Subsurface energy storage
Subsurface energy storage refers to underground space that can be used as temporary storage for energy sources (like hydrogen, compressed air and methane).
Subsurface energy storage is a compelling opportunity to support Nova Scotia’s economy and net-zero transition. Onshore storage can provide fast, reliable large-scale storage to balance energy supply and demand.
About subsurface energy storage
Subsurface energy storage taps into underground geological formations to store energy sources (like hydrogen, compressed air, natural gas and carbon dioxide) for future use or export.
Nova Scotia has strong geological potential for subsurface energy storage, including:
- salt caverns in the Windsor Group show the highest potential, with thick, pure halite beds at ideal depths for storing hydrogen, natural gas and compressed air
- porous rock formations like the Wolfville Formation and Horton Group offer viable options for carbon storage and natural gas, with carbon dioxide storage capacity in the millions of tonnes per square kilometre
- abandoned coal and mineral mines (especially in Cape Breton and Pictou County) could be cost-effectively repurposed for storing compressed air, carbon dioxide or hydrogen
- hard rock formations and existing mining infrastructure present opportunities for excavated or retrofitted storage where salt or porous rocks are less available
Benefits of subsurface energy storage
Subsurface energy storage offers many benefits to Nova Scotia, including:
- export potential – large-scale hydrogen storage can support exports to the United States and Europe, positioning Nova Scotia as a key supplier
- local job creation – employment across exploration, construction, operations and maintenance
- energy security – can enhance grid stability and support clean energy integration, reducing reliance on imports
- attracts investment – positions Nova Scotia as an innovation hub for advanced energy storage technologies
Nova Scotia's subsurface energy storage advantage
Nova Scotia has many advantages to help develop the industry, including:
- geological potential – diverse subsurface formations offer strong potential for energy storage
- strategic location – close to industrial hubs, planned wind farms, and hydrogen facilities, simplifying logistics and integration
- existing infrastructure – existing pipelines can be adapted for transport and storage, reducing the need to build new infrastructure
Support and training
Nova Scotia has supports to advance subsurface energy storage. Supports include:
- post-secondary programs in geoscience and engineering – institutions like Dalhousie University and St Francis Xavier University offer programs in geology, earth sciences and energy systems, providing skilled talent relevant to storage project development
- research support – regional organizations like Net Zero Atlantic facilitate research, partnerships and knowledge-sharing on clean energy, including storage
- innovation and funding programs – the Department of Energy and Invest Nova Scotia offer research and development support and early-stage funding that could apply to energy storage technologies and related innovation