HALIFAX,
NS, Sept. 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Canada is
developing and rolling out clean energy and clean technologies
faster than ever before to create good-paying jobs, attract global
investment in our economy, position Canada as the clean energy supplier of choice
for our democratic allies and achieve our ambitious climate
targets. By moving thoughtfully and strategically, Atlantic Canada is well positioned to drive
progress toward a clean electricity grid and seize the enormous
economic opportunity presented by the clean economy. Independent
experts estimate that Atlantic
Canada will see approximately 100,000 new good jobs in clean
energy by mid-century.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for
Central Nova Scotia, on behalf of
the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources, announced a $9.25-million
investment through the Energy Innovation Program for two
projects led by Net Zero Atlantic (NZA). These projects aim to
develop offshore wind energy and bring forward more clean
technologies in the Atlantic region to decarbonize the region's
electricity grid and supply the affordable, reliable and clean
energy needed.
Of this funding, $6 million will
support the Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Integration and
Transmission Study. In partnership with the Atlantic provinces, NZA
is managing the delivery of a comprehensive electricity system
integration study that will evaluate how electricity produced from
Atlantic Canada's offshore wind
resources can help clean up the regional electricity grid.
Secondly, it will identify opportunities to export
made-in-Canada renewable
electricity and clean hydrogen.
Additionally, $3.25 million will
fund the Net Zero Emerging Concepts and Technologies Research
Program, which will invest in research and development for new
clean technologies and support measures in Atlantic Canada to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and reach emission targets.
Canada is moving quickly to
integrate offshore wind power into its expanding energy mix and
invest in the technology research that is vital for economic
development and environmental sustainability.
Quotes
"In the Atlantic, and in fact across Canada, clean energy is presenting an
unparalleled opportunity to deliver affordable and reliable energy
while seizing enormous economic opportunities for Canadian workers.
A clean grid will underpin economic competitiveness and
prosperity moving forward, and Net Zero Atlantic is a great example
of the work underway to get there."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of
Energy and Natural Resources
"At the heart of Net Zero Atlantic's initiatives lies a
commitment to innovation and sustainability. By investing in
cutting-edge research and fostering the development of new clean
technologies, we're paving the way for Atlantic Canada to achieve its net-zero
targets while cultivating sustainable regional economic
opportunities."
The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Member of
Parliament for Central Nova
Scotia
"Atlantic Canada has the
potential to be a key provider of clean energy and clean
technologies that both Canada and
the world need. Thanks to the supports from Natural Resources
Canada, we are laying the foundation for a new energy industry and
accelerating the emergence of locally conceived innovations."
Mr. Alisdair McLean,
P.Eng.
Chief Executive Officer, Net Zero Atlantic
Quick Facts
- This announcement builds on previous investments made to
support NZA's efforts including:
- $1.3 million from the Government
of Canada to build capacity
for mid-depth geothermal energy-based projects in 12 rural
Nova Scotia communities and five
Mi'kmaq communities.
- a $1.8 million contribution
from Natural Resources Canada to build capacity in rural,
Mi'kmaq and other marginalized communities to ensure an inclusive
approach to offshore wind development in Nova Scotia.
- The Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Integration and Transmission
Study also advances priority work by the Canada-Nova Scotia
Regional Energy and Resource Table (NS Regional Table), which was
launched in October 2022 as a joint
partnership between the federal and provincial governments, in
collaboration with Mi'kmaw partners — and with input from key
interested parties — to identify and accelerate shared economic
priorities for a low-carbon future in the province's energy and
resource sectors.
- NZA's study focuses on ensuring grid readiness for offshore
wind, which is a key near-term action identified in
the Nova Scotia Regional Energy and Resource Table
Framework for Collaboration on the Path to Net Zero (Collaboration
Framework).
- The Collaboration Framework, which was released
on July 30, 2024, identifies marine renewables as one of six
areas of economic opportunity to pursue for a low-carbon economy,
the other five being hydrogen, clean electricity, critical
minerals, the forest bioeconomy and carbon management.
- On July 18, 2023, federal
ministers and Atlantic premiers agreed to renew the Atlantic
Growth Strategy to harness the unique advantages and
opportunities of the region through renewed priorities and new
targeted pathways to foster prosperity for all Atlantic
Canadians.
- NRCan's Energy Innovation Program advances clean energy
technologies that will help Canada
meet its climate change targets while supporting the transition to
a low-carbon economy. It funds research, development and
demonstration projects and other related scientific
activities.
Associated Links
- Nova Scotia Regional Energy and Resource Table – Framework for
Collaboration on the Path to Net-Zero
- Budget 2024 – Attracting Investment for a Net-Zero Economy
- 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong
Economy
- Net-zero emissions by 2050
- Current investments in research, development and demonstration
projects in Canada
- Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program
- Energy Innovation Program
- Net Zero Atlantic
- Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit
Follow us on LinkedIn
SOURCE Natural Resources Canada