Project Overview
The Ellershouse 3 Wind Project (the “Project” or “Ellershouse 3”), is a wind energy project proposed to be developed by a subsidiary of Potentia Renewables Inc. (“Potentia”) in partnership with the Annapolis Valley First Nation (“AVFN”) with support from the Alternative Energy Resources Authority (“AREA”).
The existing Ellershouse Wind Farm was built by AREA and consists of 10 turbines that produce 23.5 MW of energy. These 10 turbines were developed and constructed as two phases between 2015 and 2017. The proposed expansion of Ellershouse assessed 12 potential wind turbine locations, for approximately 66 MW, and we received approval of our Environment Assessment from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change for these turbines.
Potentia has an agreement in place with AREA for power generated by six of the proposed 12 turbines for up to 33 MWs of generation. Potentia is considering the construction of six additional turbines in the future, contingent upon securing a Power Purchase Agreement. We are excited about the opportunity to expand the generation of renewable energy given the exceptional land and community partners, proven wind resource, and the suitable connection point to the Nova Scotia Power transmission system.
We are committed to working closely with local government and community members, and we strive to keep all parties informed. Your voice counts and your opinion matters to us. We hosted our first Open House on November 10th, 2021, at the St. Louise Union Church in Ellershouse. The storyboards presented at this Open House are linked here.
We also hosted a Virtual Open House on November 23, 2021. The presentation for the open house is available by clicking on this link.
We also hosted a second in-person Open House on April 29, 2022. The presentation for the second open house is available by clicking on this link.
Project location
The existing Ellershouse Wind Farm is located south of the community of Ellershouse, Nova Scotia. The proposed expansion project, Ellershouse 3, is located south of the existing wind project.
Economic Benefits
We anticipate the Project will have an immediate positive economic impact with ongoing benefits over the 25-year project life. New revenues to the local economy will include municipal taxes, landowner payments, and local economic activities.
Construction of the Project will also bring employment opportunities to the area. Local contractors, service providers, equipment rentals, suppliers, and other area businesses will all be given preference wherever possible. Your area can also anticipate a local economic boost during the development and construction phase of the Project, specifically for businesses in hospitality and services, including restaurants, short-term housing, and grocery stores.
Community Benefits
In addition to the economic benefits just mentioned, Ellershouse 3 will also bring the following benefits to the community:
- Municipal Property Tax: Annual property taxes will be paid to West Hants
- Ellershouse Wind Society and CLC Payments: $1000 per turbine per year for the PPA contract period
- Employment Opportunities during Construction: 100 to 150 direct and indirect jobs created during construction
- Employment Opportunities during the Operation Phase: 3-5 full time technicians
- Local Labour: The Project will target a minimum of 40% participation of local labour and Indigenous peoples through these phases
- Climate Benefits: The Project will contribute to meeting Nova Scotia’s renewable energy target of 80% renewable by 2030 as outlined in the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act by producing enough energy to power approximately 20, 650 Nova Scotian homes
The Alternative Resource Energy Authority (“AREA”) is a partnership between the Towns of Antigonish, Berwick and Mahone Bay. The towns each operate electric utilities and distribute power to customers within their service areas and, through AREA, own and operate the existing Ellershouse Wind Farm.
Please visit www.areans.ca to learn more.
An Environmental Assessment (“EA”) Registration Document was submitted to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change in May 2023.
The EA assessed the following ecosystem components:
- Atmospheric Environment
- Geophysical Environment
- Aquatic Environment
- Terrestrial Environment
- Socioeconomic Environment
- Archaeological Cultural Resources
- Human Health
- Electromagnetic Interference
- Shadow Flicker
- Sound
The Project meets all Provincial environmental assessment requirements and was approved in July 2023.
The EA approval contained several conditions that require timing specific submissions to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change. These conditions will be implemented to maintain compliance with the Project’s authorization.
The EA conditions are listed below:
- Sediment and Erosion Control Plan
- Wildlife Management Plan
- Complaint Resolution Plan
- Mi’kmaq Communication Plan
- Contingency Plan
- Surface Water Management Plan
- Adaptive Management Plan
- Mainland Moose Monitoring Program
- Bird and Bat Mortality Monitoring Program
- Noise and Shadow Flicker Updated Assessment
- Bird and Bat Acoustic Studies.
When the wind blows, the blades of the wind turbine generate lift which turns the rotor, spinning a generator inside the nacelle and generating electricity. Modern wind turbines range anywhere from 100 to 125 metres in hub height, and each of the 3 blades can range between 60 and 80 metres in length. Each foundation, or “Turbine Pad,” typically takes up to one acre of land.
The wind turbines are connected by an underground and above-ground electrical collector system that meets at the substation. The electricity is then converted to the correct voltage and exported to the SaskPower transmission system for people to use.
Each turbine will have its own access road. Depending on the location of the turbines, each access road may span 30 to 700 metres in length from a main or range road to the Turbine Pad. Each Access Road is typically 6 metres in width.
Temporary laydown and storage areas and upgrades of local roads may also be required.