Nova Scotia has mandated an increase in biomass utilization by the province’s primary electricity provider, effective immediately and spanning the next two years. The government in Halifax introduced a new regulation compelling Nova Scotia Power to incorporate 160 gigawatt hours of biomass annually until 2027, building upon previous directives. Initially, in 2022, the province had called for 135 gigawatt hours of biomass-generated electricity each year until 2025.
Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau emphasized the need for more renewable energy on the grid while awaiting the completion of additional wind and solar projects. Boudreau highlighted the utilization of natural resources, specifically the byproducts of harvesting and milling, to support cleaner electricity production and the green economy.
A spokesperson from the Energy Minister’s office mentioned that the additional biomass would replace coal and be competitively priced. While the exact cost impact remains uncertain, they anticipate minimal effects on power rates.
Previously, the regulation stipulated that biomass used for electricity must be a forestry byproduct rather than sourced from trees harvested solely for biomass production. However, this provision has been eliminated due to its perceived redundancy. The spokesperson clarified that only sustainably harvested biomass would be permissible for Nova Scotia Power to meet the standard.
Additionally, the province removed a surcharge on biomass power. However, critics like Ray Plourde from the Ecology Action Centre have raised concerns about the environmental impact of burning forest biomass for electricity. Plourde argued against the notion of biomass being carbon-neutral, citing the lengthy carbon recapture time and the detrimental effects of large-scale tree harvesting on forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
Despite criticisms, the forestry industry views the government’s move favorably. Todd Burgess, Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia, highlighted the importance of utilizing forestry residuals and expanding markets, especially following the closure of the Northern Pulp mill in 2020. Burgess emphasized the need for more initiatives to align with ecological forestry objectives.
While acknowledging the regulatory change as a positive step, Burgess emphasized the need for further actions to enhance the reliability of the electricity grid, proposing the implementation of combined heat and power plants connected to district heating networks. Recent studies have supported this approach for sustainable energy generation and distribution.
In conclusion, the decision to increase biomass utilization in Nova Scotia has sparked mixed reactions, with proponents seeing it as a boon for the forestry industry and critics cautioning against the environmental consequences of relying on biomass for electricity generation.
