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Nova Scotia Power Activates Atlantic Canada's Largest Battery Storage Projects
Nova Scotia Power has commissioned three large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) totaling 150 MW/600 MWh, making them the largest in Atlantic Canada. These projects, backed by significant federal investments and unique Indigenous community participation, are vital for grid stability and the province's transition to 80% renewable energy and a full coal phase-out by 2030.
Nova Scotia Power has recently activated three significant battery energy storage systems (BESS) located in Bridgewater, Waverley, and White Rock. These facilities, boasting a combined capacity of 150 MW and 600 MWh, now represent the largest battery storage projects in Atlantic Canada. This strategic deployment is vital for Nova Scotia as it aims to transition away from coal-fired power generation and enhance the resilience of its electricity grid, particularly during periods of peak demand and potential outages.
The realization of these projects was underpinned by substantial financial commitments. The Government of Canada contributed CA$109 million for pre-development, installation, and grid modernization efforts through Natural Resources Canada’s Electricity Predevelopment Program. Additionally, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) provided a loan of CA$138.2 million. A notable aspect of these initiatives is the equitable participation of all thirteen Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia, acting as equity partners via the Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency (WMA). This arrangement marks the first clean energy project supported by the CIB’s Indigenous Equity Initiative, fostering economic reconciliation and ensuring Indigenous values are considered in major project development.
Vivek Sood, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power, highlighted that the completion of these three sites is the culmination of extensive planning, engineering, and community engagement over several years. These projects are set to bolster the electricity system's reliability for customers and facilitate the continued expansion of renewable energy across the province. Regulatory approval for the portfolio was granted in 2024 by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, following amendments made to the provincial Electricity Act in 2023, specifically designed to accelerate energy storage deployment. These legislative changes enabled Nova Scotia Power to conduct competitive solicitations for battery storage resources.
Nova Scotia has set an ambitious target of requiring between 300 MW and 400 MW of energy storage by 2030 to achieve 80% renewable energy and a complete phase-out of coal by the same year. In 2022, over 70% of the province's electricity still originated from fossil fuels. The investment in Nova Scotia is part of the broader federal CA$4.5 billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, which supports grid modernization, storage, and renewable energy deployment across all Canadian regions. Other Canadian provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, are pursuing distinct strategies for battery storage implementation, ranging from large-scale procurements to direct utility ownership and operation.
This article is based on information published by Energy-Storage.News.
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