Your questions, answered.

Electricity produced from onshore wind sources is projected to be 45-57% less expensive than electricity produced from fossil fuels (like gas and coal).

The cost to produce each unit of electricity over the entire lifespan of a power plant is called the Levelized Cost of Energy. This cost is determined by factoring in all expenses from building the plant to maintenance and operation costs.

Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and another from the International Energy Agency forecast that Levelized Cost of Energy for onshore wind is lower than fossil fuel costs. Although local circumstances may differ, we can expect a similar trend of Levelized Cost of Energy by technology.

Levelized Cost of Energy by technology*

*Source: Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020. Values provided are the LCOE median at a 7% discount rate.

There are several complex factors that impact your electricity rate.  

Studies have shown that the cost of producing electricity through wind is cheaper than other forms of generation. In addition, any company applying to build an onshore wind project must demonstrate that they provide the best value to the ratepayers of Nova Scotia 

However, the cost of generation is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to rates, so your energy cost will also depend on the market, contractual structures, and a variety of other factors. 

The cost to produce electricity from onshore wind resources has dropped by 69% since 2010, making it the most affordable energy source right now.

Wind farm developers make the investment upfront. As part of the provincial government’s procurements, project developers were required to demonstrate that they have the financial capacity or support to construct and operate the project. These costs become part of what we pay in electricity rates, just like other electricity infrastructure.

Nova Scotia is getting off coal and choosing cleaner, more sustainable and affordable options that help us become more energy resilient and strengthen our economy.

As of 2023, 42.5% of electricity is generated through renewable energy, with provincial wind energy sources supplying 14% of Nova Scotia’s electricity. We already produce enough wind energy to meet the annual needs of over 200,000 homes, but our energy needs are growing.

In 2023, Nova Scotia launched the 2030 Clean Power Plan which aims to achieve 80% of electricity generated from renewable sources. This includes adding 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new onshore wind generation capacity. So, there is a lot of work to do to make this plan a reality.

The province also anticipates that through the Green Choice Program, by 2028, 78% of electricity will be generated from renewable energy sources.

Nova Scotia has some of the strongest and most consistent wind resources in the world, with the potential to generate a high amount of electricity every year. This is important because stronger and more consistent wind speeds can lead to a lower Levelized Cost of Energy for wind power.

Wind is also one of the lowest-cost options for generating electricity, cheaper than coal and other fossil fuels. Investing in onshore wind makes good economic sense and allows us to tap into our natural wind resources.

Onshore wind energy also represents an important step in our province’s Climate Change Plan. In Nova Scotia, the use of fossil fuels like coal in electricity generation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Plan commits to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity by 2035 and our legislated goal is to reach 80% of electricity from renewable sources – including wind – by 2030.

There are many economic benefits, both in the short and longer-term. In the construction phase, onshore wind projects generate local economic activity through jobs and goods and services from the local supply chain.  

Once operational, wind farms could provide employment in operations and maintenance, as well as indirect benefits through local businesses providing services to wind farms such as maintenance, transport and logistics.  

There is often local ownership in projects and the projects contribute to community revenue through property taxes and community benefit agreements. Businesses also benefit financially from more stable energy costs.  Plus, we can promote Nova Scotia as a green electricity jurisdiction, which is a strong selling point when attracting companies to do business here.  

Here in Nova Scotia, the four onshore wind projects approved in 2022 through the Nova Scotia Rate Base Procurement are expected to generate $450 million in construction activity and create about 1,700 direct and indirect jobs across their lifecycles, mostly in rural areas of the province. Also, with the Green Choice Program, six selected projects in 2025 are anticipated to create around 700 construction jobs and 30 full-time jobs once operational.   

Across Atlantic Canada, clean energy sector jobs – from energy supply to transportation – are expected to grow by 6% annually, to a total of over 132,000 jobs in 2050. 

There are several examples of economic and social benefits that result from onshore wind projects. Economic opportunities are created through partnership and ownership models with local municipalities and/or Mi’kmaw communities.  

For example, larger and more diverse opportunities come with the supply chain of goods and services, as local businesses support the development and construction of the projects. This might include environmental services, engineering, legal, construction, telecommunications, transportation, electricians, and general labour. Construction activities can also create local investment in training, skills development, and capacity building.  

Municipalities will also receive revenues through the Wind Turbine Facilities Municipal Taxation Act, paid by the owner of the wind turbine facility. The land used and buildings developed will be assessed and the owners taxed according to the Assessment Act.  

