MEDIA RELEASE: GNSF Advocates for Prioritizing Decarbonization Over Hydrogen and Ammonia Export Development
For Immediate Release
Green Nova Scotia First (GNSF) Advocates for Prioritizing Decarbonization Over Hydrogen and Ammonia Export Development
Nova Scotia, Canada: April 30, 2024 - Green Nova Scotia First, a collective voice of concerned citizens, is urging both the Federal and Provincial governments to carefully reconsider initiatives promoting the Province as a 'global leader' in hydrogen and ammonia production, citing concerns about the true environmental impact and unrealistic economics of these projects.
"While we acknowledge the importance of renewable energy development, we must ensure that our pursuit of reported 'green' solutions does not come at the expense of our environment, biodiversity and quality of life," stated Gregor Wilson, a representative of Green Nova Scotia First. "The production of hydrogen and ammonia, touted as environmentally friendly and, economically viable, demands significant Nova Scotia resources including land, water, wind and energy from Nova Scotia’s already burdened fossil-fuelled grid.”
Wilson says these projects also require huge public investment in the form of subsidies. “The lack of any executed sales contracts speaks volumes and should make Nova Scotians very skeptical of promises made from all levels of government and the proponents.”
"It is crucial that the interests of multinational corporations do not supersede the province’s environmental obligations and energy reduction targets," says Wilson. “We strongly urge the Nova Scotia Government to support community green energy projects that will reduce Nova Scotia's dependence on fossil fuels and yield lasting benefits for affected communities.”
Green Nova Scotia First advocates a comprehensive approach to renewable energy development, based on:
1. Prioritizing “Greening Our Grid First” before supporting large-scale, privately owned hydrogen/ammonia export projects. The proposed hydrogen projects will do little to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Nova Scotia and require Nova Scotia’s energy grid for back-up power. Building the infrastructure for these projects destroys thousands of acres of forests, wetlands, rivers, and fields that now store carbon, increasing NS GHG emissions.
2. Landscape-Level Planning: Implement a provincial strategy for Landscape-Level Planning to effectively manage forests, soils, and water resources, ensuring sustainable land use practices. The Province has not done their homework to determine where these hydrogen projects and their industrial wind turbines could be developed without compromising Nova Scotia’s need for wind power or negatively impacting the surrounding environment. A landscape-level plan provides a comprehensive strategy to manage and conserve our water, soil, and wildlife habitats, across large areas. This approach would take into account land use, biodiversity, community development and human activities to promote sustainability and balance in Nova Scotia’s landscape.
3. Strengthen the Environmental Assessment Process: There is a troubling trend in fast-tracking approval of industrial wind projects with minimal investigation of the effects on biodiversity, ecosystems, and communities. Currently the government does a bad job informing the public about industrial projects, gives little time for the public input and favours industry over the well-being of communities and the people who enjoy using our natural resources.
4. Community, Economic and Ecological Resilience: Ensure that proposed energy projects prioritize the health of communities and ecosystems, including financial impacts, in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. Large wind turbine and hydrogen projects require the devastation of thousands of acres of land, threatening wildlife, ecosystems, trails, recreation opportunities, tourism and economic development, natural beauty and quality of life. The cost of these impacts have not been considered in economic, environmental or social assessment reports.
EverWind Fuels and Bear Head Energy have plans to construct plants in Point Tupper, Cape Breton for the production and export of hydrogen and ammonia. Both companies plan to power production with large scale wind farms. Bear head Energy has, to date, proposed 100 wind turbines on Blue Mountain in Pictou County. EverWind Fuels is planning four large wind projects in Nova Scotia, including one with 300 or more turbines in Guysborough County.
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Contact:
Gregor Wilson, Green Nova Scotia First Member
(902) 986-8989
Website: greennovascotiafirst.ca