SASKATCHEWAN SIGNS MOU WITH THE STATE OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Saskatchewan and the Australian State of Victoria have become partners in researching and developing low-carbon technologies, renewable energy sources and plans for adapting to climate change with today's signing of an agreement in Copenhagen.

Environment Minister Nancy Heppner signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Victoria's Minister for Energy and Resources, Peter Batchelor.

"By forging a stronger relationship and sharing information and best practices, both Saskatchewan and State of Victoria will benefit from emerging clean energy technologies that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote innovation and green jobs," Heppner said.

"Saskatchewan and the State of Victoria have many similar challenges in reducing emissions," Batchelor said. "We are pleased to partner with Saskatchewan in research and demonstration projects for carbon capture and storage and other clean coal technologies and to develop cost-effective climate change solutions."

Priority areas for collaboration include research and development on carbon capture and storage and clean coal technologies, renewable energy systems (wind, solar, storage and biomass), alternative energy technologies such as energy conservation and efficiency, development of a green economy and effective adaptation planning (drought management, water conservation and fire management).

The agreement also allows Saskatchewan and the State of Victoria to jointly pursue emerging research and development and commercial opportunities to advance environmental management and sustainable development priorities.

Heppner is in Copenhagen to attend the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Redston
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5796
Email: jennifer.redston@gov.sk.ca