The Canadian government provides over $192 million to support six clean energy projects in Nova Scotia. This funding is part of the province’s effort to move away from coal and transition to renewable energy by 2030.

Federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced at Nova Scotia Power’s headquarters in Halifax. He explained that $117.6 million will fund three large battery storage systems in Bridgewater, Spider Lake near Waverly, and White Rock. These systems, each with a capacity of 50 megawatts, will help store energy and supply it to the electrical grid when needed. The funding for these battery projects also builds on a $138.2-million loan previously announced by the Canada Infrastructure Bank in February.

In addition to the battery projects, three wind farm projects will receive $25 million each from Ottawa’s $ 4.5 billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program. These projects include the 33.6-megawatt Benjamin Mill wind farm near Windsor, the 100-megawatt Higgins Mountain wind farm, and the 84-megawatt Wedgeport wind farm in the District of Argyle.

Mark Sidebottom, the chief clean energy officer for Nova Scotia Power, welcomed the federal support, noting that the province has set a goal of sourcing 80% of its energy from renewables by 2030. He mentioned that work has already started on the battery storage projects in Bridgewater and Spider Lake, with all three storage sites expected to be operational by 2026, and at least two sites ready by the end of 2025.

These initiatives are part of a broader plan to phase out coal by 2030 in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Minister Wilkinson emphasized that transitioning to clean electricity is essential for both economic and environmental reasons, as the private sector is increasingly focused on clean energy to remain competitive.

Wilkinson also mentioned ongoing discussions with Nova Scotia’s government about the province’s request for federal assistance with fuel debt costs. This debt has been rising due to delays in the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in Labrador, which could lead to higher power rates. The federal government is expected to respond to this request within the next couple of months.