Harper Government Invests in Clean Energy Project in Saskatchewan
Natural Resources Canada
2011/27 - February 27, 2011
REGINA — Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Member of Parliament for Souris–Moose Mountain, today announced an investment of up to $2.79 million from the Clean Energy Fund for Cowessess First Nation’s wind storage demonstration project. This funding is part of a series of investments announced today across the country totalling up to $63.8 million to support renewable and clean energy projects that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support high-quality jobs.
“Investing in clean energy technologies stimulates the growth of a domestic clean energy industry, creating high-quality jobs for Canadians,” said MP Komarnicki.
A wind turbine and a battery storage system will be installed on the Cowessess First Nation’s land near Regina to demonstrate how intermittent wind power can be harnessed and stored to provide constant, continuous energy. This single turbine system is capable of heating and lighting approximately 30 homes.
“Cowessess First Nation has a strong interest in preserving the environment,” said Cowessess First Nation Chief Grady Lerat. “The wind is a huge natural resource on First Nations land, and harnessing the wind to produce electrical power will be an excellent business opportunity for First Nations people in Saskatchewan and across Canada.”
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested more than $10 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable environment through investments in green infrastructure, energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and the production of cleaner energy and cleaner fuels.
The Government has developed a broad suite of policies and programs to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 — a target aligned with that of the United States.
“Moving forward aggressively with investments in clean energy technologies will help us balance our need for energy with our need to protect the environment,” said MP Komarnicki.
Today’s announcement builds on the success of many initiatives that are helping to sustain and enhance Canada’s clean energy industry.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
MP Ed Komarnicki announced today that the Government of Canada is investing up to $2.79 million in Cowessess First Nation’s wind storage demonstration project in Saskatchewan. The investment, made from the Clean Energy Fund, will help boost Canada’s clean energy industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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