THURSDAY OCTOBER 6

POLICY AND PROJECTS IN WESTERN CANADA

This session will investigate the policy environment and project development challenges for wind power in British Columbia and Alberta. We will examine the mechanics of greenhouse gas offsets in Alberta and the impact of BC’s new Clean Energy Act on wind project development and financing. The session will close with a review of wind power project construction challenges specific to BC presented by the province’s leading wind turbine installer.

Session Chair: Brian Murphy, Alberta Policy Manager, CanWEA

Greenhouse Gas Emission Offsets by Wind Projects Under Alberta’s Emission Trading System
John Goetz, Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP

The Impact of the New BC Clean Energy Act on Wind Project Development and Financing
Paul Kariya, Clean Energy BC

Challenges of Wind Project Construction in BC
Murray Westeberg, Eagle West Wind Energy Inc.

FIRST NATIONS IN THE WIND INDUSTRY

Leading First Nations are fast becoming part of the wind industry. This session will highlight the involvement of First Nations in Canada’s Wind Industry.

Session Chair: David Porter, CEO of the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council (invited)

Impact Benefit Agreements
Merle Alexander, Bull, Houser and Tupper LLP (invited)

First Nations In the Supply Chain
Chief Justin George, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and TWN Wind Power Inc.

First Nations As Developers (ON)
Ken Noble, Project Director, Henvey Inlet First Nation (invited)

First Nations as Developers (ON)
Chief Joe Hare, M’Chigeeng First Nation

IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING RISKS FOR PROJECT FINANCING

Speakers in this session will discuss issues with project financing based on their direct experience in the Canadian market. Attendees will learn how others have identified risks and their suggestions for developing mitigation strategies aimed at both reducing the impact of those risks and improving their ability to obtain financial support.

Session Chair: Matt Holder, Manager, Environment, TransAlta Corp.

Planning Ahead: A Developer’s Perspective on Financing Issues
Yannick Debin, EDF EN Canada

Improving Financing Certainty for Wind Developers Across Canada
Mark Porter, Ernst & Young

Successes and Failures: Presenting a Robust Financial Model to Potential Investors
David Bale, GL-Garrad Hassan

Interconnection Challenges During Project Development and Financing
Nicolas Muszynski, RES Canada

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE: BUILDING ON EXPERIENCE

This session examines the operation and maintenance of wind turbines, and presents options and strategies that can be employed to assess and improve overall performance. Areas that will be examined include software solutions, structuring an effective O&M team, and a discussion into operational challenges around ice build up on blades.

Session Chair: Pamela McKinnon, Director, Wind Energy, Nova Scotia Power Inc.

New Software for Improving Performance in Wind Farms
Mark Collins, Inexcon Technologies

Operations and Maintenance: It’s About People!
Timothy Fratta, enXco Service Corporation

TransAlta’s Operational Experience with Blade Icing
Jeff Nelson, TransAlta Corp.