ANTIGONISH – A pair of green projects with different impacts, but similar aims, got the word on Wednesday that funds are heading their way.
The provincial government announced that Northumberland Regional High School in Alma and the New Glasgow water treatment plant at Forbes Lake are receiving funds for alternative energy projects.
NRHS is receiving $10,582 for its project that will see the installation of a small wind turbine and solar panel.
New Glasgow gets $156,000 for its installation of a turbine to provide electricity for the water treatment facility.
NRHS teacher Colin Todd came across the idea of a wind turbine for the school while attending a provincial conference in October for technology education teachers. While there, he was introduced to the wind turbines of an Ontario company called Progressive Education Systems.
Todd's plan is to have the turbine and solar panel power some computers in the school – six for starters – and for the system to act as a teaching tool.
"I'm kind of a hands-on kind of guy. I like to see the students do stuff, not just read about it."
Todd said once the system is installed a website will also be used to track power generation stats and to see how much the school's carbon footprint is reduced. He would like to have it installed before school starts, it's just a matter of deciding upon a location – on the roof or on the ground.
Todd said the students expressed interest last school year when he told them about it and he hopes that continues.
"The majority were pretty excited about it.… With all the wind turbines that are going up, they see them and are curious about them."
There are several lessons that Todd wants to introduce including wind atlases and solar atlases, designing and planning a system, and monitoring and trouble shooting.
NRHS principal Bob Ballantyne said this new project will show students how it can translate directly to the world outside school.
"Overall we will be able to teach a number of students how different resources can work and what the benefits are. It's a different mindset."
Ballantyne said about 150 students will probably be introduced to the project along with several teachers who have already expressed interest.
"There are a number of applications that will go with it and spinoffs."
The spinoffs that New Glasgow is looking for are greener energy and the savings that will result in running the water treatment plant.
Bob Funke, engineer on the project, said all applications approved under the ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change must be completed by March 31, 2011.
"We just called for expressions of interest. It's highly specialized, there are a lot of manufacturers of wind turbines."
Funke said the town received three expressions of interest and he expects a supplier will be selected within a month.
New Glasgow deputy mayor Ross Hamid said this shows the town's commitment to sustainability and renewable resources.
"We welcome the province's investment in the Town of New Glasgow."
Pictou Centre MLA Ross Landry welcomed the investment too.
“Our NDP government is committed to working with municipalities and other organizations to help them reduce their carbon footprints,” said Landry. “We all have a role to play when it comes to creating a cleaner, greener future for Nova Scotians.”
The government made the announcement on Wednesday morning in Antigonish.
"The government is showing genuine leadership by working closely with municipalities, businesses and community organizations to support green technologies that will help fight climate change and reduce operating costs," said MLA Maurice Smith on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau.
Other projects included ones in the town and county of Antigonish along with one in the District of St. Mary's.
The stats:
Forbes Lake wind turbine:
50kw turbine
100 ft.-120 ft. (30.48m x 36.57m) tower
NRHS
400w turbine
46 inch (1.17m) rotor diameter
plastic blades
13 pound (6kg) turbine
20-25 ft. (6.09 m x 7.62m) tower (on roof)
40 ft. (12.19m) tower (on ground)
130w solar panel
3 x 5 ft. (.91 x 1.52m) dimension
