The Province's independent procurement administrator, CustomerFirst Renewables, is moving forward with a request for proposals for wind and solar energy projects that will supply 10 per cent of the province's electricity.
These projects will generate 350 megawatts of low-cost renewable energy and reduce Nova Scotia's greenhouse gas emissions by more than one million tonnes annually.
"This represents the largest potential to reduce greenhouse gases from a single government procurement," said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. "We are committed to have 80 per cent of Nova Scotia's electricity needs supplied by renewable energy by 2030, and the projects that come from this RFP will play a critical role in helping us achieve that goal."
Wind and solar are both low-cost sources of electrical energy in Canada, making this RFP the most economical pathway to reduce a significant amount of greenhouse gases.
The RFP is a competitive, fair and transparent process to provide the best value to ratepayers. It encourages proponents to demonstrate their commitment to engaging with the public - including with Mi'kmaq communities, using the Nova Scotia supply chain and working with underrepresented communities within the energy sector.
Up to five projects are expected to be selected from the process. They are expected to create upwards of 2,000 direct and indirect jobs over their lifetime, mostly in rural Nova Scotia, and generate more than $550 million in construction activity.
Industry experts will review and evaluate the proposals, and successful proponents will receive a 25-year contract with Nova Scotia Power for the sale of the renewable electricity generated. Projects must receive all other required regulatory permits and approvals, including an environmental assessment.
The Province is in the final phase of negotiations with the Canada Infrastructure Bank on financing options for bidders.
Quotes:
Nova Scotia is already experiencing the impacts of our changing climate. Wind and solar projects are an important part of our energy future as we transition off coal and towards a healthier, cleaner, more sustainable province. This RFP will help us meet our targets in the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act and our commitment to Nova Scotians and our planet.Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
In addition to driving economic growth across the Province, the RFP aims to prioritize social benefits by incentivizing meaningful partnerships with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and other underrepresented groups. The Province is driving significant environmental, economic, and social impact with this RFP, proving that with enough ingenuity and commitment, none need be sacrificed for the other.Gary Farha, founder and CEO, CustomerFirst Renewables
The wind and solar industries are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions to meet Nova Scotia's energy needs. The launch of this procurement is an important step forward to help Nova Scotia achieve its target of 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.Jean Habel, Director, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
We are eager to collaborate with innovative partners on clean power projects which are essential to reducing Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. The Province's renewable energy initiative is a tremendous opportunity to enable both beneficial economic and environmental outcomes in Nova Scotia.Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Quick Facts:
- the Province appointed CustomerFirst Renewables as the independent procurement administrator in late 2020
- once these projects are operational, it is expected that 70 per cent of the province's electricity will be generated by renewable electricity, with the remainder of the 80 per cent target to be reached by 2030
- the projects also support the Province's goal of achieving a 53 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and becoming net-zero by 2050
Additional Resources:
Information on renewable energy in Nova Scotia: https://energy.novascotia.ca/renewables
Canada Infrastructure Bank: https://cib-bic.ca/en/
CustomerFirst Renewables: https://novascotiarbp.com
