COOPERATION Program funding for the project, provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and InNOVAcorp, was announced by Ron MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for International Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State (ACOA and Veterans), and Premier John Savage.

A total of $45,000 is being contributed to the project through the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Program ($31,500 federal and $13,500 provincial). In addition, Natural Resources Canada, through the CANMET Energy Technology Centre, is contributing $45,000 toward the project.

Mr. MacDonald, while unable to attend the event, indicated his support for the project and its future commercialization. "International trade is a cornerstone of developing our Atlantic Economy. Seaforth Engineering has looked to the United States for a joint venture opportunity that brings a highly-attractive new technology to the region. The system is innovative and very reliable so its market potential is very promising."

"Seaforth's wind turbine is a prime example of how technology can enrich lives and improve our economy," said Premier John Savage. "Helping to create opportunities that position Nova Scotia and our capabilities in the world market is an essential part of our economic development strategy."

The project is a joint venture between Seaforth Engineering and Vermont-based Atlantic Orient Corporation Inc. The two have formed a new company, Atlantic Orient of Canada (AOC) Inc., in which Seaforth Engineering has 51% equity. The AOC 15/50 wind turbine system will undergo further design improvements and testing by Seaforth before being marketed domestically and internationally through AOC. The system offers a simple design and fail-safe reliability that will benefit its users.

"Data collected in a preliminary test performed by the Atlantic Wind Test Site of Prince Edward Island to monitor wind speed and direction showed us that the wind regime at the Innovation Centre is sufficient to generate 85,000 kilowatt hours with the turbine system," said David Lombardi, Seaforth President. "The demonstration project will refine the technology and develop its commercial potential and will provide a training and marketing resource."

Along with creating new jobs for Canadians, AOC is adding to Canada's base of technology and engineering expertise in wind energy, which, in turn, contributes to a cleaner environment and the sustainable development of Canada's energy supply.