists Oppose Hydro Facility from Newfoundland Firm
ST JOHN’S, Newfoundland, 2002-05-16 (canadian association for renewable energies). Environmental activists continue their campaign against plans to build a hydroelectric dam that would flood the Macal River in Belize. Fortis of Newfoundland wants to build the $45 million Chalillo dam, but is opposed by Sierra Club, Probe and tourism groups that have launched court actions to stop it.

Renewables Could Make Major Contribution to GHG Reductions
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-15 (canadian association for renewable energies). Expanding and extending incentives for the generation of electricity from renewable energies would provide the second-largest contribution to Canada’s reduction of GHG emissions, according to a federal document released today. Total savings in 2010 would be 13 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent, second only to the 15 MT reduction by retrofitting current coal plants in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The paper says the renewable energy industry “could experience annual growth rates of 10 to 40 per cent” and “the extent of the benefit to the Canadian economy will depend in large part on our capacity to supply the technology and equipment associated with growth in these sectors.”

Greenpeace Receives Buddhist Blessing for Solar Donation
BAN KRUT, Thailand, 2002-05-15 (canadian association for renewable energies). Greenpeace Canada was one of 26 groups that were blessed by Buddhist monks for the donation of two PV systems to a community in Thailand. Solar panels were installed at temples to show support for renewable energies and to oppose plans to build coal-fired power stations in the region.

Manitoba Promises Public Review for New Hydropower Facilities
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-05-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Manitoba government will review new hydroelectric projects during the next decade to ensure that "all reasonable alternatives" are considered. If Manitoba Hydro determines that new generation is required, the Public Utilities Board will review the economic and financial issues of the proposed hydroelectric site, but will not compete with provincial and federal environmental assessment legislation.

Saskatchewan Economy will Benefit from Wind Power
REGINA, Saskatchewan, 2002-05-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). More than $4 million of economic development will occur in Saskatchewan as a result of the province’s support for installing nine Vestas turbines at the 5.9 MW Cypress windfarm in the Gull Lake area. SaskPower will sell the output at a premium of 3½ ¢/kWh to large customers.

United Church Notes Benefits from Renewables in Climate Change Debate
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-05-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). The United Church says opponents of the Kyoto Protocol fail to acknowledge the job opportunities from the development of renewable energies. The church wants its members to promote the positive economic benefits from a more energy-efficient economy and to emphasize the negative economic impacts of delaying action on climate change, which would result in more natural disasters.

Hydroelectric Lobby Wants to Link its Future with Wind Energy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-13 (canadian association for renewable energies). Hydroelectricity can reduce GHG emissions and should receive help to develop the 118,000 MW of potential in Canada, says the Canadian Hydropower Association. Lifecycle emissions for hydro are comparable with wind power, and 60 times lower than coal-fired plants and 20 times less than gas cogen. “Hydropower is the only competitive large-scale clean and renewable electricity generation option,” says CHA, and its stability "makes it a good partner for wind power.”

Application Filed for Windfarm on Northeastern Vancouver Island
NANAIMO, BC, 2002-05-13 (canadian association for renewable energies). BC Hydro and AXOR want to build a 40 MW windfarm near Port Alice on Vancouver Island. They have filed applications for a 10 MW demonstration facility of 8 to 15 turbines that could generate 26 GWh a year. It would be the utility’s first wind energy project, and could expand four-fold if deemed successful.

Manufacturers Call for Energy Efficiency to Reduce GHG Emissions
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-05-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada should provide incentives to develop “new technologies that are both environmentally and economically friendly,” according to the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters association. The Kyoto Protocol would require Canadians “to re-insulate our homes, change our furnaces, ... pay up to 100 percent more for electricity, 60 percent more for natural gas and 80 percent more for gasoline, ... and pay more taxes in part to finance Canada’s purchase of emission credits,” says president Perrin Beatty.

