Minister Currie says government is prepared to dedicate the green power from one of the eight windmills at the North Cape Wind Farm for research and development of hydrogen production using wind. The research would be carried out by a private company. Minister Currie said government is also prepared to partner with a company or companies that agree to set up an R&D facility in the Tignish area to investigate hydrogen production.

Premier Pat Binns says the offer is proof of government's commitment to exploring environmentally friendly, sustainable energy sources.

"The success of the North Cape Wind Farm has been an incentive for government to do even more work in the area of renewable energy," said Premier Binns. "Clearly, the people of this province want more of their energy to come from clean sustainable sources. By offering this incentive, we hope to attract a company who shares our vision of the potential of hydrogen power."

Hydrogen is produced from water using electricity. In this case, wind would provide the necessary electrical power. The hydrogen stores energy until it's needed to produce electricty in a fuel cell or to power an internal combustion engine. In this case, when the energy stored in the hydrogen is released, the only emission is water.

Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea says she welcomes the possibility of the research and development facility coming to the Tignish area.

"We are proud to continue building the foundation of the Island's renewable energy industry here in West Prince. Following our government's investments in the Wind Farm, this is an exciting opportunity to partner with the private sector to take a national leadership role for R&D in this expanding field, right here at home," said Minister Shea.

The PEI Energy Corporation is sponsoring a hydrogen symposium in Charlottetown and North Cape on June 23 and 24. The symposium will explore the business potential for hydrogen development in PEI. Participants from across Canada are expected to attend.