Nova Scotia is moving closer to its renewable energy target with new wind farms set to come online by the end of 2025. One of the key projects, the Benjamins Mill Wind Project in Hants County, is nearing completion and could be operational later this year, according to developers.
Built by Halifax-based Natural Forces, Benjamins Mill is part of a group of four projects selected by the provincial government in 2022, with agreements to sell energy to Nova Scotia Power. Combined, the projects are expected to add more than 300 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid — a significant step toward the province’s legislated goal of achieving 80 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
Construction delays, however, have pushed timelines back. Robert Apold, a principal with Natural Forces, said Benjamins Mill and the other projects acted as “Guinea pigs” for a new procurement process, which faced challenges such as extended grid impact studies by Nova Scotia Power and global supply chain disruptions. While turbine components are now easier to source, grid connection equipment still takes years to procure.
Despite the setbacks, Nova Scotia is pressing forward. Earlier this year, the provincial government approved six new wind projects expected to deliver 625 megawatts by 2028. Yet, with only two projects having signed purchase agreements, the expectation has dropped to 262 megawatts. Nova Scotia Power says a third round of procurement could bring in another 350 megawatts.
Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau said the province remains confident it is on track. “We’re always looking at what we need to reach our 80 per cent renewables, and we believe we’re well on our way,” he told reporters. Future procurement rounds will be overseen by Nova Scotia’s independent energy system operator.
The success of Benjamins Mill, likely the first project to finish from the 2022 batch, will be a crucial indicator of how smoothly Nova Scotia can scale renewable projects and keep momentum toward its 2030 target.
