The Alternative Resource Energy Authority (“AREA”) is a partnership between the Towns of Antigonish, Berwick and Mahone Bay. The towns each operate electric utilities and distribute power to customers within their service areas and, through AREA, own and operate the existing Ellershouse Wind Farm.
Please visit www.areans.ca to learn more.
In July 2021, the Province of Nova Scotia announced its intention to add 350 MW of renewable low impact electricity from independent power producers to the provincial electricity grid through a Rate Base Procurement (RBP). The RBP is intended to aid the Nova Scotia Government in achieving its 80% renewable electricity standard by 2030 and support the province’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
As part of the RBP, the province issued a request for proposal (RFP) to independent power producers like PRI to develop renewable energy projects and sell electricity under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The RFP was released to proponents on February 11, 2022 and project proposals were due by May 11, 2022. The final results of the RFP are expected to be announced in August 2022. If awarded a PPA, the Project is expected to be built by December 2024. The Project’s life would be 25 years, as per the requirement of the Nova Scotia PPA.
For more details visit www.novascotiarbp.com
We are committed to assessing and limiting environmental impacts of the Project. The Project will adhere to the specific siting criteria defined in the RFP, as well as comply with the applicable environmental legislation, regulations and government policies in Nova Scotia. Site-specific wildlife, habitat, noise, cultural, socio-economic, and other studies will continue as required by the Environment Act and associated regulations. We will also consult with the community through public open houses to solicit local environmental knowledge.
We will submit an Environmental Assessment (EA) Registration Document to the Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC). The EA Registration Document includes the results of all the studies, the layout, potential impacts, and mitigation measures and will include a consultation report with feedback from the community. NSECC may approve or deny the Project, approve the Project with conditions, or require additional environmental assessments before making a determination. Additional environmental permits such as aquatic habitat protection permits will also be obtained as needed.
We aim to reduce impacts on the natural environment through careful siting of infrastructure and informed planning of the Project. We will also hire a third-party environmental monitor for the construction period to ensure compliance with commitments and requirements. Potentia will actively work with government agencies, environmental professionals and experts, and the community to protect the natural environment surrounding and within the Project area, including water quality, soils, vegetation, wildlife habitat, and sensitive or at-risk species.