ANTIGONISH, NS, July 2, 2024
/CNW/ - Canada is developing a
more sustainable future by creating electricity grids that provide
more affordable, reliable, and clean energy to homes and businesses
when and where they need it. Investing in clean energy projects and
supporting communities to become resilient, liveable, and
sustainable places to live is critical to delivering good jobs
while unlocking economic opportunities for future generations.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable
Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources,
announced a $9.7 million investment
for grid modernization in the Town of
Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This major investment will unlock
more efficient uses of electricity within the community and allow
for increased renewable energy sources such as wind and solar while
driving down emissions and supporting sustainable jobs and
communities.
This funding will help deploy hardware and software systems
across Antigonish to create a more
efficient and resilient electricity grid system, leading to reduced
power outage frequency and duration, increased opportunity for cost
effective electrification, increased renewable integration and
ultimately, to help Antigonish to
meet its net-zero aspirations.
Federal funding for this project is provided by
Canada through the Smart Renewables and Electrification
Pathways Program (SREPs) – which is supporting smart renewable
energy, energy storage and electrical grid modernization projects
across the country. The SREPs program is one of many initiatives
that the Government of Canada is
undertaking to deliver clean, reliable and affordable power to
every region of Canada by
2035.
The Government of Canada will
continue to work with experts and governments to position
Canada, including Nova Scotia, as a global supplier of clean
energy and new technologies, while creating new economic
opportunities, good jobs and a clean, reliable, and affordable
electrical grid for all.
Quotes
"Working with communities to modernize the electric grid is key
to bringing more clean, reliable, and affordable energy to Nova
Scotians. Projects announced today will support the Town of Antigonish in its goal of becoming
Canada's first net-zero community,
and I look forward to seeing the results of this grid
modernization."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"With this investment, the Town of
Antigonish can benefit from more resilient, clean and
efficient power. Projects supported by this funding are emblematic
of our efforts to support good, sustainable jobs for communities in
Nova Scotia."
The Honourable Sean Fraser,
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"We are excited to announce the launch of a large-scale
infrastructure investment that will serve as a national flagship
project. The Town's Grid Modernization project is a significant
initiative that showcases how municipalities, electric utilities,
and customers can collaborate to ensure that our transition to a
green future is inclusive and benefits all members of our
community."
Laurie Boucher
Mayor, Town of
Antigonish
Quick Facts
- This project is funded through the Smart Renewables and
Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs). This $4.5-billion program is designed to significantly
reduce emissions and create sustainable jobs by continuing to
support the deployment of grid modernization, energy storage and
renewables in every region of Canada.
- SREPs is actively supporting Canada's ongoing transition to a net-zero
economy by 2050 and Canada's
commitment to meeting Clean Electricity Regulations
objectives.
- Last year, the Government of Canada released Powering Canada
Forward, its vision for transforming Canada's electricity sector and meeting its
commitment to decarbonizing the country's electricity systems as
it:
- reiterates why the expansion of a clean electricity system is
important and necessary to drive sustainable growth, enhance
environmental performance and advance Indigenous
reconciliation;
- highlights the extensive work governments and partners have
already done to create a dynamic, sustainable electricity sector;
and
- outlines how the federal government has supported, incentivized
and accelerated the production of clean and non-emitting
electricity, and will continue to do so.
- The town owns and operates its own municipal electricity
utility, with about 64 per cent of its energy coming from renewable
sources, including power generated from the Ellershouse Wind
Farm.
Related Information
- Town of Antigonish
- Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways
Program
- Powering Canada Forward: Building a Clean, Affordable, and
Reliable Electricity System for Every Region in Canada
- 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
- Canada's Sustainable Jobs
Plan
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada