With campaign in full swing, N.S. party leaders weigh in on exporting wind energy
Candidates in the Nova Scotia election are facing tough questions regarding the construction of large wind farms that are planned to generate green hydrogen for export. Companies like EverWind and Bear Head Energy have ambitious plans to build hundreds of turbines to produce hydrogen for export overseas.
Gregor Wilson from the citizens’ group Green Nova Scotia First expressed concerns about these projects, stating that they could slow down the province’s efforts to transition away from coal and fossil fuels. With Nova Scotia aiming for 80% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, the focus on green hydrogen projects has sparked debate among political leaders.
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston sees the green hydrogen projects as a positive step towards greening the grid and positioning Nova Scotia as an energy powerhouse. However, Green Party leader Anthony Edmonds is cautious, calling it “hydrogen fever” and questioning the potential export market for Nova Scotia’s hydrogen energy products.
Liberal Leader Zach Churchill emphasized the importance of projects that feed into the grid, criticizing Houston for not doing enough to reduce coal consumption in the province. NDP Leader Claudia Chender promised to address the green hydrogen production proposals in the coming days, acknowledging the concerns of Nova Scotians about using wind energy for export.
Despite pushback from some community members, EverWind remains committed to their projects, citing economic benefits and job creation as well as their contribution to fighting climate change. They assure that their production will not come at the expense of servicing the provincial grid.
As the Nova Scotia election unfolds, the debate over green hydrogen projects and their impact on the province’s energy future continues to be a key issue for voters and candidates alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving topic.
