Everwind proposes transmission line across Strait of Canso for hydrogen project
Line would transmit electricity from a wind substation to the company's proposed hydrogen facility
The company behind proposed wind power, hydrogen and ammonia production projects in Guysborough and Richmond counties has filed its environmental assessment documents for an electricity transmission line that would cross the Strait of Canso.
Everwind Fuels wants to construct a 345-kilovolt overhead transmission line that would bring electricity from a proposed wind power substation in Steep Creek, Guysborough County, to its proposed hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Point Tupper, N.S.
The 1.5-kilometre line would require specialized suspension towers that are 210 metres high, and would be high enough to allow vessels to pass through the Strait of Canso below. The towers would be pre-assembled off site and then constructed on site using cranes and helicopters.
The environmental assessment considered how the project would affect a wide variety of factors, including climate change, land use, fish and wildlife, and the economy. The report, prepared by Strum Consulting, concludes that with mitigation and monitoring, the project will not cause significant adverse effects.
The proposed design considered the possibility of extreme weather to ensure the transmission line equipment can survive safety-related hazards.
Construction on the line would begin next year. The line is expected to begin operating in 2027 and continue for 80 years.
Ammonia and hydrogen projects
The company's hydrogen and ammonia facility received environmental approval in February 2023. The project would use solar and wind power to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for local use and export.
Ammonia is used for agricultural fertilizers worldwide, but the production of conventional ammonia emits carbon dioxide. Using "green" ammonia — ammonia made from renewable energy sources — reduces the carbon footprint of production.
Green hydrogen can replace natural gas for heating or electricity production. Everwind has said there is potential for Atlantic Canada to export green hydrogen to Europe, where it can be used to decarbonize sectors such as transportation and heavy industry. The demand for green hydrogen and ammonia is also expected to grow in Nova Scotia and Canada, the report says.
But some critics have said the market is unlikely to ever materialize and the export plan would not be an efficient use of renewable energy.
The province has already approved Everwind's three proposed wind power projects — Windy Ridge, which is north of Debert, Kmtnuk in Colchester County and — Bear Lake, situated at the intersection of West Hants Regional Municipality, Halifax Regional Municipality and the Municipality of the District of Chester.
The public can provide feedback on the transmission line proposal until April 5. The minister of environment must decide on or before April 25 whether to approve the environmental assessment.
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