Federal Opposition Party Backs Renewable Energy and Clean Coal
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-10 (canadian association for renewable energies). Current funding for alternative energies in Canada is “pathetic compared with the cost of implementing Kyoto,” says Alliance Party environment critic Bob Mills. Government should increase funding of R&D in conservation, transitional fuels and alternative energy, and should drop any support for the Kyoto Protocol. Government should focus its financial assistance on wind power and clean coal technologies, he adds.

Canada Doubles Consumption of Electricity from Renewable Energy Facilities
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-05-09 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada was one of the fastest growing consumers last decade of electric power generated from solar, wind, biomass and geothermal facilities (ie: excluding hydraulic), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Net world consumption from 1991 to 2000 rose from 1.82 to 2.99 quadrillion Btu, with the United States accounting for 1.02 quads, followed by 0.22 quads in second-place Japan. Canada's consumption rose from 0.04 to 0.09 quads during the decade, compared with increases of 0.05 to 0.18 quads in Germany, 0.01 to 0.06 in Spain and 0.01 to 0.09 quads in Britain.

Ontario Windfarm Buys Five Vestas Turbines
KINCARDINE, Ontario, 2002-05-09 (canadian association for renewable energies). Vestas will install five 1.8 MW turbines for Ontario’s first commercial windfarm along Lake Huron near the Bruce power station. The 9 MW Huron Wind facility will generate electricity for 3,000 homes by the end of this year. OPG wants to source 2% of its supply from small hydro, wind, solar and biomass by 2005.

Shell Invests In Canadian Renewable Fuel Company
LONDON, England, 2002-05-08 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Royal Dutch/Shell Group has purchased an equity stake in Iogen Energy of Ottawa. The US$29 million investment will expedite development of Iogen’s plant to produce ethanol from biomass.

PV Racer to Travel Across Ontario to Promote Solar Energy
KINGSTON, Ontario, 2002-05-08 (canadian association for renewable energies). A PV-powered car will travel to 30 schools across Ontario during the next month to promote solar technology. Mirage was built by the Solar Vehicle Team at Queen's University and took fifth place in the 2001 World Solar Challenge in Australia. In 2000, it drove from Halifax to Vancouver in 29 days, earning a Guinness World Record for solar transportation.

World Energy Council Says Renewables will be Significant in 30-40 Years
LONDON, England, 2002-05-08 (canadian association for renewable energies). The development and use of renewable energies should be part of a global energy strategy, and government support for renewables in developed countries is “critical” to advancing the potential for renewables in developing nations, according to the World Energy Council. In a statement released after its Congress in Argentina, WEC says fossil fuels will be the most significant and stable component of energy for several decades, but it wants countries to diversify and keep energy options open. The timeframe for substantial penetration of new renewable energy technologies is 40 years, although geothermal and biomass are suitable for generation while wind energy can complement (not replace) large-scale power facilities.

Poll for Oil Industry Shows Strong Support for Renewables
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-05-07 (canadian association for renewable energies). An opinion poll for the Canadian oil lobby shows that 48% of both Canadians and Americans believe alternative energies will be able to supply continental demand in the next decade. Ipsos-Reid polled 3,000 adults for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, but CAPP says the public faith in renewables “seems highly unlikely" based on current consumption and the state of renewable energy technologies. Among Canadians, 74% said not enough money is spent on research of alternative fuel sources.

Green Power Facilities Refurbished in Downtown Ottawa
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-06 (canadian association for renewable energies). The electric utility in Canada's capital has spent $10 million to renovate two units that will generate 110,000 MWh/a of certified green energy. The facilities at Chaudière Falls are part of a system first installed in 1881 to power the E.B. Eddy sawmill and the lights in the Parliament Buildings, only 1 km away.

IEA Report Calls for Expansion into Wind Energy Research
PARIS, France, 2002-05-05 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada and 24 other developed countries want more long-term research into wind energy. The International Energy Agency’s Wind Implementing Agreement says basic research is “essential for both industry and society,” but additional cost reductions of 50% are necessary to enable wind to compete with conventional energies.

