A new wind energy project in Nova Scotia is set to become the province’s first direct-to-consumer renewable electricity program, marking a significant development in the region’s transition away from fossil fuels. The Mersey River Wind Project, located on Crown land in Queen’s County about 150 kilometres southwest of Halifax, will feature 33 Vestas turbines standing 180 metres tall. Together, these turbines will generate up to 148.5 megawatts of zero-emission electricity, sufficient to power more than 50,000 homes.

The project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 220,000 tonnes, nearly 2 percent of Nova Scotia’s yearly emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Installation of the windmills has already begun, with the first phase scheduled to start generating power by the end of 2026 and full commissioning expected by 2028. Electricity produced by the project will be fed into the grid operated by Nova Scotia Power, with the project developer Renewall Energy Inc. purchasing transmission and distribution services from the utility.

The Mersey River Wind Project is financed through a combination of private investment and government-backed support. A $206.4-million loan from the Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has been instrumental in advancing the project, complementing construction capital provided by a partnership between Toronto-based Slate Asset Management and U.S. private equity firm Hamilton Lane. The total project cost is estimated at $532.6 million. The project is also eligible for the federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, which can cover up to 30 percent of eligible capital expenses.

The project serves as a key pilot for Nova Scotia’s new Renewable to Retail Program, which permits private entities to sell electricity directly to consumers. Renewall Energy is currently enrolling customers, primarily from the commercial, industrial, and public sectors, on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents connected to Nova Scotia Power’s grid are also eligible to purchase power under this program.

Advocates see wind energy as poised for growth in Atlantic Canada, where hydro and nuclear options are limited and the province remains reliant on coal, which is targeted for phase-out by 2030. Evan Pivnick, associate director of public affairs at Clean Energy Canada, highlighted wind power’s local availability, cost stability, and rapid deployment as key advantages compared with fossil fuels. Nova Scotia aims to derive 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

According to Daniel Roscoe, CEO of Roswall Development Inc. and president of Renewall Energy, the project leverages proven technologies to offer competitive, stable pricing through long-term contracts, helping consumers avoid fluctuations in energy costs. He also emphasized the potential to attract businesses seeking renewable energy sources to meet corporate climate commitments—a factor expected to support economic growth in the province.

The Mersey River site benefits from existing infrastructure, including roads from its previous use by the now-closed Bowater Mersey Paper Company, which has facilitated construction logistics. Developers plan to pursue additional wind projects to expand Nova Scotia’s clean energy capacity and further reduce electricity costs across the province.

The Canadian Infrastructure Bank, tasked with mobilizing private and institutional capital for low-emission infrastructure, views the project as a model for accelerating clean energy development in Canada. Mike Schoen, senior director of public infrastructure at CIB, identified Mersey River as a crucial test of innovative financing that can fast-track renewables deployment while supporting government climate goals.