CITYnews halifax: Queens County wind farm to power public housing in N.S

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgin

The Nova Scotia government has announced an agreement that will see the Mersey River Wind Project in Queens County supply renewable electricity to the province’s public housing.

The agreement with Renewall Energy Inc., announced Friday, is a 10-year deal set to begin in 2027.

“Nova Scotia is moving forward with practical solutions that lower emissions, protect public dollars and strengthen our energy future,” said housing minister John White. “By using renewable electricity to power public housing, we are taking action that makes sense for taxpayers and the Province.”

The government says the deal will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 37,000 tonnes annually, allowing the provincial housing agency to hit it’s emissions reduction target in 2028, about two years ahead of schedule.

“It also means the province will avoid $25 to $50 million in electricity costs over the extended life of the contract, based on historical average increases in energy prices,” read a release from the province.

The agreement includes a fixed annual price increase of one per cent, and allows for two five-year extensions.

“Renewall is bringing greater choice and affordability to Nova Scotia electricity consumers for the very first time,” said Renewall’s CEO Daniel Roscoe. “Working with institutions like the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency brings reduced emissions and price stability to important public infrastructure across the province.”

The Canada Infrastructure Bank is providing a $206 million loan to the companies involved in the Mersey River Wind Project.