On September 21-22, renewable energy experts from across the globe will gather in Halifax for the Nova Scotia Feed-in Tariff Forum to discuss exciting new market opportunities opening up under Nova Scotia's Renewable Electricity Plan. The province is aiming to be a leader in renewable energy by committing to generate 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015 from a current level of 13%.

This two-day conference will bring together developers, First Nations leaders, community power experts and scheme administrators to explore the opportunities and challenges under the province’s new Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) and Competitive Bidding programs. Hon. Charlie Parker, Minister of Energy & Natural Resources and MLA for Pictou West, is confirmed to provide the opening keynote and administrators heading the COMFIT and Competitive Bidding programs will provide essential updates on these schemes.

The COMFIT combines local ownership with a traditional feed-in tariff market design, offering fixed rates for big wind (projects greater than 50 kW), small wind, biomass, tidal and hydro technologies. Projects must be 51% owned by community groups including municipalities, universities, First Nations, co-ops and Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs).

The new competitive bidding process for medium to large projects in Nova Scotia has 600 GWh reserved to be split evenly between the province’s main utility, Nova Scotia Power (NSPI), and Independent Power Producers (IPPs)in the first phase. The province is appointing a Renewable Electricity Administrator (REA) to oversee the request for proposal (RFP) process.Together these programs open up exciting opportunities for renewable energy developers and suppliers to participate in the greening of this Atlantic province.

Along with informing attendees on these new renewable energy procurement strategies, the forum will offer unparalleled networking opportunities with developers and community power experts from around the world participating. It also offers the very latest updates in on new developments in regional transmission integration and wind export potential as well as practical advice on best practices in aboriginal and community engagement and areas for potential collaboration with First Nations.

For more information, please visit www.nsfitforum.com or contact, Adrienne Baker at Adrienne.baker@canadianclean.com or 819 459 1162.