Onshore Wind

Wind is a renewable resource that provides an alternative to Nova Scotia’s use of fossil fuels for electricity generation. As one of the fastest growing sources of energy globally, it is anticipated that each megawatt (MW) of wind that is produced in Nova Scotia can provide 350-400 homes with electricity and reduce carbon emissions by 2,500 tonnes annually.

Industry Facts

In addition to helping achieve climate and energy targets, wind development can also create investment opportunities locally through land leases and municipal taxes, with site preparation, construction, operations, and maintenance creating workforce demand locally.

As of 2023, Nova Scotia’s energy mix consisted of approximately 11% wind-generated energy – all deployed onshore.

There are more than 300 commercial wind turbines operating in Nova Scotia, most of which are owned by independent power producers (IPPs) who hold contracts to sell their electricity back to Nova Scotia Power (NSP) through power purchase agreements.

Nova Scotia’s Clean Power Plan is calling for 1,000 MW of new onshore wind capacity by 2030, enough to meet 50% of the province’s electricity demand. This aligns with Nova Scotia’s legislated goals in the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act to get off coal and have 80% of electricity generated with renewables by 2030, with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Energy Reform (2024) Act will allow for the creation of the new Nova Scotia Energy Board who will regulate public utilities in the energy sector. The More Access to Energy Act will create an Independent Energy System Operator that will manage connection of renewable energy to the grid in place of NSP.

Competitive Advantages

  • Most of Unama’ki – Cape Breton is in the 6-7 m/s wind speed range, with locations further north reaching speeds upwards of 10 m/s. At 80 m, wind speeds of 7 m/s are economically viable for development.
  • Wind energy projects are subject to long-term fixed-price contracts or capital work orders resulting in renewable energy prices that stay the same for decades.
  • The cost of commercial-scale, competitively sourced wind energy is less expensive than other renewable energy and competitive with traditional sources of energy (coal).
  • Access to transmission lines is good throughout the Island.
  • Clear regulatory pathways
    • Municipally, a project must conform to zoning by-laws and minimum setbacks between the project and residences, businesses, roads, and any other infrastructure the municipality has jurisdiction over. Land-use planning across most of Unama’ki – Cape Breton occurs through the Eastern District Planning Commission and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Planning Department.
    • Well-established public procurement processes for onshore wind development in Nova Scotia
      • COMFIT program enabled community organizations to be involved in renewable electricity generation with a guaranteed rate per kilowatt-hour (KWh) for energy feeding into the grid.
      • Nova Scotia’s Rate Base Procurement (RBP) program had a goal to procure 1,100 MWh by 2023. Project selection was based on value to ratepayers, meaningful engagement and equity ownership with Mi’kmaq Communities, and positive economic impacts for local supply chains. Five projects received 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with NSP (average energy rate of CAD $53.14 per MWh).
    • Provincially, any wind project that exceeds 2 MW must undertake a Class I Environmental Assessment, administered by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.
    • Federally, regulations apply to any project that received federal fundings, occurs on federal lands, or requires a permit by the federal government, which means a federal Impact Assessment is conducted by the proponent through the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

Investment Opportunities

  • The Nova Scotia Green Choice Program (GCP) was created to provide easier access to low-impact renewable energy for large energy customers. The Electricity Act amendments set out a billing structure between a supplier and a participant, to meet the participant’s electricity load.
    • Must be new customer of NSP with three-year average annual load of at least 10,000MWh annually
    • Proponents can bid into the competitive RFP process to supply Green Choice Program participants. Steps to participate in the program here.
  • Mi’kmaq communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton have become equity partners and developers of energy projects across Nova Scotia. There are five Mi’kmaq Communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton with whom partnerships could occur – Membertou, Potlotek Mi’kmaw Nation, Eskasoni First Nation, We’kokma’q L’nue’kati, and Wagmatcook First Nation.
  • The Canada Infrastructure Bank provides low-cost financing opportunities, for gaps in the capital structure of projects such as renewables, district energy systems, energy storage and more.
  • The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) provides approximately $4.5 billion until 2035 for smart renewable energy and electrical grid modernization projects.
  • Proposed Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit, Clean Technology Manufacturing Tax Credit, and Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit could offer additional investment incentives if passed in parliament.
  • Invest Nova Scotia has implemented updates to the Innovation Rebate Program that will better support decarbonization initiatives by Nova Scotian businesses.

Key Resources

Downloadable Resources

Click the document below for a downloadable pdf.

Web Resources

Wind Energy Generation on Crown Land, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources

Maritime Regional Wind Energy Resources Determining preferred regions for additional onshore and offshore wind energy development Nathaniel Pearre and Lucas Swan, Dalhousie University Renewable Energy Storage Laboratory

Catching the Wind: How Atlantic Canada Can Become an Energy Superpower from Peter Nicholson, Public Policy Forum

Nova Scotia Power’s Integrated Resource Plan

Nova Scotia Energy Reform Act Fact Sheet

For More Information

Need more information, assistance, or support?  The Cape Breton Partnership works on behalf of all Municipalities and First Nations in Cape Breton – Unama’ki and can connect you to the tools or information you need. Contact us today or explore our database of business supports at www.EntrepreneurCB.com.

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Last Modified: August 29, 2024