**** NS Gov Release
New Power Generation Facilities to Help With Peak Demand Receive First Approval
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Two proposed new electricity generation facilities that will keep power flowing to Nova Scotians during peak-use periods, such as cold weather snaps and heat waves, have received the first approval they need to move forward.
The province’s Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) received environmental assessment approval today, February 19, to build two fast-acting generators that can fire up quickly to keep power flowing to homes, hospitals, schools and other buildings when needed.
“The most effective way for us to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets and climate goals is by switching to clean energy like wind,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “These generators are an essential source of power that can kick in quickly on days when the wind isn’t turning our turbines to help make sure Nova Scotians get the backup power they need, when they need it.”
Fast-acting generators provide immediate and temporary power quickly when the grid needs help. For example, they could be needed if too many people turn up their thermostats at the same time during a cold snap or when the wind isn’t blowing the province’s turbines. Their purpose is to keep the power grid reliable, which is increasingly important as Nova Scotians replace oil heat with heat pumps, rely more on electric buses and the province transitions to renewable energy such as wind.
IESO Nova Scotia is considering two sites in Pictou County for the facilities, one in Salt Springs and the other in Marshdale. They will be designed to use multiple fuel sources, with natural gas the primary fuel and cleaner fuels integrated as they become available – both of which emit less carbon than burning coal or oil to make electricity.
Each proposed facility will be able to generate enough electricity to power about 96,000 homes. About 100 to 125 construction workers will be needed to build each facility, and once operational, they will employ 10 to 15 people.
The projects must comply with stringent terms and conditions under their environmental assessment approvals to safeguard the environment and people. The Salt Springs project has 34 terms and conditions, while the Marshdale project has 35. Both proposed projects will also need industrial and water-related approvals from the Department and may also require federal approvals.
Quick Facts:
- the government created IESO Nova Scotia in 2024 through the More Access to Energy Act
- its mandate is to oversee electricity system planning, grid operations and procuring new electricity generation capacity to meet rising electricity demand and to help Nova Scotia achieve its legislated clean energy targets
- fast-acting generators are part of the Province’s Clean Power Plan
Additional Resources:
Environmental assessment approval and other documents:
- Salt Springs project: https://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/fangpgf-salt-springs/
- Marshdale project: https://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/fangpgf-marshdale/
Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/environmental%20goals%20and%20climate%20change%20reduction.pdf
Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf
Clean Power Plan: http://novascotia.ca/clean-power-plan/
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**** IESO Release
IESO Nova Scotia completes first steps toward securing critical new generation capacity for the province
IESO Nova Scotia has received conditional approval from the province’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change on its Environmental Assessment for its proposed fact-acting electricity generation project in Pictou County.
The provincial government’s conditional approval of the Environmental Assessment is not a final decision on whether the project will proceed. Rather, it enables Nova Scotia’s not-for-profit independent energy system operator to progress to the next stages of project development, including feasibility analysis, permitting, and environmental testing, while continuing engagement already underway with stakeholders.
“We are pleased to have our Environmental Assessment approved by Minister Halman, and are actively reviewing all of the conditions included with it so we can get to work on fulfilling them,” said Johnny Johnston, President and Chief Executive Officer for IESO Nova Scotia. “This is just one step of many still to come, as we work to secure critical new electricity generation capacity. Our proposal is essential to the Nova Scotia’s ability to continue to meet growing electricity demand, transition away from coal, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve Nova Scotia’s 80% renewable energy goals — all in the most cost-effective way possible for Nova Scotians.”
In addition to meeting the Minister’s conditions, IESO Nova Scotia needs to complete additional requirements, including:
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Securing several government-issued project permits;
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Conducting rigorous environmental analysis and technical work including aquifer testing;
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Completing the Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study currently underway; and
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Following the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s review process.
IESO Nova Scotia has significant ongoing work to determine if one, or both, of the proposed sites, located in Marshdale and Salt Springs, are suitable to support the project. IESO Nova Scotia is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of both sites, considering environmental, technical, financial, cultural, and community impacts.
“Public feedback is a central and critically important component of our evaluation of this project, and we will be continuing with the proactive Indigenous and community engagement we already have in progress,” added Johnston. “We began these engagements early last fall, just as our organization was being stood up. Our team will continue to meet regularly with interested individuals and organizations to share information, answer questions, and understand many different perspectives. There are many opportunities still to come to have your voice heard.”
IESO Nova Scotia is engaging a broad range of stakeholders, including First Nations leaders and Indigenous economic development organizations, local officials, and area residents, including members of the Community Liaison Committees for each proposed site.
All of this work, from permitting and geotechnical testing to public engagement and economic analysis, will materially inform how IESO Nova Scotia moves forward on this project. Findings could impact decisions on aspects such as technologies used in the facility, operational strategies, site design and sequencing, and facility size.
As part of this project, IESO Nova Scotia will conduct a competitive procurement process to select the proponent. The successful bidder will build, own, and operate the facility or facilities that will provide essential, on-demand power to support increased renewable resources on the grid and help keep electricity reliable for Nova Scotians at the best possible cost.
Nova Scotians who want to know more about the proposed fast-acting generation project can visit the Community Engagement section of our website
www.ieso-ns.ca.
About IESO Nova Scotia
IESO Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit created by provincial law to take on electricity system planning and real-time grid operations on behalf of Nova Scotians. IESO Nova Scotia will be responsible for planning for the province’s future energy needs, procuring new electricity generation capacity, and purchasing and dispatching power from producers, including Nova Scotia Power. IESO Nova Scotia is independent of governments, utilities, and power producers, meaning decisions will be driven only by Nova Scotians’ needs. With a mandate to bring transparency and competition to the province’s electricity market, IESO Nova Scotia’s singular focus is to improve reliability, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and secure the most cost-effective electricity possible for Nova Scotians. IESO Nova Scotia began operations in 2025.
