Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity (or hydropower) is a clean source of energy that harnesses the power of flowing water.
About hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the largest source of clean power in the world, generating electricity by capturing the energy from moving water.
Approaches include:
- reservoir – using dams to store water and generate power when demand is high
- run-of-river – using the natural flow of rivers and streams, with less environmental impact than dams
- small-scale hydro – smaller installations used for local power supply
Nova Scotia’s existing reservoir style hydroelectricity resource is comprised of 33 hydro power stations, with a total capacity of 400 megawatts. This provides about 6% of our electricity supply. More than half of that power comes from Wreck Cove, in Cape Breton.
Nova Scotia’s geography and lack of major river systems limits hydroelectricity from being a large power source from within the province. However, Nova Scotia benefits from a long-term contract with Newfoundland and Labrador to import hydroelectric power from the Muskrat Falls, Labrador project through the Maritime Link. This partnership significantly enhances the province's clean energy capacity and reliability.
Local and imported hydroelectricity are helping Nova Scotia meet its 80% clean electricity target by 2030.
Benefits of hydroelectricity
While the province doesn’t have abundant hydro resources, hydroelectricity provides multiple benefits, including:
- reliability – continuously available from local water sources, reducing dependency on fossil fuels
- low emissions – produces electricity with virtually no greenhouse gases, helping combat climate change
- local jobs – offers good, stable jobs in maintenance and ongoing operations
- energy security – supports energy independence by harnessing a local resource
Support and training
Nova Scotia has supports for the hydroelectric sector and workforce development. Supports include:
- industry collaboration – partnerships with clean energy organizations and environmental groups to ensure sustainable development
- Nova Scotia Community College – offers specialized programs like Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology and Environmental Engineering Technology