Canada Invests in Clean Energy Research for Atlantic Provinces

June 23, 2021

Building a low-carbon economy in Canada requires a transformation of our energy systems. Understanding what clean energy options are available and how best to use them is of critical importance, particularly as we recover from COVID-19.

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced an investment of $282,532 for the Offshore Energy Research Association of Nova Scotia (OERA) to create an energy system model that will support Atlantic Canada policy-makers in lowering emissions and encourage investments in clean energy technologies.

The Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Mines (NSDEM) is contributing $110,000 to the initiative and the PEI Energy Corporation will provide another $10,000 to bring the total project investment to $402,532.

The open-source energy system model allows policy-makers, researchers, non-governmental organizations and industry representatives to evaluate different emission mitigation pathways and the associated costs.

Policy-makers will use the model to assess alternative energy scenarios to inform next steps on the path to net-zero emissions, including using technology and investing in research and development. Industry will use the model to make interim and long-term strategic decisions. As further data is added, this model will become even more valuable.

This project is a collaboration between Natural Resources Canada, the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Mines(NSDEM), Prince Edward Island’s Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, OERA, academic partners and players in the energy market in Atlantic Canada.

Federal funding for this project comes from the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, a more than $180-billion investment in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

Canada has an ambitious plan to fight climate change, help Canadians make their homes greener and build a net-zero economy. Since October 2020, through investments in the Fall Economic Statement 2020, the Strengthened Climate Plan, and Budget 2021, Canada has invested $53 billion toward a green recovery that will create opportunities for all Canadians and support a transformation to a low-emissions energy future.

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