By WGO Staff
Cape Breton University’s Verschuren Centre in Sustainability in Energy and the Environment will begin work next week on the largest solar installation on Cape Breton Island. The project will see roughly 500 solar panels installed on the Canada Games Complex through three power purchase (PPA) agreements for 50kW of solar photovoltaic (PV) each. The agreements were awarded in 2017 as part of the Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Pilot Program.
Projects awarded through the Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Pilot Program enable eligible community groups and organizations to generate up to 75kW of solar PV electricity on their roofs or properties and sell it to their utility under a 20-year contract.
“CBU’s commitment to sustainability is intrinsically connected to all that we do and the Verschuren Centre is at the very heart of that commitment,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “A large-scale project of this nature further solidifies the Verschuren Centre’s leadership and capacity, but also solidifies CBU’s commitment to sustainability in our community.”
Design work is currently underway with the expectation that procurement and installation will begin in late Spring. Cape Breton Island solar capacity has such potential that is set to rival even Germany, which has been called the world’s first major renewable energy economy.
“The Verschuren Centre is ready to play a leadership role in promoting the use of Solar PV as the most cost-effective source of on-site electricity generation,” says Dr. Beth Mason, CEO, Verschuren Centre. “We have the expertise and capacity to assist and empower local businesses and institutions who are interested in solar energy. We understand community needs and see the opportunity to expand our community outreach while creating a greener, more sustainable Cape Breton.”
The Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment is an industrial solutions, development and deployment centre, advancing sustainable resource management in four key fields of expertise – Renewable energy, Bio-processing, Aquaculture and Nano materials. Established in 2009 on a legacy of environmental remediation to bring sustainable industry development to Cape Breton Island and the Province of Nova Scotia, the Centre is uniquely positioned to address these challenges, with a dedicated team of researchers and students working toward innovative and sustainable solutions.
