Generate 2012 Conference to Explore Future Role of Clean Energy Projects in BC

Generate 2012 Conference to Explore Future Role

of Clean Energy Projects in BC

Leading Experts to Discuss Clean Energy's Contribution to BC's Energy Mix

Vancouver, B.C. -- October 24, 2012 -- Finding the right balance between conventional fossil fuel development and clean energy production while meeting the legitimate interests of First Nations, communities, NGOs, industry and governments will be the focus of Clean Energy BC's 10th annual conference, Generate 2012, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver on October 29th and 30th.

 

The Honourable Rich Coleman, BC Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas, will open the conference on Monday morning, which features an impressive roster of more than 50 speakers who will discuss the clean energy industry's future contribution to BC's economy. On the agenda: critical issues facing the industry such as where renewables fit into BC's liquefied natural gas strategy, clean energy's role in supporting mine development in northern BC, BC Hydro's pending Integrated Resource Plan, emerging clean energy technologies and economic development opportunities for First Nations and rural communities.

 

"BC's energy landscape is undergoing a fundamental change," said Paul Kariya, Executive Director of the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC).  "The Province's plans to expand natural gas production in northeastern BC, develop new mines and build liquefied natural gas plants all require huge amounts of electricity.  Making clean energy an integral part of a balanced energy mix to power these projects will help the Province reach its emission targets, reduce the burden on Hydro ratepayers and provide sustainable economic opportunities for First Nations and rural communities."

 

More than 600 clean energy producers, First Nations, community leaders, government representatives, utility executives, NGOs, suppliers and leading industry experts are expected attend the two-day event, which includes field trips to clean energy projects and short courses over the weekend.

 

Conference speakers include:

 

• Dr. David Suzuki, Co-Founder of the David Suzuki Foundation
• Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit
• Michel Letellier, President and CEO, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.
• The Honourable Mary Polak, BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
• Tzeporah Berman, Prominent Environmentalist and Author of This Crazy Time: Living Our Environmental Challenge
• Jeff Morris, Member, Washington State House of Representatives
• Chris O'Riley, Executive Vice-President, Generation, BC Hydro
• Steve Carr, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas
• Doug Konkin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
• Chief Garry Feschuk, shíshálh First Nation
• Chief Willie Charlie, Sts'ailes First Nation
• Rick Gateman, Vice-President, Business Development, TransCanada Pipelines Limited
• Merran Smith, Director., Tides Canada Energy Initiative
• Art Sterritt, Executive Director, Coastal First Nations
• Eamonn Percy, Chair, Advisory Board, Clean Energy Research Centre, UBC

 

The full conference program for Generate 2012: Finding the Balance is available at www.cleanenergybc.org

 

About Clean Energy BC

Clean Energy BC is dedicated to developing a viable clean, renewable energy industry in British Columbia that serves the public interest by providing cost-effective electricity through the efficient and environmentally responsible development of the Province's energy resources.  Its 300 members comprise developers and technical and commercial supply chains who provide clean energy from run-of-river hydro, wind, biomass and new emerging fuels.  Working in partnership with First Nations, BC Hydro, provincial and federal governments and local communities, the clean energy sector contributes to job creation, capital expenditures and investment in British Columbia. BC's clean energy producers have 75 Energy Purchase Agreements with BC Hydro for projects in commercial operation, delivering more than 14,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity - enough to supply approximately 1.3 million homes. To date, approximately $4.5 billion has been invested in BC's energy sector, and 18,000 jobs created during construction.  Playing a significant role in this sector are 125 First Nations, a number as developers/operators.

 

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For additional information and media accreditation please contact:

 

Martin Livingston

BreakThrough Communications Inc.

Office: 604-685-4742 ext. 2

Cell: 604-657-8234

email: m.livingston@breakthroughpr.com