Natural Resources Canada: Government of Canada Invests in British Columbia Renewable Energy Project

REVELSTOKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(EMWNews – Aug. 21, 2008) – The Government of Canada is investing in a renewable energy project in British Columbia thanks to investments in projects through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power Program.

The Honourable Jim Abbott, Parliamentary Secretary for Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Kootenay Columbia, has announced that the South Cranberry Creek Power Project will benefit from an investment of up to $3.7 million over 10 years, thanks to the Government of Canada. Mr. Abbott made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, during ceremonies to mark the official opening of the project, along the Columbia River about 30 kilometres south of Revelstoke.

“We need energy. It powers our economic growth, and is fundamental to our quality of life – but we need clean energy to protect our health and our environment,” said Mr. Abbott. “Our support for the South Cranberry Creek Power Project is another example of our government’s balanced approach to fighting climate change – helping to increase the supply of clean, renewable energy for Canadians, and accelerating the development of a strong renewable energy industry.”

The two turbines at South Cranberry Creek can provide 9.35 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity capacity-as much as 37,400 MW-hours of clean, emissions-free electricity a year. The South Cranberry Creek project was developed and is wholly owned by Advanced Energy Systems 1 L.P., a British Columbia-based producer of renewable energy.

“We are very pleased with the support that the Government of Canada is providing to the South Cranberry Project, through the ecoEnergy program,” said Daniel Robinson, President of Advanced Energy Systems.”The support of the ecoEnergy program, along with the support of the people of Revelstoke, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Province of B.C., were all critical to the success of the South Cranberry Project. It is exciting to be involved with government and community partners in projects such as this that provide significant environmental benefits now, as well as for future generations.”

The project has qualified for the one cent per kilowatt-hour incentive over 10 years under the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program, helping to ensure the electricity generated at South Cranberry Creek can be delivered to consumers at competitive rates.

Seven renewable energy projects were announced in total in British Columbia, Alberta and Prince Edward Island under the ecoENERGY for Renewable programs.

Businesses, municipalities, institutions and organizations are eligible to apply for funding under ecoENERGY for Renewable Power. The program provides about $1.48 billion to increase Canada’s supply of clean electricity from renewable sources such as wind, biomass, low-impact hydro, geothermal, solar photovoltaic and ocean energy. It will encourage the production of up to 4,000 megawatts of new electricity from renewable energy sources-enough electricity to power about one million homes.

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Jim Abbott, Member of Parliament for Kootenay Columbia, has announced that the South Cranberry Creek Power Project will receive up to $3.7 million in funding under the Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program.

NRCan’s news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.