Nova Scotia's Climate Plan
Nova Scotia has set ambitious goals to combat climate change, with a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 as outlined in its Sustainable Development Goals Act. The province’s climate strategy is focused on transitioning to clean electricity, reducing reliance on coal, and enhancing renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and tidal power. Nova Scotia’s climate action plan not only aims to reduce emissions but also create sustainable economic growth, green jobs, and a healthier environment for future generations. Here’s an overview of the province’s key initiatives, accomplishments, and how communities are actively participating.
Key Initiatives under the Nova Scotia's Plan
1. Sustainable Development Goals Act
Nova Scotia’s Sustainable Development Goals Act, passed in 2019, sets a clear target of net-zero emissions by 2050, along with other environmental and economic goals. The act builds on previous climate commitments and sets out a roadmap for achieving a more sustainable future. Under the Act, the province has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 53% below 2005 levels by 2030, transitioning to 80% renewable electricity by 2030, and creating a clean, sustainable economy.
Key Focus Areas:
-
Net-Zero Emissions by 2050: The Act aims to eliminate or offset GHG emissions entirely by 2050.
-
Renewable Energy Targets: By 2030, Nova Scotia plans to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources.
-
Economic and Environmental Sustainability: The act emphasizes job creation in green industries, economic resilience, and protecting natural ecosystems.
Community Participation:
Nova Scotia’s communities play a critical role in supporting the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals Act. Municipalities are working with the provincial government to adopt local climate action plans, and residents are increasingly engaging in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
2. Clean Electricity Transition
Nova Scotia is undergoing a significant transition to clean electricity to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve its net-zero target. Historically reliant on coal, the province has shifted focus toward renewable energy and cleaner sources of electricity generation.
Key Initiatives:
-
Reducing Coal Reliance: Nova Scotia is phasing out coal-fired power plants, which currently account for a significant portion of the province’s GHG emissions. The province plans to end coal power by 2030, replacing it with cleaner energy sources.
-
Grid Modernization: The province is investing in modernizing its electricity grid to better integrate renewable energy and improve efficiency. Nova Scotia Power, the province’s main electricity utility, is working on projects to increase the use of smart grid technology, improve energy storage solutions, and support the integration of more renewable energy.
Accomplishments:
Nova Scotia has already made significant progress, reducing its reliance on coal from over 75% of its electricity generation in 2005 to around 50% today. The province is on track to phase out coal by 2030, a key milestone in its clean energy transition.
Community Participation:
Residents and businesses are contributing to the clean electricity transition by participating in energy efficiency programs and installing small-scale renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar panels, through initiatives like SolarHomes.
3. Renewable Energy Expansion
Nova Scotia is rapidly expanding its renewable energy portfolio, focusing on wind, solar, and tidal power to meet its clean electricity targets. The province’s renewable energy strategy aims to diversify its energy sources and reduce emissions.
Key Renewable Energy Initiatives:
-
Wind Energy: Wind power is Nova Scotia’s fastest-growing renewable energy source, contributing around 20% of the province’s electricity. Nova Scotia has developed several large wind farms, including the South Canoe Wind Farm, which is one of the largest in the province with a capacity of 102 MW.
-
Solar Energy: The SolarHomes Program, launched in 2018, offers rebates to homeowners who install solar panels, encouraging the adoption of solar energy across the province. As a result, thousands of Nova Scotians have installed rooftop solar systems, reducing their reliance on the grid and contributing to renewable energy generation.
-
Tidal Energy: Nova Scotia’s proximity to the Bay of Fundy, which has the world’s highest tides, makes it an ideal location for tidal energy development. The province is a global leader in tidal power research, with projects like the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) leading the way in harnessing the power of tidal currents.
Accomplishments:
Nova Scotia is already generating 30% of its electricity from renewable sources and is on track to reach 80% by 2030. The SolarHomes program has helped thousands of households transition to renewable energy, and the province’s wind energy capacity has grown steadily over the past decade.
Community Participation:
Communities across Nova Scotia are actively involved in renewable energy projects. The Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) Program encouraged municipalities, First Nations, and community groups to develop small-scale renewable energy projects, many of which are now operational. Local businesses and residents are also contributing by adopting solar energy through the SolarHomes program.
4. Energy Efficiency Programs
Nova Scotia is a leader in energy efficiency, with programs that aim to reduce energy consumption across homes, businesses, and public buildings. These initiatives are critical for reducing GHG emissions and saving on energy costs.
Key Energy Efficiency Programs:
-
Efficiency Nova Scotia: This provincial agency offers a wide range of services, including rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, such as better insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and lighting. Efficiency Nova Scotia also provides free energy audits for homeowners and businesses, helping them identify ways to reduce energy consumption.
-
Home Energy Assessment: Through Efficiency Nova Scotia, homeowners can have a Home Energy Assessment that identifies areas where energy efficiency can be improved. This can lead to significant reductions in heating and cooling costs, as well as lower GHG emissions.
-
Business Energy Solutions: For businesses, the program offers financial incentives for installing energy-efficient systems and equipment, helping to reduce operational costs and emissions.
Accomplishments:
Nova Scotia’s energy efficiency programs have had a significant impact, with the province ranked as a leader in energy efficiency in Canada. The programs have helped reduce GHG emissions by over 1 million tonnes annually and have saved Nova Scotians millions of dollars in energy costs.
Community Participation:
Tens of thousands of Nova Scotians have taken advantage of energy efficiency programs, making their homes more energy-efficient while reducing their carbon footprints. Businesses and municipalities are also key players in energy efficiency, retrofitting buildings and adopting energy-saving technologies.
5. Reducing Emissions in Transportation
Transportation is one of the largest sources of GHG emissions in Nova Scotia, and the province is working to reduce emissions from this sector through clean transportation initiatives.
Key Transportation Initiatives:
-
Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebates: Nova Scotia offers incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, as well as rebates for installing home charging stations. The province’s EV rebate program aims to encourage more Nova Scotians to switch to cleaner transportation options.
-
Public Transit Electrification: Nova Scotia is working with municipalities to expand public transit options and electrify bus fleets. Halifax, the province’s largest city, has committed to converting its public transit buses to electric vehicles as part of its broader climate action plan.
-
Active Transportation: The province is promoting active transportation options, such as cycling and walking, by investing in infrastructure improvements like bike lanes and pedestrian pathways.
Accomplishments:
The adoption of electric vehicles in Nova Scotia is growing, with more residents taking advantage of provincial rebates. Halifax’s transit electrification project is set to reduce emissions from public transportation, while infrastructure improvements have made cycling and walking more accessible in urban areas.
Community Participation:
Nova Scotians are playing an active role in reducing transportation emissions by adopting electric vehicles, using public transit, and supporting the development of more sustainable transportation options.
The ZenithNet-Zero team includes experts who can guide you and your company in understanding your net-zero needs and achieving your sustainability goals
Questions?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to write to us. Help us make this blog a rich source of environmental insights and news.