Projects may also provide financial support to community organizations, scholarships and bursaries, and local recreation programs.

The overall economic impact on Nova Scotia is expected to be positive. Clean energy jobs in Canada are growing and are projected to offset the decline in fossil fuel jobs as we transition to net zero by 2050. In fact, more clean energy jobs are being created than those being lost in traditional energy sectors.  

One of the most common concerns is the possible impact of wind turbines on property values. However, studies show that any negative impact tends to be temporary and decreases over time after wind farms are fully operational. While some properties close to wind turbines may initially see reduced values, these effects diminish after the project is complete.  

Wind turbine technologies are considered to be a mature technology that have advanced significantly over the past years.  

Wind turbines continue to be proven safe, reliable, and efficient. In Canada, wind turbines used must meet strict safety standards and undergo regular inspections.  

The maximum energy capacity for future onshore wind turbines will continue to improve as technology advances developing larger and more efficient equipment, maximizing land use.  

Wind turbines vary in size, but they need to be tall to capture strong, steady winds. Onshore wind turbines today typically stand around 100 meters tall, with rotor blades averaging about 57 meters -about half the length of a Canadian League Football field.  

The larger the turbine, the more area it covers, allowing it to capture more wind and generate more electricity. This also means fewer turbines are needed to produce the same amount of electricity, which helps reduce costs.  

Modern wind farms are designed with strict guidelines to manage their impact.  

In Nova Scotia, turbine noise cannot exceed 40 decibels at nearby residences—comparable to the noise level of the hum of a refrigerator. Our guideline for turbine noise is actually lower than many health guidelines, which recommend keeping noise levels below 45 decibels. 

When operated at these noise levels, studies show that the risk of serious health issues from wind turbine noise is very low. 

One of the most common public health concerns is low-frequency noise. In Nova Scotia, turbine noise can’t exceed 40 decibels at homes—the noise level of a refrigerator.  

Others have occupational health and safety concerns related to the installation and operation of wind turbines, including working at heights, working with high voltages, and noise and vibration. Nova Scotia has health and safety legislation, regulations, and guidelines to reduce the risk of incidents within the wind energy industry.  

Onshore wind is considered a mature technology globally, having evolved significantly over the past decade to become a safe, efficient, and reliable energy source. In 2023, the total number of new wind energy installations increased by 50% globally, as countries around the world look to increase their use of renewable energy sources. 

In Nova Scotia, wind energy plays an important role in providing clean power, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improving air quality. Today, we’re already producing enough electricity from our onshore wind resources to meet the annual needs of over 200,000 homes, and we’re continuing to make progress in our collaborative and coordinated approach to greener energy sources with other regions.

Onshore wind energy harnesses the power of wind to generate electricity. When wind blows, it turns the blades of a wind turbine. The spinning blades are connected to a generator that converts the movement (kinetic energy) into electricity. This clean, renewable electricity can then be sent to the power grid and used to power homes and businesses.  

If you would like to learn more, we recommend exploring this Wind Energy 101 guide, prepared by the US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Wind energy is one of several energy sources we use to ensure our electricity system delivers continuous reliable electricity to Nova Scotians. 

Wind turbines are typically placed in areas with strong winds to ensure power generation. Wind speed can fluctuate, which is why the wind farm’s capacity factor is used to measure how much electricity is produced compared to the theoretical maximum.  

Today, our electricity comes from a mix of several energy sources, and Nova Scotia aims to increase the amount of renewable energy by 2030. That is why more onshore wind projects are being proposed, as well as ensuring access to backup energy through regional agreements and alternative energy sources.

Living near wind turbines is considered safe, with multiple studies showing that modern wind turbines do not pose significant risks to human health. 

One of the most frequently raised concerns is noise levels. Scientific reviews have concluded that wind turbine noise is usually modest, and often lower than noise from other sources like transportation or a refrigerator in your home. One study found no evidence of negative impacts on general, mental, or physical health, and residents living near turbines did not report more negative emotions or sleep issues than those farther away. 

While it can cause annoyance for some, especially at lower noise levels, there is no strong evidence that wind turbines cause sleep disturbances, insomnia, or other health problems.  

Studies have shown that any negative impact tends to be temporary and decreases over time after wind farms are fully operational. While some properties close to wind turbines may initially see reduced values, these effects diminish after the project is complete.  

Factors such as noise, visual appearance of the turbines, and public perceptions of renewable energy also play a role. Effective community engagement is key to addressing these concerns and improving understanding of the benefits wind energy can bring. 

