Research Portal

Emerging Concepts and Technologies Research Program

Net Zero Emerging Concepts and Technologies (ECT) Research Program

April 2023 – March 2026

Nova Scotia won’t get to net-zero by 2050 with proven renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. There are still significant knowledge and technology gaps that must be identified and addressed to tackle the most hard-to-abate greenhouse gas emissions in the 2030-2050 period. 

Clean Tech » Wind

Capacity Building for the Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Nova Scotia's Offshore Wind Resource

March 2022 – November 2024

Working together with our partners, Net Zero Atlantic will build local capacity in rural, Mi'kmaw, and other equity-deserving Nova Scotia communities so they can beneficially participate in any related impact assessments in Nova Scotia's offshore

This project has two parts:

Clean Tech » Geothermal

Community Geothermal Resource: Capacity Assessment and Training Program (GeoCAT)

March 2022 – November 2024

Working together with our partners, Net Zero Atlantic will build project development capacity for mid-depth geothermal energy-based projects in Mi’kmaw and rural Nova Scotia communities.

This project has two parts:

Clean Tech » Wind

Value mapping Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Resources

March – April 2023

Offshore wind is an untapped resource in Nova Scotia, which, if developed, has the potential to enable energy exports, stimulate rural economies, and contribute towards meeting the province’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

Clean Tech » Energy Storage

Energy Storage Policy and Practices: A Nova Scotia Perspective

March – June 2022

This study examined grid-scale energy storage policy and practices both internationally and locally. The work includes a review of policy and practices in other jurisdictions, an overview of the province’s current legislation, and targeted discussions with key stakeholders.

Tidal Energy » Technology

Imaging Sonar Data Automation Feasibility Study

May 2021 – June 2022

Multibeam imaging sonars can be used to monitor fish and marine mammal presence and behaviours in the near-field of tidal turbine installations, including evaluating avoidance, evasion, and potential blade strikes.

Clean Tech » Feasibility Studies

The importance of ESG reporting for Nova Scotia’s energy sector supply chain

March – May 2022

Demonstrating commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles and reporting has become an integral part of partner selection and investment decision making processes in many industries and jurisdictions.

Clean Tech » Feasibility Studies

Energy Storage Policy and Practices

March – May 2022

To accommodate expanded renewable energy production and accelerated coal plant closures, Nova Scotia’s electricity grid will require additional resources that can store energy and provide reliability.  In this context, a comprehensive understanding of the policy and practices that can be used to

Clean Tech » Geothermal

Phase III: Nova Scotia Geothermal Strategic Planning Proposal

March – May 2022

The Phase I and Phase II geothermal reports demonstrated that Nova Scotia needs to gather more subsurface data – in particular by drilling one or more exploration wells to further ‘de-risk’ the province’s mid-depth geothermal resources.  For these wells to be helpful, they must be located in geol

Hydrogen » Strategy

Scoping an Atlantic Hydrogen Strategy

February – March 2022

Hydrogen is an energy vector that has the potential to play an important role in Atlantic Canada’s future energy system. While this role was recognized in two studies (LINK), Atlantic Canada does not have a hydrogen strategy.