By: Kelsey Sonntag, Chad Eggerman, Janelle Anderson, Glenn Wright, Avneet Nehel
This is the seventh article in an 8-article series, Renewable Energy in Canada 2024, which covers each provincial jurisdiction and the territories, released by the Energy Group at Procido LLP. The Renewable Energy in Canada 2024 series aims to provide an overview of the current state of renewable energy across the country. The sixth article Renewable Energy in Quebec: Embracing Renewable Resources, reported on Quebec. This article provides an update for Nova Scotia.
Section 92A (1)(c) of the Constitution Act, 1867 of Canada grants exclusive powers to the provinces to enact laws related to the “development, conservation and management of sites and facilities in the province for the generation and production of electrical energy”.
Nova Scotia’s Energy Framework
Nova Scotia has designed their renewable energy strategy to focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable energy sources, and transition the province to a low-carbon economy. Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change, the provincial government has committed to expanding its reliance on renewable energy sources. They have committed to the development of wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass energy generation to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Renewable Energy Resources
One of the key pillars of Nova Scotia’s renewable energy strategy is the integration of more wind power. The province has vast open areas and exceptional coastal winds that make it an ideal location for wind energy projects with capacity factors that can exceed 50% of the needed generation from onshore resources. Offshore resources have even more wind potential, providing Nova Scotia a significant advantage. Over the past decade, Nova Scotia has made substantial investments in wind farms, aiming to produce a substantial share of its electricity from wind. These wind projects have been carefully regulated and monitored to minimize environmental impacts, with community involvement and consultations being essential components of the process. There are more than 300 utility-scale wind turbines generating electricity in Nova Scotia, with an estimated generating capacity of 603 MW. Plus, an additional 370 MW is already underway from the recent Green Choice Program RFP in 2023, from which Nova Scotia approved twelve clean energy projects, ten being wind power developments. Additional procurements are expected in 2025 and 2027. Most wind facilities are owned by independent power producers. By supporting local wind projects, Nova Scotia has been able to create jobs and stimulate rural economic growth while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to wind resources, Nova Scotia has embraced the potential of solar energy generation with the intention to vastly expand the use across the province. Although the province experiences varied weather, technological advancements have made solar energy increasingly viable even in a less sunny climate. Plus, demand is growing on farms, businesses, municipalities and First Nations – driven by economics, and a desire for more control over their energy. The provincial government has implemented several programs to encourage residents and businesses to adopt solar energy systems. These programs include rebates and incentives designed to lower the financial barriers associated with solar installations. In recent years, the SolarHomes program has been particularly successful in helping thousands of homeowners reduce their energy bills and carbon footprints by installing rooftop solar panels.
Hydroelectric power also plays an important role in Nova Scotia’s renewable energy framework. While large-scale hydroelectric projects are limited, the province has tapped into smaller, localized hydro projects that leverage Nova Scotia’s abundant rivers and waterways. This approach allows for the generation of renewable energy in a way that is less invasive and more adaptable to community needs. Additionally, Nova Scotia is the only jurisdiction in North America to have commercially generated electricity from tidal energy. The Annapolis Tidal Station, on Nova Scotia’s Annapolis River came online in 1984 and generated roughly 33 GWh per year until 2019 when Fisheries and Oceans Canada ordered the tidal station to shut down due to fish mortality concerns. By diversifying the types of renewable energy sources, the province is better able to meet fluctuating energy demands while reducing strain on the environment.
Challenges remain, particularly around balancing energy supply and demand, the initial high costs associated with renewable infrastructure, and the need for ongoing public and private investment. However, Nova Scotia has taken proactive measures to address these issues. For instance, the province is investing in smart grid technologies and energy storage solutions that will allow for greater flexibility in managing intermittent renewable sources. Peter Gregg, the President & CEO of Nova Scotia Power, has spoken about how Nova Scotia Power expects to invest in grid-scale batteries to store renewable energy so that it may be utilized when customers need it most. By modernizing the energy grid, Nova Scotia aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the reliability of renewable energy for consumers.
The provincial government has also engaged with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to ensure that renewable energy projects respect local interests and are mutually beneficial. For example, partnerships with Mi’kmaq communities have led to projects that generate not only renewable energy but also local economic development and employment opportunities. These partnerships emphasize respect for land and traditional knowledge, ensuring that renewable energy projects are both sustainable and culturally sensitive.
Indigenous Contributions and Supports
The government of Nova Scotia has emphasized that collaborating with Indigenous groups, and meaningfully integrating Indigenous perspectives, is essential for the development of a sustainable renewable energy grid. Renewable energy projects that operate on the basis of respect, recognition and reconciliation will be supported by the government. The Indigenous Energy Project is a partnership between Native Council of Nova Scotia and Clean Foundation and is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. This project is made up of a variety of programs, services and sessions across Mi’kma’ki, all with the goal of providing employment opportunities in the clean economy to Indigenous job seekers within Nova Scotia.
These collaborations reflect a shift in how renewable energy projects are approached, highlighting mutual benefits that blend economic empowerment, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship. One of the most notable partnerships is with the Mi’kmaq in the development of large-scale wind energy projects. The Mi’kmaq have co-invested in these ventures, working alongside private and public sector partners to establish wind farms that contribute to Nova Scotia’s goal of generating 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Projects like these provide energy to the grid while generating revenues for Mi’kmaq communities, which can be reinvested in community priorities such as health, education, and cultural programs.
Additionally, the We’koqma’q First Nation, located on Cape Breton Island, has taken a leadership role in wind energy development. By securing equity shares in several wind projects, We’koqma’q has been able to contribute to sustainable energy production while fostering economic self-sufficiency. This model has empowered Mi’kmaq communities to take on ownership roles in renewable energy projects rather than merely being consulted or hired. Beyond wind energy, Mi’kmaq partnerships have also extended into emerging areas such as solar and energy storage. These projects are often smaller-scale and community-focused, providing local energy solutions that reduce reliance on external power sources and contribute to local resilience.
Nova Scotia’s renewable energy framework is a multifaceted approach to combating climate change. Through policies, investments, and partnerships with Indigenous groups, the province is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also setting an example for other regions seeking to transition to a greener economy.
Procido LLP’s Energy Group advises Indigenous groups, developers, suppliers, and landowners on renewable energy projects. The 8th and final article in the Renewable Energy in Canada 2024 series will cover the Territories in the North of Canada.
Disclaimer
This publication is provided as an information service and may include items reported from other sources. We do not warrant its accuracy. This information is not meant as legal opinion or advice. Contact Procido LLP (www.procido.com) if you require legal advice on the topics discussed in this article.