by Dan Roscoe, President of Renewall
But what does this mean for the people who live, work, and raise families here? Beyond the headlines, this deal brings real benefits to Haligonians, from cleaner air and cost stability to greater energy independence. Here’s what you need to know about this transformative milestone.
Halifax’s new agreement with Renewall Energy will source nearly half of its municipal electricity needs (45%) from the Mersey River Wind project, Renewall’s energy generation partner in Queens county, reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 24%.
What does this mean for Haligonians? Well, cleaner air for one thing. Fewer emissions mean a significant reduction in pollutants, which directly impacts respiratory health. This is especially important for children, seniors, and those with preexisting health conditions like asthma. Improved air quality means healthier communities and fewer health-related costs for families.
This move also aligns with Halifax’s broader climate plan, HalifACT, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. It’s a clear demonstration of municipal leadership in fighting climate change and protecting the health of its residents.
One of the standout features of this deal is its financial predictability. Renewable electricity rates are locked in at competitive pricing, with annual increases capped at just 1% over the next 20 years.
For Haligonian taxpayers, this means stability. Stable energy rates help protect taxpayers from the volatility of fossil fuel markets. This is crucial for maintaining municipal budgets, ensuring that essential public services like transit, recreation, and infrastructure aren’t disrupted by fluctuating energy costs.
More than that, it proves that renewable energy isn’t just an environmentally responsible choice—it’s also a financially smart one. By embracing wind power, Halifax is setting an example of how clean energy can provide both immediate savings and long-term economic benefits.
Nova Scotia has experienced its fair share of devastating storms. Hurricanes Juan, Dorian, and Fiona brought winds exceeding 150 km/h, with gusts reaching as high as 200 km/h, challenging infrastructure across the province. Yet, turbines built to international IEC 61400-01 standards are engineered to withstand sustained winds of up to 180 km/h and gusts of 250 km/h. During peak winds, these turbines shut down safely, protecting their structure, and resume operations seamlessly once conditions stabilize.
Nor’easters, while less intense, bring prolonged wind speeds of 65-100 km/h with gusts sometimes exceeding 140 km/h. These conditions, though challenging, are well within the operational range of modern turbines, making them reliable even during extended storm events.
Renewall with suppliy 33,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually, from Mersey River Wind, significantly reducing Halifax’s reliance on external energy sources.
Why does this matter? By producing a large share of its electricity locally, Halifax strengthens its energy resilience. This means the city is less vulnerable to global energy market disruptions and fossil fuel supply chain issues which are increasingly a concern and a reality. This may seem like a minor point, but we are likely to find out it’s a much bigger deal than we can truly appreciate as our geopolitics become more and more unstable. This is a definitive win for everyone who lives in the HRM.
Moreover, this commitment to renewable energy inspires other communities across Nova Scotia to take similar steps. Halifax’s leadership demonstrates how local energy projects can empower communities to take control of their energy future while contributing to the fight against climate change.
This partnership with Renewall is more than just a headline—it’s a win for Haligonians. Cleaner air, cost stability, and energy independence aren’t abstract benefits—they’re real, tangible changes that will improve the quality of life for everyone in Halifax.
By taking this step, Halifax is leading the way for a greener, healthier, and more resilient future. As residents, we can take pride in the role our city is playing in tackling climate change and inspiring others to do the same.
Want to learn more about how renewable energy is transforming Nova Scotia? Visit our FAQ to see how clean energy can benefit your home or business. Together, we’re building a brighter future—powered by the wind.
Renewall will begin to provide clean, reliable energy to Nova Scotian homes and businesses beginning in 2026. Sign up today. First come, first served.