G-8 Energy Ministers Reaffirm Support for Renewable Energies
DETROIT, Michigan, 2002-05-04 (canadian association for renewable energies). Energy ministers from Canada and G8 nations have reaffirmed the "importance of renewable energy for diversification of energy supplies" and will explore areas where they can strengthen cooperation "in the areas of emerging renewable energy, energy efficiency and cleaner energy technologies." Their meeting discussed how economic growth and environmental protection are supported by diversification of energy sources, and they promised to "continue to encourage the development and introduction of clean energy technologies, including renewable energy."

Canadian Report Recommends Wind Energy in Cuba
HAVANA, Cuba, 2002-05-03 (canadian association for renewable energies). A report co-funded by Canada’s CDM/JI office recommends that 1,168 windmills be installed across Cuba to pump water for dairy farms, eliminating the annual release of 13,875 tonnes of GHG from trucks that are used to deliver water to cattle. Project cost would be US$1.8 million, with a four-year payback based on transportation savings alone. There is “no technical risk ... since this is a conventional technology that has been used internationally for many years,” and the report also proposes hydroelectric capacity be installed at irrigation dams.

Famous Hotel Uses Green Power for 40% of Electricity Supply
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-05-02 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located in Banff National Park, will increase its purchase of certified green power from Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. The resort will purchase 3,300,000 kWh per year for five years, an increase of 31% over the green power it consumed last year, which will offset 3,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

Electricity Deregulation will be Harmful to Renewable Energies
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-05-01 (canadian association for renewable energies). Deregulation of the electricity sector in Ontario will create barriers to green power because coal facilities can generate at lower cost than renewables, says the Toronto Environmental Alliance. It wants the province to impose a RPS of 10% by 2010 and 20% by 2020, a public benefits fund of 0.3¢/kWh, a production tax credit of 2¢ and a consumer tax credit of 3¢ for renewables, legislate net metering, and provide more R&D and incentives for renewable energies.

Regina Could become a World Leader in the Use of Solar Thermal
REGINA, Saskatchewan, 2002-05-01 (canadian association for renewable energies). Clear skies and high solar insolation could make Regina a world leader in the use of solar energy to heat homes, according Avi Friedman, professor of architecture at McGill University. Solar homes could be a key selling point for homebuilders, and the cost savings and environmental benefits of solar energy would make them attractive for many buyers, says an article in the Regina Leader-Post.

Federal Organization to Provide $100 Million in Funding Support
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-05-01 (canadian association for renewable energies). Yesterday was the deadline for proposals from renewable energy firms seeking $100 million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada. Funding will assist projects to develop and commercialize new technologies that address climate change and clean air, such as alternative energy and renewable fuels. One of the newly-appointed members of SDTC is Carl Brothers, site manager for the Atlantic Wind Test Site.

Canada's Largest Energy Union Backs Renewable Energy for Member Benefits
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-04-30 (canadian association for renewable energies). Renewable energies could help to create 16,000 new jobs to offset the 12,800 workers who would lose jobs over the next decade if Canada signs the Kyoto Protocol. The Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives say there are “tremendous economic opportunities” in developing wind, earth energy and tidal power, and they say government should shift subsidies from conventional energy to renewable electricity production, and pay for investments by auctioning tradable emission permits.

Municipal Governments Support Increased Use of Renewable Energies
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-04-29 (canadian association for renewable energies). More than 125 municipal governments want Canada to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, and have endorsed a resolution of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Increased use of renewable energies will cut GHG emissions, says FCM, which rejects claims that ratification would harm the economy or the environment. 

Renewable Energy Projects Receive Municipal 'Green' Funding
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-04-26 (canadian association for renewable energies). Some of the $1.2 million approved for 31 projects under the FCM ‘Green Municipal’ support will be used for renewable energies. Projects include a solar retrofit for an aquatic centre in Kootenay, solar thermal at 19 municipal pools in Vancouver, a micro-hydro plant in Vancouver, earth energy in Whistler, renewable energy technologies in White Rock, wind turbines and PV panels on a landfill site in Calgary, small hydro in South River, solar heating in Waterloo, earth energy in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, water-source heat pumps in Halifax, and renewable energy in Lamèque. There are numerous projects involving biomass, landfill gas, cogen and district heating.

