Onshore wind
Nova Scotia is capturing powerful winds to create energy that stabilizes electricity rates, grows our energy economy, increases our energy security and greens our electricity grid by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels. Onshore wind offers the cheapest form of electricity we have today.
About onshore wind
Tall turbines placed in areas with strong, consistent wind speeds can capture the wind to generate electricity. Nova Scotia has some of the best wind conditions in the world, making it an ideal location for wind energy development.
It’s already a main focus of the province’s transition to clean energy--onshore wind is the largest source of clean electricity in Nova Scotia, and its role will continue to grow as the province moves toward 80% clean electricity by 2030.
Onshore wind is proven as the most cost-effective power source in the province. Most of Nova Scotia’s wind capacity is developed by competitive tender – keeping the price more affordable for electricity consumers.
Benefits of onshore wind
Onshore wind offers many benefits to Nova Scotia, including:
- clean energy – wind energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions and helps Nova Scotia meet clean energy goals: 1 megawatt of wind energy can power up to 350 homes and displace coal emissions by over 2,500 tonnes per year
- lower energy costs – recently estimated at about 5.3 cents per kilowatt hour, onshore wind power is the most affordable source of new electricity and offers price stability through long-term contracts
- energy independence – locally generated energy reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthens energy security
- economic growth – creates local jobs, generates municipal tax revenue and attracts investment in rural communities; clean electricity from onshore wind can also support the province’s green hydrogen industry
Nova Scotia's onshore wind advantage
Nova Scotia is leading the way in wind energy development, with many advantages, including:
- world-class resource – wind speeds in parts of the province exceed 50% capacity factors, making wind projects highly efficient
- government commitment – the Clean Power Plan aims to add 1 gigawatt of new onshore wind capacity by 2030, for a total of 2 gigawatts in Nova Scotia
- Indigenous leadership – many wind projects are developed in partnership with Mi’kmaw communities, ensuring economic benefits are shared
Building a successful wind project
Developing a wind farm requires careful planning and community involvement. Factors include:
- wind resource assessment – identifying optimal locations with strong, consistent wind speeds
- grid connection – ensuring proximity to transmission infrastructure for efficient power delivery
- environmental considerations – conducting environmental assessments to minimize impacts on wildlife and ecosystems
- community engagement – collaborating with Mi’kmaw communities and local residents to build support and share benefits
- advanced turbine technology – taller towers and longer blades means fewer turbines are needed to capture the same or more energy from the wind
Onshore wind energy has significant benefits, but we know there are many questions about their effects on the environment and humans. For example, wind turbines generate noise and may not be suitable for all locations. For this reason, the required limit is 40 decibels, roughly equivalent to the noise from a refrigerator.
To make sure development is responsible, Nova Scotia has strict regulations governing wind project siting, sound levels and environmental impacts.
Support and training
The Government of Nova Scotia has launched several programs to accelerate onshore wind development:
- Rate-based procurement – this process in 2022 resulted in 4 approved wind projects, totally 306 MW, providing competitive pricing for new energy for 25 years
- Green Choice program – this program invited large energy customers (like hospitals, schools and businesses) to buy 100% renewable electricity from renewables energy projects and then assessed proposals to supply that energy
- future procurement rounds – additional opportunities for wind development are planned and will be announced
Other opportunities to support the growth of the onshore wind sector and its workforce, include:
- training programs – institutions like Nova Scotia Community College offer courses on clean energy, wind turbine technology and grid integration; wind projects may also support training and apprenticeship opportunities through community benefit agreements
- industry partnerships – organizations like Canadian Renewable Energy Association and regional clean energy groups work to advance wind energy research, workforce development and policy advocacy
- 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