Clean energy project for Amherst
Farrell announces provincial funding for smart grid technology
Amherst hopes to show the environmental and economic benefits of smart grid technology.
A smart grid is an electricity network that uses digital information to react to changes in energy use. The grid improves reliability and efficiency while also allowing consumers to view their energy use at different times throughout the day.
Cumberland North MLA Terry Farrell announced $12,500 in provincial funding for a study that’s taking place in Amherst.
“This project is a great example of how communities are stepping up as we move toward a cleaner energy future,” said Farrell. “Small towns and communities across the province will benefit from this study.”
The project is being done in association with two major partners – Chuck Cartmill, owner of the Cartmill Group of Companies, and Sean Fleming, general manager of Solar Global Solutions.
Farrell introduced the project at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre on Monday.
He said the province has done much to make Nova Scotia greener, but he still feels there is work to be done.
“We’re probably the greenest town in the greenest province,” said Farrell.
Though Nova Scotia has the second greatest percentage of wind-powered homes and the greatest reduction of green house gases in Atlantic Canada in the last decade, he feels the province is still emitting too much greenhouse gas.
Cartmill said there is high potential in this project and, if the study proves successful, the opportunities for artificial intelligence and other innovations are endless.
“I’m almost 70, and I wake up excited about the opportunities,” he said.
The study is expected to be completed in June.