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Wind Power News: Nova Scotia
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Wind vs. wetlands
We read with interest Chris Lambie’s Feb. 3 article about the Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Department’s investigation into wetland alterations in Upper Tantallon. In Shelburne County, Community Wind / ABO Wind have proposed a 14- to 20-plus turbine wind farm in an area that includes the Lake Rodney watershed and surrounding wetlands. This watershed is characterized by black spruce, peat bogs, and undisturbed wilderness, and is the source of the municipal and Town of Shelburne water supply. The . . . Complete story »
Monster wind farm will trample Shelburne watershed area
Re: “Wind turbines’ local footprint is light, global impact important.” In his Feb. 10 opinion piece, Keith Towse stated that Community Wind and other developers have successfully built wind projects in Nova Scotia and elsewhere in the Maritimes adjacent to or on municipal watersheds, with zero impact on municipal water supplies. A review of environmental assessments for approved and constructed wind power projects located in Nova Scotia include the Martock Ridge Community Wind Project (three turbines) and the Chebucto Pockwock . . . Complete story »
Cumberland council’s caution warranted on mega wind farms
Re: Paul M. Dunphy’s Feb. 8 letter describing the Cumberland’s County council’s decision to delay the approval of new industrial wind projects for six months to provide opportunity to review the county’s bylaws which regulate these projects as stalling and appalling. Protect Wentworth Valley (ProtectWentworthValley.com) is a group of concerned citizens dedicated to protecting the natural beauty, wilderness, endangered species, and outdoor tourism economy in the Wentworth Valley for future generations. We agree with Mr. Dunphy’s position that climate change . . . Complete story »
Nova Scotia Power proposes shifting millions of dollars in costs to consumers
With inflation running at close to 5% these days, Nova Scotia Power might be forgiven for seeking a 3.3% increase in each of the next three years. That cost works out to an extra $5 a month. (Caveat: the 5% inflation rate is based on month-to-month comparison from a deflated pandemic economy last year and is not an annual inflation rate; the economic landscape and long-term inflation rate may change.) What seems unforgiveable is a proposed change in how the . . . Complete story »
Proposed wind farm could become Nova Scotia’s largest
A proposed wind farm in Hants County, N.S., stands to become the largest wind energy generator in the province and give a boost toward the provincial government’s renewable energy targets. Natural Forces, a Halifax-born power company, submitted its plans for the Benjamins Mills wind project to Nova Scotia’s Department of Environment this week. The company is seeking approval to build up to 28 turbines about 13 kilometres southwest of the town of Windsor. The wind farm could generate up to . . . Complete story »
Cumberland County taking a six-month pause on wind farm development
UPPER NAPPAN – As Cumberland County considers a six-month moratorium on the development of new wind farms, the group behind a proposed 100-megawatt project in the Wentworth Valley suggests a halt could kill the wind industry in that part of Nova Scotia. Speaking to a Municipality of Cumberland public hearing, which was held virtually, Paul Pynn of Higgins Mountain Wind Farm lobbied against a moratorium, fearing it could impact his company’s plans for a project along the Cumberland and Colchester . . . Complete story »
Vocal crowd greets representatives of proposed Wentworth Valley wind farm at public consultation
WENTWORTH, N.S. – The second open house for a proposed wind farm project left some wishing they had more answers, despite being in early stages. Of 7,849 hectares of leased land straddling the Cumberland-Colchester border in the Wentworth Valley area, 2,100 eligible hectares are being touted as a prime site for windmills by 3G Energy, Stevens Wind Ltd., and Vancouver-based Elemental Energy, connecting to Nova Scotia Power’s transmission line along the south side. With community feedback, a 27-turbine, 150-megawatt project had . . . Complete story »
Proposed Sandy Point wind farm meeting up with questions and some opposition in southwest N.S.
SANDY POINT, NS – A number of citizens in the Municipality of Shelburne are raising concerns and questions about a proposed wind farm for Sandy Point. At the top of the list is why did Shelburne Municipal Council write a letter of support for the proposed project without consulting with area residents? “Community Wind Farms Inc. has proposed a large-scale wind farm for the land between Sandy Point, Jordan Bay, and Jordan Ferry. Although our local government claim that the . . . Complete story »
Hants County’s Benjamins Mill eyed for future wind development by Halifax-based Natural Forces
A Halifax-based energy company has begun plans for a 50- to 150-megawatt wind farm in West Hants. Natural Forces is an independent power producer focused on renewable energy production. In business since 2001, Natural Forces has 15 renewable energy sites in operation with four more in development and construction. The Benjamin Mills project is in the very early stages of development, said Amy Pellerin, senior development manager with Natural Forces. The proposed 10 to 28 turbines would be able to . . . Complete story »
Municipality passes first reading of amended wind energy planning strategy
The first reading of the Municipality of Pictou County’s amended municipal planning strategy regarding wind energy development has passed. Randy Palmer, the chairperson of the municipality’s planning strategy committee, was disappointed council couldn’t meet in person for the first reading. Instead, council met virtually under the provincial lockdown. “A lot of work went into this planning bylaw by the committee members, and we had a lot of input by the public,” said Palmer. Chief administrative officer (CAO) Brian Cullen highlighted . . . Complete story »
