HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy says the province is on track to exceed its renewable energy goals.
In 2010, the government passed a law requiring 25 per cent of the province’s power to come from renewables — like wind and hydro — by 2015. The law’s second target is set at 40 per cent by 2020.
“We have no concerns about meeting that 25 per cent,” said Andrew Young, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy.
“In fact, we expect that that will be exceeded.”
Nova Scotia’s electricity production comes from a mix of sources. Renewable energy makes up 18 per cent of that mix, according to the latest estimate from Nova Scotia Power. That estimate might be low and outdated, energy department officials said. A request has been made by the department for Nova Scotia Power to reassess the balance of resources.
A more accurate measure of how much renewable energy Nova Scotia generates is expected in two to three weeks.
Nova Scotia’s 40 per cent renewable target for 2020 should be easily met as well.
“The fact that we have the Maritime Link coming on stream,” said Younger, “we’re not concerned about meeting the 40 per cent target.”
Younger’s comments come the same week the government announced plans to reinvigorate Nova Scotia’s tidal power opportunities. Companies looking to sell tidal power to the grid can now apply for feed-in tariffs, outlined by a Utility and Review Board decision.
In March, the government will grant access to two undersea berths for companies to test tidal technology and possibly begin feeding small amounts of tidal power to the grid.
Comments