Wind Energy in Nova Scotia

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Reports & Publications

To view various reports and publications on wind energy and the industry in Nova Scotia, please visit our Wind Multimedia Library.

Why Wind?

Wind energy offers many advantages--it is emission-free, renewable, domestic, and relatively affordable. That explains why it is the fastest growing energy source in the world. Wind also presents some challenges - particularly because it is, by its very nature, a variable source. Some challenges can be addressed through careful planning while others require further research and innovation.

Climate Change

  • Wind energy is clean and green
  • Every megawatt (MW) of wind reduces our greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 2,500 tonnes per year--enough clean energy for 350-400 Nova Scotian homes
  • Can improve air quality by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels

Nova Scotia has a World-Class Wind Resource

  • Nova Scotia has strong coastal winds--some of the highest average wind speeds in Canada
  • Nova Scotia has approximately 280 megawatts (ME) of wind energy capacity, representing approximately 14% of the province's electricity requirements at our winter peaks

Rising Energy Prices

  • The cost of wind energy is competitive with traditional sources of energy and cheaper than most forms of renewable energy
  • The fuel for wind energy projects is free, resulting in renewable energy generation that will not cause significant electricity price increases

Wind Energy is Local

  • Wind is a natural, domestic source of energy
  • Wind energy in Nova Scotia can create local investment through land leases, municipal taxes, site preparation construction, and maintenance and can create a demand for local labour

Current Development

For more details please check out the location of wind turbines currently operating in NS.

Here are a few statistics on wind energy in Nova Scotia today:

  • Total number of turbines in Nova Scotia: 160
  • Installed wind power in Nova Scotia (April 2011): 285 MW
  • Total electricity generating capacity of NSPI: 2,293 MW
  • In 2010, wind power accounted for about 3.2% of electricity produced in Nova Scotia.
  • Nova Scotia's wind energy capacity represents about 14% of the province's electricity requirements at winter peaks, the highest capacity to peak load ratio in Canada.

Wind energy can be developed through a variety of programs under the Renewable Electricity Plan: Enhanced Net Metering, the Community Feed-In Tariff (COMFIT) Program, and programs for large-scale projects.