Taking a closer look at green energy

Digby promoting that green is gold!

Actually, in all fairness, according to Renewable Energy Program Coordinator Terry Thibodeau this is a co-operative and collaborative effort that is based in southwest Nova Scotia.

Digby already produces more green energy than we actually consume, and we have so much more potential, particularly with the tidal resource. One hurdle is that the NS Power grid capacity in this region is below anywhere else in the province.

To highlight our initiatives on Thursday, Oct. 11 the Digby Pines Resort and Spa is the location of the Energy Ambassadors Symposium: The Future of Energy in Digby by Pollution Probe.

The energy system is changing and local communities such as ours are on the front lines of these changes. Digby is pro-actively responding to these changes and planning for its energy future, from the development of energy storage to exploring new options for energy generation.

The Energy Ambassadors program of Pollution Probe, a Canadian charity, has chosen Digby as one of the pilot communities, looking at how communities are affected by changes in their energy systems. As part of the program community and business leaders are invited and encouraged to attend a free seminar to learn more about the program, the broader energy and regulatory context in Digby and Nova Scotia, and ways to engage community members. Later that day on Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. there will be another opportunity to explore this groundbreaking concept with the broader community at the Digby Fire Hall.

At these events there will be discussion of: How the energy system in Nova Scotia and Digby is changing; Pollution Probe’s Energy Ambassadors program and how it aims to help your community meaningfully participate in energy projects; proposed energy projects and companies that are working and want to work in the community and what other communities in Nova Scotia and across Canada are doing.

The speakers at the Pines will include Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Energy and Mines; David Landrigan VP Commercial Development NSPI; Ben Cleveland, the Mayor of the Town of Digby; Jimmy McAlpine, the Warden for the Municipality of Digby; Energy Exchange; the Town of Bridgewater; Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA); Sustainable Ocean Applied Research (SOAR); the Nova Scotia Community College, the New England-Canada Business Council; Sigma Energy and the Western Region Enterprise Network.

Sustainable power options and the storage of generated power is a vital economic opportunity, particularly with the antiquated state of the NS power grid in SW Nova. Businesses willing to locate in our area will have the benefit of these resources through innovative alternate solutions offered by storage professionals such as Sigma.

Our community offers the province leadership, strategies and potentials. We look for solutions, and actively respond to challenges with tenacity and optimism. I shall be arrogant. South West Nova Rocks!