by Dan Roscoe, President of Renewall
Nova Scotia faces the dual challenges of rising energy demand and extreme weather with wild fires, nor'easters and hurricanes taking increasingly steeper tolls on the province over the past two decades. Decarbonization isn't just about reducing emissions—it's about building resilience, improving the economy, and securing a safe and sustainable future for Nova Scotians.
Nova Scotia's energy landscape is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, including coal for electricity, gasoline and diesel for transportation, and heating oil for homes. This dependency extends beyond electricity, affecting various sectors and resulting in significant carbon emissions. Much of these fossil fuels are imported, which means that money flows out of the province, leaving it economically weaker and environmentally compromised. Comprehensive decarbonization strategies are necessary to address these dependencies and transform all sectors of energy use in the province.
According to the National Inventory Report, Nova Scotia's greenhouse gas emissions have remained relatively stable at around 14.75 megatonnes since the pandemic, despite efforts to cut back. As of 2022, emissions were still 35% below 2005 levels, putting the province in a strong position compared to other regions, however, much work remains to reach the target of 53% below 2005 levels by 2030.
One of the most promising avenues for Nova Scotia’s decarbonization is wind energy. With 1,500 MW of new wind power set to come online in the next few years, the province is leveraging its geographic advantage. Coastal winds, particularly strong in the winter months when energy demand is highest, make wind energy a reliable and consistent source of clean power.
Solar power and battery storage systems will also play crucial roles. While Nova Scotia’s climate is less ideal for solar energy compared to wind, advancements in solar technology and grid-scale batteries ensure that renewable sources can work together to provide a stable energy supply. Battery storage, in particular, allows for excess energy to be stored and used when needed, making the energy system more resilient and capable of handling fluctuations in demand.
Shifting to renewable energy also has a significant economic impact. By reducing the province’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, more money stays within the local economy, supporting job creation and fostering innovation. Investing in renewable energy industries will open up opportunities for new businesses and skilled labor, positioning Nova Scotia as a leader in the clean economy.
The province's population is growing, and so is its energy demand. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the increased adoption of heat pumps, electrification is expected to expand rapidly. While this shift is crucial for reducing emissions, it also means that we must prepare for a significant increase in energy consumption.
Meeting this demand with renewables is critical to avoid reverting to fossil fuel-based solutions. Scaling up wind and solar energy, combined with battery storage systems, ensures that the province can provide sufficient power for its growing population and industrial needs. However, this also means expanding the energy infrastructure, particularly the EV charging network. Currently, the province’s charging infrastructure is insufficient to support accelerated EV adoption, so investments will be necessary to develop a network that meets future demand.
Another essential component of Nova Scotia’s decarbonization strategy involves retrofitting homes and buildings to be more energy-efficient. Many homes in the province still rely on oil-based heating systems, which are not only expensive but also environmentally damaging. Transitioning to heat pumps, which are more efficient and operate on electricity, will significantly reduce carbon footprints.
Improving insulation and upgrading windows will also contribute to energy efficiency, helping to lower heating and cooling costs for consumers. These changes are not just environmentally beneficial, they have substantial financial advantages for homeowners. Lower energy bills, coupled with government incentives and programs, make retrofitting homes a practical and attractive option. Programs like Efficiency Nova Scotia already provide support for these upgrades, making it easier for residents to access energy-efficient solutions.
Decarbonization is more than an environmental effort—it’s a chance for Nova Scotia to gain a competitive edge. By embracing clean energy, businesses in industries such as manufacturing, fisheries, and tourism can stand out in international markets that prioritize low-carbon practices. For example, meeting restrictive carbon emissions regulations in the European Union becomes more achievable when businesses rely on green energy.
Nova Scotia's leadership in clean energy innovation is further solidified with local companies like Novonix, CarbonCure, Planetary Technologies and CarbonRun making significant strides in decarbonization research and ventures. Raleigh Solar, Thermo Dynamics Ltd, Glas Ocean, and ThermAtlantic Energy Products are also at the forefront of sustainable solutions, contributing to the province’s clean transition. These innovators, alongside renewable energy companies like Roswall and Renewall, are driving change through advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Public-private partnerships are essential in accelerating this progress, fostering collaboration and investment to bring these cutting-edge innovations to broader use within the province.
Decarbonization efforts not only set Nova Scotia up for economic growth but also ensure long-term resilience and sustainability. By reducing reliance on global fossil fuel markets, Nova Scotia becomes less vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions, which are common in the fossil fuel sector. This energy independence is crucial for both the economy and the environment.
Environmentally, reducing emissions means improved air quality and less pollution resulting in fewer respiratory and environmental illnesses. As the province transitions to clean energy, the environmental benefits will include supporting biodiversity and healthier ecosystems, crucial for Nova Scotia’s natural beauty and economic sectors like tourism and fishing.
The path to a clean, decarbonized Nova Scotia is clear, but it requires the commitment of residents, businesses, and policymakers. By investing in renewable energy, expanding infrastructure, and retrofitting buildings, Nova Scotia will not only meet its carbon reduction targets but also establish itself as a leader in sustainable living. This journey will change life in the province making it more resilient, affordable, and economically robust—paving the way for a brighter, cleaner future.