In general, wind turbines pose minimal direct risk to our water supplies.  

During the construction of any large facility there may be impacts on local water resources, particularly through changes in land use that might alter drainage patterns and affect groundwater recharge, soil erosion and runoff.  

That’s why careful site selection and environmental management practices are essential. This approach ensures that wind energy development protects water supplies, mitigates risk and promotes sustainable energy solutions.

In Nova Scotia, all wind projects two megawatts or greater require a Class I Environmental Assessment. This process allows sustainable development to proceed while ensuring the environment and human health remain protected.

Protecting the natural environment requires careful assessment and planning.

While wind turbines can impact land, plants, and other natural resources, these effects can be managed effectively. The construction and maintenance of wind farms may lead to soil erosion, altered water drainage patterns, and disruptions to local flora and fauna.  

Additionally, clearing land for turbine installation can affect native plant species. However, there are regulations and safeguards in place to minimize the impact. All wind projects, over two megawatts, will undergo an Environmental Assessment process. An environmental assessment requires companies to identify the benefits of their project, its potential impacts on the environment and human health, and their plan to mitigate those impacts. Decisions are based on science and evidence and informed by consultation by the public and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

It’s important to remember that renewable energy sources, like wind, are an important step in protecting our natural environment. The extraction, processing, and burning of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil emit greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat from the sun in our atmosphere (like a greenhouse), contributing to the warming of our planet and posing serious risks for people and the environment.

Wind turbines account for less than 0.1% of bird deaths. While they can impact wildlife, especially in areas where birds are at higher risk, most bird deaths are caused by other human-related factors like collisions with windows and buildings and predation by domestic cats. 

By carefully choosing locations for wind farms, we can reduce the impact of wind turbines on wildlife. 

Careful site selection and ongoing monitoring can minimize the potential disruption of animal migration patterns and natural habitats.  

Environmental Assessments typically require companies to develop wildlife management plans and submit them to the Department of Natural Resources. These plans assess and establish strategies to mitigate potential impacts on wildlife throughout the project’s life.

The extraction, processing, and burning of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil emit greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat from the sun in our atmosphere (like a greenhouse) and contribute to the warming of our planet. 

In addition to greenhouse gases, the burning of fossil fuels contributes to air pollution, negatively impacting human health and the environment. Wind energy produces electricity without the burning of fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. 

In Nova Scotia, electricity and heat production made up 40% of the province’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Wind energy can significantly support our province in addressing climate change by providing a clean, renewable source of power that reduces reliance on fossil fuels.  

We can harness our province’s world-class wind as we move towards renewable energy. Renewable energy will decrease greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and promote sustainable economic growth through job creation.   

A collaborative and coordinated approach to onshore wind energy with other regions is an important step towards meeting our provincial and national climate goals, and a more sustainable future for the environment and our communities.

The first step is finding areas with the strong and steady winds needed for power generation. Once a possible location is identified there are several important factors that must be assessed, including:  

• Potential impacts on local wildlife and sensitive areas to avoid harm to ecosystems.  

• Proximity to existing power lines and roads to make it easier and cheaper to connect to the electricity grid.  

• Land-use compatibility (the land should be compatible with its current uses, like farming or recreation). 

• Ground stability to ensure the site can safely hold the turbines.  

• Engagement with the surrounding communities to address any concerns. 

• Engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities to address concerns and obtain free, prior, and informed consent. 

• Local laws and regulations.  

Considering these factors helps to ensure a wind energy project is efficient, safe and accepted by the community. 

Developers must consult with nearby communities during the Environmental Assessment process. Consultation methods can include open house events, newsletters, door-to-door surveys, newspaper advertisements and dedicated helplines. 

According to the Environmental Assessment Regulations, proponents must outline all steps taken to identify and address concerns from local residents and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia regarding their proposed projects. The Minister considers these concerns and the effectiveness of the consultation when making decisions. You can learn more about the process and regulations in the Citizen’s Guide to Environmental Assessment.  

The goal is to engage the community in a way that suits their specific needs. Community engagement should happen early in the Environmental Assessment process, as early engagement can help surface community concerns, lead to project modifications and foster better understanding and trust. 

We encourage you to fill out this form with any questions that have not been addressed yet. The questions we receive may also be incorporated into future versions of this FAQ! 

You can also join the Environmental Assessments mailing list, where you’ll receive notifications about new project registrations, community engagements and Ministerial decisions.