The electricity supplier Nova Scotia Power in Nova Scotia will build a battery system to stabilize its network. The province is trying to reduce the use of fossil fuels and exploit more renewable energy sources.
The company plans to install three batteries with a capacity of 50 megawatts each which will come into service by 2026.
The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $354 million. The Government of Canada pays approximately $116 million. Subscribers will pay the rest, $237 million.
The company finances certain costs with the support of the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the indigenous agency Wskijnu’k Mtmo’taqnuow.
The Nova Scotia Public Utilities and Review Board gave the project the green light last week.
The batteries will be installed at Bridgewaterin the Regional Municipality ofHalifax and in the county of Kings near electrical substations.
To stabilize the electricity network
The batteries will improve the stability of the network by storing energy from wind or solar farms which will be distributed during peak periods, explains Nova Scotia Power in its application for project authorization.
In the first quarter this year, 43% of electricity came from renewable sources, mainly the hydroelectric dam of Muskrat Falls in Labrador and wind farms. The rest of the electricity came from plants running on fossil fuels, notably coal.
Open in full screen mode
This Nova Scotia Power plant in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, runs on coal.
Photo: The Canadian Press / Andrew Vaughan
Nova Scotia requires the utility to increase its renewable energy rate to 80% by 2030.
Cost estimate will be updated
The lithium present in this type of battery is the most expensive material in the project. Its price has fluctuated a lot in recent years.
For this reason, battery suppliers only offer a price with certainty for a very short period of time, emphasizes Nova Scotia Power in his request. The company secured a price through a limited-notice contract.
Concern that costs would increase due to lithium market conditions was discussed during the demand assessment. One commenter recommended that the Commission request an update on project costs and financing.
The Commission approved the project on the condition that Nova Scotia Power submits an interim report by the end of September 2025. The company must also inform the Commission of any significant delay in the work.
According to a report from Taryn Grantof CBC
