Province Signs MOU with Maine on Energy Co-operation

NOTE: A social media version of this release is now available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2010-07-12-premier.asp .

Premier Darrell Dexter and Governor John Baldacci of Maine, today, July 12, agreed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-operate on renewable ocean electricity generation.

"Nova Scotia has always enjoyed a strong economic, social, and cultural partnership with Maine and this MOU is another example of how our governments will work to grow the economy, create jobs, and protect the environment in both our regions." said Premier Dexter.

"This MOU will help facilitate discussions between Maine and Nova Scotia around the research and development of renewable off-shore energy resources, and will enhance Nova Scotia and Maine's already strong relationship," said Governor Baldacci.

The objectives of the MOU are to:

• investigate opportunities and areas for co-operation on furthering off-shore wind and tidal energy technology and application
• co-operate on tidal energy research and development to ensure the maximum contribution to renewable electricity standards for both regions.

"Tidal technology is an emerging field, with many challenges and opportunities," said Doug Keefe, executive director of Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy. "Our research work will depend on the strength of many partnerships and this MOU is a welcome development. Maine was the first region in North America to consider generating electricity from tidal energy, and may have an important role to play in its future."

In order to fulfill the objectives of the MOU, both governments agreed to the following:

• share research information on renewable electricity, including tidal energy and offshore wind production
• bring together experts from both jurisdictions to participate in the upcoming Offshore Energy Environmental Research meeting in October
• host Nova Scotia's Tidal Energy Symposium in conjunction with next year's New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers conference
• discuss the possibility of expanding the MOU in the future to include other provinces and states
• ensure information is shared with one another in a timely manner

"Signing this MOU with Maine is an important step in making sure Nova Scotia capitalizes on every opportunity to further develop renewable electricity for this province that will have real economic benefits for Nova Scotians now and in for years to come," said Premier Dexter.

A copy of the MOU can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/energy