Government seeks proposals on the development of wind generation strategy

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, announced today government is issuing a Request for Proposals to provide recommendations to government on the development of a Wind Power Development Strategy. This strategy will complement government�s ongoing effort to develop a comprehensive energy plan for the province.

"The interest in using this province�s wind resource as a form of energy has risen in the past several years," said Minister Byrne. "Government has been approached by several proponents wishing to establish wind power projects in various places throughout the province. As a result, government has made the decision to move forward with this Request for Proposals for a further review and subsequent development of a wind power strategy."

Minister Byrne indicated that a study had been completed a few years ago and, yet, it remains to be determined today whether wind power generation is fully feasible.

"We know we have tremendous wind resources and we are confident that we can generate electricity from that resource. But, the challenge we face is whether we can do this in a manner that is in the best interest of government and the ratepayer," said Minister Byrne. "Through this initiative, we will have an independent group look at all the information that is available and recommend to government how it should advance the development of wind generation."

Minister Byrne said government is committed to seeking out opportunities to use wind power as a source of alternative energy which are technically and economically feasible.

"We recognize government has a responsibility to our environment to determine whether our clean, renewable energy sources, including wind, can be used as sources of energy for the province," said Minister Byrne. "In recent years, there have been some advancements in technology that could lead to opportunities to reduce the cost of producing energy by wind power. As such, we believe that it is in the best interest of the province, the ratepayer and for current and potential wind power proponents, that we step back to review the current situation to determine how best to proceed."

The Request for Proposals, entitled Professional Services: Wind Generation Development Strategy, has been posted on the Web site of the Government Purchasing Agency and can be accessed at: www.gpa.gov.nl.ca/gs/report/ The deadline for receipt of proposals is February 22.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications (709) 729-5282, 685-4624

2005 02 08                              2:35 p.m.