Bioenergy
Bioenergy can be a source of clean energy that reduces waste and emissions and generates economic benefits.
About bioenergy
Bioenergy harnesses the energy stored in organic materials, known as biomass. This can include wood chips, agricultural waste, municipal organics, and even algae.
The process transforms biomass into usable energy through methods like:
- combustion – burning biomass directly to produce heat or electricity
- anaerobic digestion – breaking down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment to create biogas, which can be used for heating, electricity generation or as a vehicle fuel
- biofuels – converting plant or animal-based oils into liquid fuels (like biodiesel and ethanol) for transportation
Nova Scotia has abundant biomass resources, and the Government of Nova Scotia carefully evaluates proposals to make sure they’re developed sustainably. Any new initiatives must complement (and not compete with) existing industries, like forest products and food crops.
The government is also exploring opportunities to support the demonstration of pre-commercial processes that could pave the way for a future bio-refinery industry in Nova Scotia.
Benefits of bioenergy
Bioenergy offers many benefits to Nova Scotia, including:
- sustainability – using organic materials that are replenished locally and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels
- reducing waste – converting forestry residues, agricultural by-products and municipal waste into valuable energy
- lowering carbon emissions – biomass energy is considered carbon-neutral, as plants absorb carbon dioxide during growth, offsetting emissions from energy production
- support for rural economies – supporting jobs in forestry, farming and energy production, strengthening local economies
Nova Scotia's bioenergy advantage
Nova Scotia has many advantages that can help develop the bioenergy sector, including:
- abundant biomass resources – the province has strong forestry and agriculture sectors, providing a steady supply of organic material
- existing infrastructure – Nova Scotia already has facilities capable of producing bioenergy, including biomass heating plants and bio-gas operations
- government policy – Nova Scotia’s target of 80% clean electricity by 2030 creates opportunities for bioenergy to play a role in this energy transition
Support and training
Nova Scotia has supports to develop the battery biomass sector and its workforce. Supports include:
- industry partnerships – organizations like BioFuelNet Canada and regional forestry associations work to advance bioenergy research and development
- Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) – NSCC offers diplomas in Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology and Natural Resources Environmental Technology
- Clean Economy Grants Program – helps master's students research areas of importance to Nova Scotia's energy sector
- Clean Economy Scholarship Program – helps students entering college or university with a scholarship to gain the skills for work in the renewable energy sector
- Energy Training Program – helps businesses in the energy sector hire post-secondary students and recent graduates