CBC Broadcasts Series on Wind and Solar in Northern Canada
YELLOWKNIFE, Northwest Territories, 2002-04-25 (canadian association for renewable energies). The CBC program, Northbeat, has concluded a series on energy in northern Canada, including the use of wind and solar PV. "Why does northern Canada seem to ignore the possible benefits of alternative energy?," asks the series promo.

Hydro Utility Wins U.S. Award for Stewardship of River in Québec
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-04-24 (canadian association for renewable energies). Hydro-Québec has received an achievement award for recreational stewardship from the National Hydropower Association for its work in facilitating access to the St. Maurice River while it refurbished four generating stations and developed a new hydropower site.

Action on Climate Change Would Benefit Canada’s Economy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-04-23 (canadian association for renewable energies). A renewables portfolio standard of 5% and other measures would add 52,000 jobs and $2 billion to Canada's GDP, according to the Tellus Institute. The Boston firm says reducing GHG emissions "will not slow down the Canadian economy or kill jobs ... Industry, workers and consumers will benefit.”

Federal Government Contributes $1 Million for Residential PV Systems
KITCHENER, Ontario, 2002-04-22 (canadian association for renewable energies). The first community-scale solar demonstration has been launched in the Kitchener Waterloo region, where PV panels will be installed on ten homes, connected to the grid with net metering, and monitored to study the impact of PV for electrical utilities and municipal bylaws. The panels will be installed by ARISE Technologies, with $1,025,000 funding from the federal Climate Change Action Fund and Natural Resources Canada.

Buyer's Guide to Provide Directory of Canada's Renewable Energy Sector
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-04-19 (canadian association for renewable energies). The Matrix Group is producing a Buyers Guide & Suppliers Directory of Canada's renewable energy sector that will be printed in October. More than 2,000 free copies will be distributed to end-user groups such as homebuilders associations, power utilities, architects and local governments, with one free copy provided to each member of the renewable energy associations in Canada. The glossy industry publication will be produced without government funding and is designed as an annual production.

c.a.r.e. Joins ACRE
WASHINGTON, DC, 2002-04-18 (canadian association for renewable energies). The canadian association for renewable energies has applied for membership in the American Council for Renewable Energy.

Ontario Government Combines Energy and Environment Portfolios
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-04-17 (canadian association for renewable energies). The government of Ontario has combined the departments of Energy and the Environment. In a letter to the new minister, Chris Stockwell, c.a.r.e. explained that renewable energies can generate electricity, as well as meet demand for space conditioning, transportation and industrial process.

Article in Engineering Magazine Supports Renewables
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-04-16 (canadian association for renewable energies). An article in the magazine of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario suggests that renewable energies will work well under the province's deregulated energy sector.

Global Environment Ministers Downplay Role of Renewables
BANFF, Alberta, 2002-04-15 (canadian association for renewable energies). Environment ministers of the G8 industrialized countries want the World Summit on Sustainable Development this August to develop a Plan of Action that will build on "work already done” to promote the use and share of renewable energy sources in all countries.

Canada and Mexico to Co-operate on Renewable Energy
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-04-12 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada and Mexico will co-operate in the development of renewable energy, under an agreement signed by energy ministers Herb Dhaliwal and Ernesto Martens. The agreement identifies eleven areas of co-operation, and a working group will meet annually for five years to discuss a work plan for various activities.

Canada Buys Solar Credits from Africa to Offset Environmental Meeting
BANFF, Alberta, 2002-04-12 (canadian association for renewable energies). Canada's environment department has purchased GHG emission credits to offset the energy used at a meeting of G8 environment ministers in Alberta. The credits were purchased from a solar housing development in South Africa. Environment Canada recently offset GHG emissions at other meetings by purchasing credits from a biomass project in Brazil. It has also purchased wind power from the Enmax green power program, the same source of electricity used by c.a.r.e.'s GreenHosting internet server.

