158-turbine wind project in Nova Scotia gets environmental approval

Wind turbines in Nova Scotia are pictured. (Source: Province of Nova Scotia)

A Nova Scotia wind energy project that could generate enough power for more than 400,000 homes received its environmental assessment approval on Thursday.

The Ocean Lake Wind Project, located in Guysborough County, is expected to have up to 158 turbines, making it the largest wind energy project in Nova Scotia to date.

Once it’s online, it’s expected to generate 1,264 megawatts of clean electricity and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 1.9 million tonnes in Nova Scotia, according to a news release from the province.

Timothy Halman, minister of environment and climate change, approved the project, noting it must comply with 61 terms and conditions designed to protect the environment and human health.

Construction on the wind farm is expected to last five years and will start in 2029. The project is also expected to generate $11 million in annual tax revenue for the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.

EverWind NS Holdings Ltd. and Membertou Development Corp. are the developers of the project. It will be located near New Harbour, Goldboro, Larry’s River, Lundy and Roachvale.

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