EAC releases Atlantic Loop report, pathways to decarbonization

KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX) - Today, the Ecology Action Centre released its report titled, Assessing Net Zero Electricity Supply and Demand Models in the Atlantic Loop. The goal of the report is to highlight clean electricity supply scenarios to decarbonize Atlantic Canada by 2050 as part of the organization’s vision for affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.  

This latest report models various net-zero and Atlantic Loop scenarios with a focus on Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and includes replacing coal power by 2030, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, exploring renewable energy options, household energy costs and ways to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2050.  

“The model shows clearly that we’ll be using almost twice as much electricity as we are now in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,” says Gurprasad Gurumurthy, energy coordinator, renewables and electricity with EAC. “Phasing out dirty coal-powered electricity in Nova Scotia is critical, but it means we must increase the amount of renewable electricity supply in Atlantic Canada.” 

The report also explores how staying on our current path would cost significantly more in the long-term, as opposed to taking one of the net-zero pathways that would have higher electricity rates initially, but lower energy bills over time. Readying Atlantic Canada’s electricity system now would also help in other areas, such as energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings and electric transportation. 

“Investing in renewable electricity generation is better for the environment and our wellbeing, and would be more affordable in the long run,” explains Gurumurthy. “But there is no silver bullet. While this report demonstrates that regional collaboration is key, we must also continue to increase our own domestic renewables and create energy efficiency programs at a scale that is appropriate to meet the climate emergency.” 

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