Solar Panels Installed on Home of Alberta Premier
CALGARY, Alberta, 2002-04-11 (canadian association for renewable energies). The environmental group Greenpeace installed two solar PV panels on the roof of Alberta premier Ralph Klein's home, to highlight his opposition to the Kyoto Protocol. Klein threatened to lay trespassing charges against the installers.

Green Funds Changed to Become More Flexible
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-04-08 (canadian association for renewable energies). Municipal governments in Canada now can borrow funds at 1.5% below federal bond rates to undertake innovative environmental projects and studies. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities administers the $250 million Green Municipal Investment Fund and Green Municipal Enabling Fund to support sustainable energy and GHG reduction projects at the local level.

Green Fuel Company Receives Federal Funding
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-04-06 (canadian association for renewable energies). The federal government will invest $2.7 million into Iogen Corp to support research that will turn plant fibre into a renewable fuel for vehicles. Iogen has built a $35 million bioethanol demonstration plant.

Ontario Political Party Calls for 20% Renewables by 2020
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-04-04 (canadian association for renewable energies). The New Democratic Party in Ontario wants 20% of all electricity in the province to come from renewable energy sources by 2020. It wants legislation to require generators to start immediately to produce power from solar and wind, and it wants to cancel the deregulation of the electricity sector that will take effect on May 1. The NDP has 9 seats in the 103 seats of the provincial legislature.

Electric Utility Provides Support for Residential Earth Energy Technology
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, 2002-04-03 (canadian association for renewable energies). Manitoba Hydro has launched a program to promote earth energy heat pumps in residential applications, including loans of $15,000 for the installation of a system.

Government Seeks Input on $25 Million Program for Renewables
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-04-02 (canadian association for renewable energies). The federal government has extended the deadline for consultation on the $25 million 'Market Incentive Program for Distributors of Emerging Renewable Electricity Sources,' which is part of the Action Plan on Climate Change to reduce GHG emissions in Canada. The program would pay 25% of eligible expenditures, to a maximum of $5 million per recipient.

Dutch Turbine to be Installed in Toronto
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-03-28 (canadian association for renewable energies). The first wind turbine to be installed in Toronto will be supplied by Lagerwey Windturbine of Holland. The 750 kW gearless generator will generate 1,800 MWh a year for Toronto Hydro Energy Services and the Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative. The $1.2 million turbine will be commissioned this fall on the waterfront at Exhibition Place, and is Lagerwey's first installation of a utility-scale turbine in North America.

Toronto Launches Retail Green Power Option
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-03-27 (canadian association for renewable energies). Toronto Hydro Energy Services will offer a green power option for residential and business customers in Canada's largest city after the Ontario electricity market is deregulated in May. Citisource Green Power will be sell blocks of electricity generated from wind turbines and run-of-river hydro, with a premium ranging from $5 for 55 kWh per month in residential homes, to $1,400 for 16,666 kWh for large commercial users.

Federal Caucus Report Backs Role of Renewable Energies
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-03-22 (canadian association for renewable energies). There is tremendous renewable energy potential in Canada, but much of it remains unexploited, according to a report from the Caucus Working Group on Environmental Technologies. The renewable energy sector in Canada could flourish with specific economic incentives, better accounting of hidden environmental and health costs, targeted policy actions and government leadership, and the report “should serve to calm recent fear of economic losses as a result of ratifying the Kyoto Protocol,” says chairman Julian Reed. Thirty-two Liberal Members of Parliament have endorsed the report.

Hydroelectric Lobby Wants More Credit in Environmental Assessment
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-03-21 (canadian association for renewable energies). The national environmental assessment process places major obstacles for the development of hydroelectric power, according to the Canadian Hydropower Association. A federal review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act privileges development of fossil fuel plants over hydropower plants, and the CHA wants environmental assessments shortened and to be reasonable in scope. It wants policies and mechanisms to ensure that GHG emissions are considered in the selection of energy generation options.

