| dc.description.abstract | Our team undertook an exploratory research project to explain how Dalhousie
University could produce renewable electricity using wind power within the context of
Nova Scotia’s Community-based Feed in Tariff (COMFIT) program. The COMFIT
program allows communities to create renewable electricity that connects to the
provincial electricity grid. In return, Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) pays the communities
a set, premium rate per kilowatt hour (kWh) for their energy.
Efficiently structured interviews were conducted with people who had
technological, financial, and/or administrative expertise, as well as, potential partners
and current COMFIT applicants. The results have been presented under six categories:
(1) project scale, (2) project finance, (3) partnership models, (4) project locations, (5)
student engagement opportunities, (6) application process.
The development of a COMFIT project requires a large, up-front capital
investment. Different financing and partnership options were explored. The majority of
interview participants believed that Dalhousie University would be able to make a
valuable financial contribution to a COMFIT project by contributing equity and potentially
helping obtain a low interest-rate loan. After the payback period a COMFIT project
generates revenue that could be re-invested into the Dalhousie University community.
Due to setback regulations Dalhousie University would lease, purchase, or partner to
obtain a suitable location for a COMFIT project. Prospective locations must have
sufficient wind resources, access to available grid capacity, zoning regulations that
comply with the scale of the project, along with meeting COMFIT application regulations.
There are opportunities for student learning and engagement is a COMFIT project.
By participating in this program Dalhousie University has the opportunity to
mitigate climate change, meet greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, curtail rising
energy costs, generate revenue and engage students in learning opportunities in the
emerging renewable energy industry.
Dalhousie University has the right financial, technological, and partnership
resources available to ensure the success of a COMFIT undertaking. The report
provides the information and contacts necessary for additional research into a Dalhousie
University COMFIT project. | en_US |
