Mining, energy companies say hydro storage project could be template for N.S. mines
Halifax councillors were presented with exciting new details about a proposed hydro energy storage project at a former gold mine in the municipality. Representatives from Australia-based St Barbara Mining and Halifax-based Natural Forces spoke to the Halifax Regional Municipality’s environment and sustainability committee, shedding light on their plans for the former Touquoy mining pit in Moose River, N.S., near Middle Musquodoboit.
St Barbara Atlantic spokesperson, Dustin O’Leary, expressed the company’s commitment to changing the narrative around mine reclamation in Nova Scotia. The mining operations at Touquoy ceased in 2023, prompting St Barbara to explore the possibility of a closed-loop pumped hydro storage project in partnership with Natural Forces.
Tess Donahue, project manager at Natural Forces, outlined the innovative system that would utilize two reservoirs at different elevations connected by pipes. The administrative complex of the Touquoy site would be repurposed as the upper reservoir, while the former mining pit would serve as the lower reservoir. Renewable energy from sources like wind farms would be used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper one for storage. When needed, the water would be released back down to generate electricity for the grid.
The 80-megawatt system could potentially produce energy for up to 6.5 hours, generating around 513 megawatt hours of electricity. With Nova Scotia Power aiming to have 80% of the grid powered by renewable sources by 2030, the hydro storage project could play a crucial role in ensuring grid reliability during periods of low renewable energy production.
The closed-loop system, which relies solely on rain and groundwater to replenish the reservoirs, represents a significant step towards sustainable energy storage. O’Leary highlighted the project’s potential to set a precedent for utilizing mine sites for power storage, emphasizing its scalability to other mining operations.
Coun. Sam Austin praised the project for aligning economic incentives with environmental stewardship, noting the challenges of ensuring responsible remediation of mining sites. The committee voted to request a staff report to consider endorsing the project to the province, recognizing its positive impact on both energy sustainability and mine reclamation efforts.
Despite ongoing legal disputes between Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia and the province over site remediation terms, St Barbara remains committed to reclaiming the Touquoy site. With $10 million already invested in cleanup efforts, the company is actively reviewing regulatory requirements for the hydro storage project and plans to commence environmental studies soon.
The project team is hopeful for provincial approval within the next few years, underscoring their dedication to transforming the former mine into a sustainable energy hub. As they navigate the complexities of mine reclamation and energy innovation, St Barbara and Natural Forces are paving the way for a greener future in Nova Scotia.