Canadian Cities Promote Ratification of Kyoto Protocol
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-03-20 (canadian association for renewable energies). A campaign has been launched to encourage cities in Canada to ratify the Kyoto protocol. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is circulating a model resolution for its members to adopt, stating that investments in renewable energies will reduce municipal operating costs, maintain community services and protect public health, while cutting GHG emissions linked to climate change.

Canadian Government to Discuss Expansion of Tax Measure
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-03-19 (canadian association for renewable energies). Finance Canada is discussing possible changes to Class 43.1 accelerated capital cost allowance, which could result in the tax measure including other renewable energy technologies in industrial applications. A number of groups have been asked to provide input to the consultation.

NRCan to Renew Contract for Solar Test Facility
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-03-18 (canadian association for renewable energies). The federal government intends to pay $738,331 to Bodycote Materials Testing to operate the National Solar Test Facility for three years. Only one firm has been invited to bid on the contract for the Mississauga facility, on the basis that no reasonable alternative exists. There is no other facility in North America that can test to NRCan's requirements, and the solar testing equipment has been in the present building for 22 years. Work will be in active solar energy, fenestration heat transfer, and the Renewable Energy Development Initiative. Canada owns the Vortek solar simulator lamp, solar simulator environmental chamber, solar collector test drivers, SDHW test system and other equipment in the building.

Renewables Companies Share in Federal Funding
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-03-15 (canadian association for renewable energies). Three renewable energy companies will share $7.7 million in funding under the federal climate change program to “significantly reduce” GHG emissions. Polymarin-Bolwell Composites will receive $960,000 to develop a blade-making technology for wind turbines; SCP Group will receive $780,000 to implement 3.4 MW of small hydropower in Nepal and reduce CO2 emissions by 20,000 tonnes per year; and Conserval Engineering will receive $750,000 to demonstrate solar air-heating at sites throughout Central America and Asia, to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,000 tonnes per year.

Utility Develops Second Ocean Wave Energy Agreement
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2002-03-14 (canadian association for renewable energies). BC Hydro has signed a MOU with Ocean Power Delivery of Britain to develop a 3 to 4 MW ocean wave energy project on Vancouver Island. The utility signed a similar MOU with Energetech of Australia last month to demonstrate a different shore-based ocean wave technology on the west coast island.

Ontario City Wants to Build Windfarm
SUDBURY, Ontario, 2002-03-13 (canadian association for renewable energies). The city of Sudbury has issued a RFP to build a windfarm of at least 50 MW; deadline for receipt of bids is April 2. The city spends $392 million a year on its energy needs.

Canadian Company Enters Earth Energy Market in U.S.
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-03-12 (canadian association for renewable energies). Ameriplast of Georgia, a subsidiary of Imperial PlasTech of Toronto, will supply plastic pipe for use in earth energy systems. The loops transfer solar energy into buildings, and are regarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the most efficient space conditioning on the market.

Ontario Utility Sells Four Hydroelectric Facilities
TORONTO, Ontario, 2002-03-08 (canadian association for renewable energies). Ontario Power Generation will sell four hydroelectric sites on the Mississagi River, near Sault Ste. Marie, to Brascan for $340 million. The four sites have a combined generating capacity of 490 MW and are part of OPG’s requirement to decontrol 4,000 MW following deregulation in Ontario.

Concerns Expressed with Proposed Definition of Green Power
OTTAWA, Ontario, 2002-03-07 (canadian association for renewable energies) A number of groups have expressed concerns with federal plans to delete the link between electricity generated from renewable energy facilities and the environmental attributes of that power, as proposed in the consultation document from the Environmental Choice Program.

c.a.r.e.operates the GreenHosting service for domains that want to use green power, and administers the Associations & Climate Change initiative for its members.