POINT TUPPER: The company behind proposed wind power, hydrogen, and ammonia production projects in Guysborough and Richmond Counties has submitted its environmental assessment documents for an electricity transmission line that would span the Strait of Canso.
EverWind Fuels plans to construct a 345-kilovolt overhead transmission line, connecting a proposed wind power substation in Steep Creek, Guysborough County, to its planned hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Point Tupper.
The 1.5-kilometre line will require the installation of specialized 210-metre-high suspension towers, designed to allow vessels to pass beneath the transmission line through the Strait of Canso. These towers will be pre-assembled offsite before being transported and erected using cranes and helicopters.
The environmental assessment, prepared by Strum Consulting, evaluates the project’s potential impact on various factors, including climate change, land use, fish and wildlife, and the local economy. The report concludes that, with appropriate mitigation measures and monitoring, the project will not result in significant adverse effects.
The proposed design has accounted for extreme weather conditions to ensure that the transmission line and its equipment can withstand safety-related hazards. Construction of the transmission line is slated to begin in 2026, with the line expected to be operational by 2027, with a projected lifespan of 80 years.
EverWind’s hydrogen and ammonia production facility received environmental approval in February 2023.
The facility will use solar and wind power to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for local consumption and export. Ammonia, a key ingredient in agricultural fertilizers, is traditionally produced using methods that release carbon dioxide. The use of renewable energy to produce “green” ammonia significantly reduces its carbon footprint.
Green hydrogen has the potential to replace natural gas for heating and electricity generation. EverWind envisions the possibility of exporting green hydrogen from Atlantic Canada to Europe, where it can be utilized to decarbonize industries such as transportation and heavy manufacturing.
The report also highlights an anticipated rise in demand for green hydrogen and ammonia within Nova Scotia and Canada.
Despite these prospects, some critics have questioned the viability of the export market and raised concerns that the plan may not represent the most efficient use of renewable energy resources.
The public can submit feedback on the transmission line proposal until April 5. The Minister of Environment must make a decision on whether to approve the environmental assessment by April 25.