The largest industrial user of electricity in Nova Scotia is one step closer to using renewable energy.
The federal government is giving Port Hawkesbury Paper a loan of $224.2 million to build a wind farm at Goose Harbour Lake, according to a news release.
The project would reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 350,000 tonnes. In 2021, the mill made up 2.4 per cent of Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gases.
The Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm Project will create 24 wind turbines that will produce 168 megawatts to power the paper mill.
The paper mill employs about 325 people and contacts about 900, including forestry workers, according to a news release.
At the peak of construction, the wind farm project will create 150 jobs and between one and five jobs once the turbines are operational.
Project director Nigel Cave says it will reduce emissions and cost less.
“That’s something that is lost on many people, but wind energy today in Nova Scotia is a cost effective alternative. and in addition to all of its other benefits, it has an economic benefit as well,” said Cave.
