SkyPower receives environmental approval for Digby, Nova Scotia, wind project

TORONTO,  August 24, 2009 – SkyPower Corp. and Scotian Windfields are pleased to announce today that Nova Scotia Environment has granted environmental approval for 25.5 MW of wind turbine capacity for the Digby wind power project which is to be located in Digby, Nova Scotia. Once completed, the Digby Project will be one of Nova Scotia’s largest wind parks.

SkyPower and Scotian Windfields had originally filed a request for approval for a 30MW project. As part of the Environmental Assessment Approval process, 3 of the proposed turbines (4.5 MWs) were excluded from the approval and will require relocation subject to further consultation with Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR) Wildlife Division regarding wildlife connectivity and Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) regarding sound and setbacks. The proposed relocation of the turbines will be shortly submitted to the NSE Environmental Assessment Branch for review and further consideration. SkyPower and Scotian Windfields are confident today that it will be able to identify 3 more suitable turbine locations in the next few weeks and proceed to seek approval for the final 4.5MWs.

“In concert with our partner Scotian WindFields, SkyPower has worked for several years with a view to building an outstanding project in Nova Scotia. Clearly, support from the community and local government has been instrumental in helping us secure our Environmental Approval,” said Kerry Adler, President and Chief Executive of SkyPower Corp. “We look forward to continuing to support Premier Darrell Dexter’s mandate to achieve the government’s aggressive renewable energy and emission reduction targets.”

“SkyPower would like to take this opportunity to thank the community, landowners, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI), and both the local and provincial governments for their support and approval today. This is a significant milestone for the people of Nova Scotia and will help generate a brighter future for generations to come.” SkyPower and Scotian Windfields have received a tremendous amount of community support for the Digby project. A recent independent research survey conducted by Pollara revealed:

  • 84% of residents within Digby area support wind power development in their area;
  • 88% of residents within the Digby Neck and Town support the proposed Digby wind power project;
  • 90% of residents within the Digby area support increased wind power development in the Province of Nova Scotia.

Over the next few weeks SkyPower and Scotian Windfields will continue to work closely with its partners, engineers and local constituents to finalize its revised schedule and looks forward to commencing construction of this exciting project in the near future.

About Scotian Windfields

Scotian WindFields Inc. is a Community based company providing leadership and investment opportunities for local Nova Scotians to invest in and share in the development of renewable energy projects. Its initial focus has been in Nova Scotia but is now sharing its knowledge and approach throughout Atlantic Canada and beyond. In addition to this large scale project Scotian WindFields is developing many projects designed to assist businesses and homeowners in moving towards a more sustainable forms of energy utilization. Scotian WindFields offer solar hot water systems and embedded wind energy solutions to its ever increasing list of clients. For more information about Scotian WindFields and how you can get involved please visit our website www.scotianwindfields.ca

About SkyPower Corp.

SkyPower is a leading developer of renewable energy projects. SkyPower has interests in a substantial number of renewable energy projects at various stages of development, representing thousands of MW of potential nameplate capacity. SkyPower is developing significant renewable energy projects in Canada, the United States, India and Panama. SkyPower drives all phases of project development including exploration, construction and operation. For more information, visit www.skypower.com

For further information: 

For SkyPower: Hando Kang, Media Relations, (416) 979-4625, handok@skypower.com; For Scotian WindFields: Dan Roscoe, (902) 489-6787, droscoe@scotianwindfields.ca