Bayside Development Corporation and Natural Forces secure a solar energy power purchase agreement for
Bayside Travel Centre

Renewable energy project to promote solar energy at the new Bayside Travel Centre on Highway 104

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, Nova Scotia – On behalf of Paqtnkek First Nation’s Bayside Development Corporation, renewable energy developer Natural Forces has secured a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with NS Power Inc. This agreement allows for the sale of renewable energy generated from the proposed 75 kW solar photovoltaic system, which will be located on the roof of the new Bayside Travel Centre at the new Highway 104 interchange at Exit 32-B.

This will be the community’s third renewable energy project, following their successful bid for a similar 20-year Power Purchase Agreement last year for a 72 kW solar system and the Amherst Community Wind Project, which was jointly developed by Natural Forces and the 13 Mi’kmaq Bands of Nova Scotia, including Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.

“Natural Forces and Paqtnkek First Nation have been working together on solar energy projects for the past couple of years and we are pleased to have succeeded in securing a second Power Purchase Agreement!” says Roby Douglas of Natural Forces.

“Our business model focuses on developing renewable energy projects in partnership with organizations and communities across Canada. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to work alongside Chief Paul Prosper, Bayside Development Corporation’s CEO Rose Paul, the councilors of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation and the Bayside Travel Centre project team over at HATCH. Natural Forces is thrilled to work with such an experienced, professional group to move this project forward!”

The Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Pilot Program, which was run from 2017 to 2019, allowed eligible community entities such as Municipalities, First Nations, Universities, and Not for Profit organizations to secure long-term power purchase agreements with Nova Scotia Power.

CEO Rose Paul, Bayside Development Corporation:

“This project will be an exciting addition to Bayside Development Corporation’s new Travel Centre, and a key piece in our vision to have the Bayside Travel Centre be an eco-friendly rest-stop for people traveling to and from Cape Breton. The revenue that is generated from this project will support our economic development initiatives for the next 20+ years. As a community, we are incredibly proud to be a part of the growing movement towards providing a sustainable future for our Band members and Nova Scotians in general.”

This project will provide up to 115,000 kWh of clean, emission-free power and will displace up to 88,700 pounds of coal annually.

The project is owned entirely by the Bayside Development Corporation and will be constructed and commissioned by Natural Forces. Bayside Development Corporation is the business arm of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation in northeastern Nova Scotia. Natural Forces is a maritime-owned renewable energy company with over 80 years of combined experience and has deployed countless renewable energy projects around the world.

Contact:
Roby Douglas; Natural Forces
Tel: (902) 422 9663

CEO Rose Paul, Bayside Development Corporation
Tel: (902) 386-2781