In December 2023, the provincial government released Nova Scotia’s Green Hydrogen Action Plan, promoting the province “as a world leader in clean economic growth and environmental stewardship,” says Premier Tim Houston, due to “our world-class natural resources and export capability, clean economy leadership, responsive regulation, and alignment with the Government of Canada’s vision for clean hydrogen.”

However, Green Nova Scotia First, Ecology Action Centre, and others have questions about the province's ability to generate enough wind energy for its own grid and export green hydrogen and ammonia at the same time.

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In December, the Government of Nova Scotia released a Green Hydrogen Action Plan to grow its “green” hydrogen industry. Premier Tim Houston states, “Nova Scotia is poised to be a world leader in the production of green hydrogen, which will help us and our global partners develop our green economies and fight climate change.” The government believes “green” hydrogen has the potential to help Nova Scotia achieve its goal of reaching net zero by 2050, but groups like Green Nova Scotia First, the Ecology Action Centre, and others question the government's position on supporting hydrogen projects over our dependence on fossil fuels.

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In December 2023, Colchester County Council heard remarks from proponents for and against an amendment that would have halted wind turbine development until December 2024. When put to the vote, seven opposed amending the bylaw, and four supported the amendment to pause development. Read Brendyn Creamer’s December 7 article in Saltwire (subscription-based).

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Joan Baxter of the Halifax Examiner contacted Michael Liebreich for a question-and-answer session on Hydrogen. Liebreich is a member of the UK Board of Trade, a former advisor to the UN on Sustainable Energy for All, and an expert on the hydrogen economy.

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The Ecology Action Centre has extensive knowledge of the current Nova Scotian EA process and recommends transformative change to prioritize long-term environmental, social and economic well-being. The EAC supports the East Coast Environmental Law recommendations, including requiring proponents to complete analyses on these topics, providing final reports for each project, and bringing Netukulimk into decision-making.

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The Ecology Action Centre has called for a modernized environmental assessment process that prioritizes environmental protection and human health over short-term economic gains. They have created an online storymap to show the impacts of the gold mining industry in the province and call for substantial change to the current process.

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Green hydrogen/ammonia is being rapidly adopted for Climate Change goals. However, Abhik Tushar Das, Chief Manager at Energy Sourcing (Gas & Power), suggests it has its own challenges and should be considered carefully before being accepted as a one-stop solution to all existing problems.

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Known Unknown: Current hydrogen leak estimates vary by up to 100-fold. We need to know more before betting on the farm.

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It is important to consider the level of demand for hydrogen production in a rapidly changing global energy sector, as well as Atlantic Canada's ability to locate competitive projects and service the markets. Atlantic Business Magazine publishes “Hydrogen Horizon,” the first in a nine-part series meant to give a high-level, moment-in-time look at Atlantic Canada's potential for hydrogen production and its associated industry.

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For a May 2023 online workshop, chemical engineer Paul Martin—co-founder of the Hydrogen Science Coalition—presents on the topic “What is Hydrogen’s Role in the Energy Transition?” The voluntary group of independent academics, scientists and engineers who aim to bring an evidence-based viewpoint to the hydrogen debate.

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A discussion with Cleaning Up podcast host Michael Liebreich and Marco Alvera, CEO of global green energy business TES. The conversation focuses on TES-H2, which is building a terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, to import what Marco calls "eNG", or synthetic methane made from green hydrogen.

Nova Scotia’s long-awaited climate plan was released on Dec. 7, 2022. The document is detailed on the Government of Nova Scotia's website.

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Protect Wentworth Valley outlines its concerns regarding wind turbine farms' impact on Nova Scotia's endangered mainland moose. The Wentworth Valley Wilderness Area and the Portapique Wilderness Area are frequent areas for animal core habitat and seasonal travel. Read a summary of their concerns and resources related to the negative on the endangered species concerning construction and related infrastructure.

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Green hydrogen has been labelled as one solution for Canada to meet its net zero goal by 2050. As companies clamber to get on board in Nova Scotia, CBC’s Frances Willick finds out if green hydrogen is really better for the environment.

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The Halifax Examiner criticized Tim Houston's Progressive Conservative government's plans for a new "hydrogen innovation program" as “greenwashing” when the government's Law Amendments Committee passed Bill 207, the Electricity Act amendments. The Examiner’s Joan Baxter speaks with experts, including energy coordinator Brenna Walsh at the Ecology Action Centre, who explains, “Though it is encouraging to see the intentions of this government to consider green hydrogen production, we are concerned that this amendment, as written, would open a pathway for other “flavours” [colours] of hydrogen production.”

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The Halifax Examiner’s Joan Baxter looks into the provincial government’s claims that “Green hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that can help with our transition to green, renewable energy in circumstances where fossil fuels cannot easily be replaced.”

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Hear Dalhousie University’s Dr. Tracey MacKenzie talk with Nature Nova Scotia about why scientists, environmentalists, and everyday citizens fight to protect biodiversity.

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In 2021, the Government of Nova Scotia announced a plan to help the long-term recovery of the Province's endangered mainland moose population. The plan addresses threats, protects habitat, improves connectivity, and sets priorities for action. The Province planned to consult with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs and develop special management practices for forestry harvests within moose habitat.

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Become more aware by reading the Government’s guide for preparing Environmental Assessment documents for Wind Power Projects in Nova Scotia. First published in May 2007 and revised in October 2021.

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CBC New Brunswick’s Shane Fowler reports on TransAlta Corporation’s collapse of its wind turbine at the Kent Hills wind farm in New Brunswick.