N.S. awards $1.8M to 31 clean energy projects

HALIFAX, N.S. — Nova Scotia’s 2023-24 Low Carbon Communities program will see $1.8 million invested in 31 projects aimed at cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through more energy-efficient initiatives.

Since 2018, the program has invested more than $4.9 million to support 86 community-led projects across the province.

“Nova Scotia has ambitious climate change goals, and communities across the province are rising to the challenge to help us meet them,” said Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton. “Our investments support innovative local projects that will help move the climate change needle in the right direction.”

Most of the projects are focused on solar power and electric vehicles.

Of note, the Town of Truro is getting a combined $150,000 — $75K each for the Springhill solar garden and a GHG study and action plan.

The program is open to municipalities, Mi’kmaw communities and organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses and non-profit organizations.

This year’s recipients, their investment amounts and projects are as follows:

• Town of New Glasgow, $60,000, energy recovery study on hydropower potential
• New Dawn Enterprises, $71,080, ‘Community Driven Community Solar’
• We’koqma’q First Nation, $22,500, first phase of a community solar and microgrid study
• Town of Truro, $75,000, Springhill solar garden development activities
• Municipality of the District of Shelburne, $75,000, South Shore solar garden development activities
• Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, $75,000, District of Lunenburg solar garden development activities
• Eskasoni First Nation, $72,074, Eskasoni community solar garden
• West Hants Regional Municipality, $75,000, solar installation feasibility on municipal lands
• Bear River First Nation, $75,000, smart micro grid and EV feasibility study
• Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute, $50,000, first phase of SunPower community garden engagement and education
• Glooscap Energy, $72,338, Yarmouth Bar vehicle electrification feasibility study
• Victoria County, $75,000, municipal EV charging corporation feasibility study
• Municipality of the District of Argyle, $56,250, EV and charging stations project
• Pictou Landing First Nation, $75,000, marine electrification feasibility study
• Municipality of the County of Cumberland, $75,000, Cumberland community energy and emissions plan;
• Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, $75,000, Yarmouth net zero affordable housing building plan
• Nova Scotia Community College, $50,640, strategic planning for energy sustainability at Akoma
• Christ Church Corporation, $75,000, redevelopment
• Bear River First Nation, $75,000, community greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction
• Ecology Action Centre, $75,000, energy audits for faith buildings
• TorchLight Bioresources, $50,000, New Glasgow district heating community participation
• Plymouth Community & Recreation Association, $56,900, Pictou County net zero community buildings project
• Valley Community Learning Association, $8,250, energy and facility condition assessment
• Summer Street Industries Society, $26,250, energy audit, system design and retrofit plan
• Town of Truro, $75,000, GHG emission study and local action plan
• Town of Pictou, $18,750, sustainable energy for Pictou fisheries pool
• Hope Blooms Youth Social Entrepreneurial Ventures Inc. $48,750, clean energy training for youth
• Climate Focus, $50,000, climate story network
• Native Council of Nova Scotia, $50,000, first phase of green energy project
• One North End Community Economic Development Society, $37,500, ‘Climate Crisis Challenge involving EveryONE’
• Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, $44,000, ‘Planning for Low Carbon Communities: What do Municipalities Need to Know?’