Nova Scotia Renewables Current Activity in Wind Energy

Nova Scotia has about 280 megawatts of wind energy capacity, representing about 14% of the province's electricity requirements at our winter peaks, the highest capacity to peak load ratio in Canada.

In Fall 2010, our government passed new regulations for a law which requires utilities to supply 25% of electricity from renewable sources by 2015. On top of this law, the government has a target of 40% renewable electricity by 2020.

That will mean less reliance on fossil fuels, more energy sustainability, and a greener Nova Scotia.

In May 2008, The Nova Scotia Wind Integration Study reported on the potential impacts of integrating wind power projects to the province's electric grid in two phases: by 2010 and by 2013.

The Nova Scotia Department of Energy set those ambitious time-frames in 2007 when it announced the renewable energy standard.

That standard requires that 20% of our electricity be generated through renewable energy by 2013.

The Wind Integration Study says the targets may be met and there will also be challenges ahead.

For more details please review previous wind projects announced or check out the location of wind turbines currently operating in NS.

To encourage wind power and renewable energy, the Nova Scotia Department of Energy has created the Nova Scotia Wind Atlas.

The atlas allows you to see the wind speed anywhere in the province at 30, 50 and 80 metres above ground level.

The Nova Scotia Department of Energy has also partnered with the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations to create guidelines for municipalities developing wind turbine bylaws.

The report, completed in January 2008, provides a comprehensive review of any concerns associated with wind development, along with recommendations to prevent potential impacts.

Learn more by visiting public education in wind energy.