Innovation
In the energy world, the only constant is change. Prices change. Technologies change. Policies change. Even the science and understanding of energy impacts change. Finding ways to adapt to and anticipate change is the secret to energy and economic success.
New technologies that allow energy to be stored cost-effectively create new opportunities for renewables such as wind, solar and tidal. Storage increases the value of renewables because it allows power from wind, sun and tides to be held for use when needed. Without cost-effective storage, the energy from those renewable sources must be used as it is generated, and this makes the system less flexible in meeting consumer demand for energy.
Every system has its own unique characteristics. Building more knowledge about solar, storage and reducing the costly peaks in demand on our system are important tasks ahead for Nova Scotia.
Developing technologies that report when renewable electricity production is high and the carbon footprint is low can open opportunities for consumers to shift their electricity use - manually or digitally - to times when renewable power is more plentiful.
Smart Energy Innovation Program
The Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Innovacorp have teamed up to award $700,000 on a competitive basis through a new Smart Energy Innovation Program. The program will support local developers who are working on sustainable energy solutions for Nova Scotia.
The program has three streams:
- Two university or college researchers will be awarded $50,000 each to help move smart energy projects from research to commercial application
- Five early stage companies will receive $20,000 each to develop technology for the energy sector
- A demonstration project will be awarded $500,000 to address renewable energy integration into the electricity grid
The Smart Energy Innovation Program is part of the province’s Electricity Plan, which called for more energy innovation.
For more information to apply, visit innovacorp.ca.
Contact: Amanda Tarr
New Pilot Programs
Over the next four years, innovation is about testing, monitoring and learning. Data collected from new pilot projects will help the province shape future policies and programs.
Community Buildings Solar PV Pilot Program – will promote installation of solar panels on community buildings such as town halls, fire halls and community centres.
Net Metering Program – is available to homeowners, businesses and institutions who wish to sell surplus power from their renewable sources.
More details on these programs will be available in the coming months.
The province’s previous program to support community energy initiatives, COMFIT, was broad-based and relatively expensive. The more cost-effective, targeted programs above will be established to support more local energy production and innovation.
To learn more about…
- innovation, read Nova Scotia’s Electricity Plan (PDF 2.2 MB)
- renewable electricity programs and projects, visit Programs and Projects