The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), Port Hawkesbury Paper, and IFE Project Management Canada (IFE) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their collaboration on the potential Pirate Harbour Wind Farm in Nova Scotia.
“IFE is very pleased to work with CIB and Port Hawkesbury Paper on the development of this green infrastructure project. A decision to build this wind farm will be a landmark in Atlantic Canada, as it will be the first time that a pulp and paper mill, or any large industrial facility, has chosen to work with a wind developer to purchase green energy to fuel its activities,” said Keith Towse, CEO of IFE Project Management Canada Inc.
The MOU confirms CIB will conduct due diligence work with Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE during the project evaluation and planning phase. CIB’s work could lead to an investment in the project, subject to all standard due diligence and decision making.
CIB is pleased to bring our infrastructure investment expertise to partner with Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE. The Pirate Harbour Wind Farm is aligned with provincial, federal and CIB priorities in terms of green infrastructure investment, increased capacity in renewable energy generation and promoting economic development,” said Pierre Lavallée, President and CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
With support from the Province of Nova Scotia, Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE are evaluating the potential development of a 112-megawatt wind farm, comprised of 28 four-megawatt wind turbines, 15 kilometres of overland transmission lines, and two kilometres of subsea cables.
“Port Hawkesbury Paper is excited to continue the evaluation of the Pirate Harbour Wind Farm with the assistance of the CIB and the support of the Province in order to help further governmental commitments on the environment and enhance long-term environmentally sustainable paper production at the Mill,” said Bevan Lock, co-mill manager at Port Hawkesbury Paper.
The wind farm would supply green energy to Port Hawkesbury Paper, the largest industrial employer in the region, with the goal of further enhancing sustainable energy supply to Nova Scotian industry. It also supports provincial and federal commitments to the environment and the Mill’s ongoing commitment to an environmentally sustainable business.
“This project would reduce the Mill’s reliance on fossil fuels for energy, focusing instead on wind farming as a source of renewable energy. CIB’s expertise in green infrastructure will be an asset to this project during the planning phase,” said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
This is CIB’s first opportunity to partner on a project in Nova Scotia. CIB has specialized infrastructure expertise and the wind farm is consistent with one of its priority sectors – green infrastructure.
