Clean power plan

Nova Scotia is phasing out coal use and targeting 80% clean electricity by 2030. The Clean Power Plan will help reach that goal and make sure the province’s electricity supply is secure, reliable and affordable.

The Clean Power Plan is the roadmap to unlock the province’s clean energy potential The plan is about more than electricity—it’s about a stronger, healthier Nova Scotia. Clean air, local jobs and reliable power improve our quality of life – now and for generations to come.

About the Clean Power Plan

Aligned with Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth, the Clean Power Plan moves Nova Scotia away from relying on imported fossil fuels, instead prioritizing local, clean energy sources, ratepayer affordability and improved grid reliability.

By 2030, the plan will:

  • add nearly 2,000 megawatts of wind, solar and battery storage
  • strengthen reliability by expanding our transmission connection to New Brunswick
  • end coal use and convert existing fossil fuel facilities to keep costs down and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 2005 levels by 2035

The plan is designed to be:

  • flexible – allowing for investments in local and innovative solutions like advanced battery storage in vehicle to grid pilots, demand energy response pilots and other made in Nova Scotia solutions
  • achievable – legislation and investment are underway, with clean electricity sources rising to 50% by the end of 2026 and another 1,000 megawatts of wind in development
  • affordable – making sure Nova Scotians are not burdened with excessive risks or uncontrolled costs while transitioning to clean energy

Investing in local energy also gives the province more control over our own supply. We will be less dependent on imported power, more protected from global price uncertainty, and better able to keep the cost of electricity stable.

Actions

Actions in the Clean Power Plan include:

  • phasing out coal by 2030
    • moving away from coal-fired power plants is essential to cutting emissions
    • investments in clean energy sources will replace coal while ensuring a stable power supply
    • by 2035, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity by more than 90% from 2005 levels
  • expanding clean electricity sources
    • more wind and solar power projects will be developed across the province
    • strengthening partnerships with local communities and Mi’kmaw organizations to support clean energy development
    • with some of the best wind resources in the world, Nova Scotia plans to significantly expand its wind power capacity
  • improving energy storage and grid reliability
    • advanced battery storage technology will help store clean energy for when it’s needed most
    • modernizing the electricity grid will improve efficiency and resilience against extreme weather events
    • investments in fast-acting backup generation (natural gas) and smarter grid management tools will help manage load demand and ensure stability
  • reducing costs
    • keeping electricity rates affordable while making long-term investments in clean energy
    • programs to help Nova Scotians improve energy efficiency in their homes and businesses
    • avoiding reliance on expensive fuel imports by leveraging local resources like wind and solar
  • building green jobs, growing the economy
    • investing in clean energy creates good-paying jobs in engineering, construction, and technology
    • supporting training programs will help workers transition to new opportunities in the green economy
    • beyond 2030, offshore wind and hydrogen present massive future opportunities for Nova Scotia’s economy
  • challenges and solutions
    • energy security and reliability – the plan includes measures to manage increased electricity demand from heat pumps, electric vehicles and industry growth
    • rising costs and market uncertainty – by investing in local, clean energy rather than costly imports, prices can be stabilized
    • impacts of climate change – Nova Scotia has experienced more frequent and intense weather events like hurricanes, flooding and wildfires; the plan will improve grid resilience against these increasing climate challenges

Contact

Department of Energy

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