The IRP 2020: An opportunity for a robust energy transition in Nova Scotia

The IRP 2020: An opportunity for a robust energy transition in Nova Scotia 

K’JIPUKTUK (HALIFAX) – Tomorrow, Nova Scotia Power will release their Draft Findings, Roadmap & Action Plan to key stakeholders. The draft plan is a pivotal document in the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) 2020 process and will be vital to the future of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia has the most coal-intensive electricity grid in Canada, with 54% of annual electricity supply coming from coal generation, in addition to another 29% coming from oil and gas in 2020.

“As a key stakeholder in the IRP, Ecology Action Centre, believes that the ongoing IRP can pave the path to future energy scenarios, technologies and carbon neutrality,” explains Gurprasad Gurumurthy, Energy Coordinator for Ecology Action Centre (EAC). “It will be important for the province to increase low-carbon technology penetration, where well established technologies such as solar and wind offer lower prices and lower risk portfolios as compared to fossil fuel options.

The IRP 2020 process provides Nova Scotia Power and the Government of Nova Scotia the opportunity to adopt a strong and ambitious energy mix for the province, which could align with the national climate targets (UNIPCC, 2018 2° C warming), the Sustainable Development Goals Act and the principles of a Green and Just Transition. And will be essential in achieving net-zero emissions in Nova Scotia by 2050.

“EAC would like to acknowledge the efforts of Nova Scotia Power and all key stakeholders involved in the IRP 2020 process. We have a long path towards achieving carbon neutrality, but we’re heading in the right direction,” says Gurumurthy. “It’s vital that a complete phase-out of fossil fuels occurs in the province, and some reports show that an accelerated phase-out of coal by 2030 is possible and economically feasible. In addition, transitioning to renewables and sustainable energy could create 15,000 new jobs per year in Nova Scotia by 2030.”

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