AULDS COVE — For proponents of a proposed 147-megawatt wind energy project near Aulds Cove – billed as power “for Nova Scotians to be used by Nova Scotians” – Friday the 13th proved anything but unlucky.
Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman approved the Aulds Cove Wind Project on Feb. 13 following completion of a provincial environmental assessment, three days before the Feb. 16 decision deadline.
The approval allows Green Current Renewable Energy Development Inc. of Mabou to move ahead with plans to construct and operate up to 21 turbines near Aulds Cove, Mulgrave, Grosvenor and Frankville, all within the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.
The project, registered for environmental assessment on Dec. 18, 2025, proposes turbines reaching approximately 199.5 metres to the tip of the blade. Each turbine would produce up to seven megawatts of electricity. At full build-out, the facility would generate up to 147 megawatts for the Nova Scotia power grid and is expected to operate for at least 25 years.
In his decision letter issued Friday, Halman said he was satisfied that any adverse or significant environmental effects “can be adequately mitigated through compliance with the attached terms and conditions.”
Those conditions are extensive.
Among them, noise levels at any permanent or seasonal receptor must not exceed 40 dBA, while shadow flicker is capped at 30 minutes per day or 30 hours per year at any receptor.
The developer must also address potential impacts on private water supplies. Under the approval, the company is required to replace any water supplies lost or damaged as a result of project operations, as authorized and required by the department.
Wildlife monitoring and mitigation form another major component of the conditions. Before turbines become operational, the company must complete additional baseline field studies for birds and bats and submit the results to provincial and federal authorities. Once operational, it must implement a mortality monitoring program for both species for not less than two years.
Public engagement requirements are also included. Prior to construction, the company must develop and implement a comprehensive complaint resolution plan and designate a contact person to respond to public concerns. At the department’s request, it must also establish and operate a community liaison committee for the duration of the project or until released in writing.
The environmental assessment drew submissions from multiple government departments, federal agencies and public organizations. According to the province’s comment index, responses were received from at least 17 provincial and federal government bodies, along with one Mi’kmaq organization and two public submissions, including one from the Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariat and Native Council of Nova Scotia.
Several departments reported few or no major concerns. Nova Scotia’s Protected Areas Branch said there are no protected areas in the vicinity of the proposed development and offered no further comment. The provincial Department of Agriculture reported no anticipated impacts on agricultural land, noting no agriculture has been identified within the project area.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada advised that, based on information submitted, the project does not appear to meet criteria for a federal impact assessment under current regulations. However, it noted that if project details change, or if federal authorities become involved through funding or permits, further federal review requirements could apply.
Nova Scotia’s Department of Municipal Affairs said the proponent has engaged with the Municipality of the District of Guysborough and committed to ongoing consultation through a development agreement process. The department reported no anticipated impacts on housing, infrastructure, flood risk or agricultural land within the project area.
According to Green Current’s project summary, the Aulds Cove Wind Project will support Nova Scotia’s Clean Power Plan, which aims for 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 and a 90 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity compared to 2005 levels. By replacing coal and other fossil fuels, the company estimates the project will reduce emissions by about 294,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.
The summary also states the project will improve air quality, create local jobs, generate tax revenue and strengthen energy security by providing what it describes as a stable, fuel-free power source. The company says it is committed to maximizing local economic benefits, including hosting job fairs and using local contractors where possible.
Project spokesperson Peter Archibald did not return a request for comment, following the minister’s decision, by press time, but in an interview with The Journal in December, he said, “Absolutely… our project is strictly for Nova Scotians … to be used by Nova Scotians.”
Under the terms and conditions, the company must begin work within two years of the Feb. 13 decision unless granted a written extension by the minister and must provide at least 30 days’ written notice to the department before construction starts.
