News Environment & Sustainability
Port Hawkesbury Paper signs MOU to develop wind farm plan for green energy

Port Hawkesbury Paper has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and IFE Project Management Canada to collaborate on a new wind farm project in Nova Scotia that would transport green energy to its paper mill.

The three organizations will conduct due diligence work during the project evaluation and planning phase of the 112-megawatt Pirate Harbour Wind Farm. CIB has indicated it may invest in the project once the due diligence has been completed, but Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE will lead the design, construction and financing.

The Point Tupper–area wind farm would be comprised of 28 four-megawatt wind turbines, 15 kilometres of overland transmission lines and two kilometres of subsea cables.

The proposed wind farm would supply green energy to Port Hawkesbury Paper, the largest industrial employer in the region, with the goal of further enhancing sustainable energy supply to Nova Scotian industry.

It would reduce the mill’s reliance on fossil fuels for energy, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“Port Hawkesbury Paper is excited to continue the evaluation of the Pirate Harbour Wind Farm with the assistance of the CIB and the support of the province in order to help further governmental commitments on the environment and enhance long-term environmentally sustainable paper production at the mill,” says Bevan Lock, co-mill manager for Port Hawkesbury Paper.

CIB, a Crown corporation, has a $35-billion funding budget and offers specialized infrastructure expertise. The wind farm is consistent with one of its priority sectors – green infrastructure.