Canada celebrates the inauguration of Atlantic Canada's largest energy storage facilities

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Natural Resources Canada

Sep 16, 2026, 14:00 ET

WAVERLEY, NS, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- In an increasingly uncertain world and as countries confront growing economic uncertainty and shifting global trade dynamics, Canada is building the electricity infrastructure to power our future. A reliable, affordable and resilient electricity system is essential to support Canadian families, help businesses remain competitive and strengthen Canada's energy security.

Today, Jaimie Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, joined Nova Scotia Power, the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Wskijinu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency (WMA) to celebrate the inauguration of three 50-megawatt (MW)/200-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage systems in Bridgewater, Waverley and White Rock.

The Government of Canada has invested $109 million for pre-development work and the installation of what are now Atlantic Canada's largest energy storage facilities as well as grid modernization upgrades, helping Nova Scotia accelerate its transition from coal-fired electricity to renewable energy. The project also received a $138.2 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

These projects will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 90,000 tonnes annually prioritizing non-emitting energy for storage while helping meet Nova Scotia's growing electricity needs and supporting the integration of renewable energy, including wind power.

Through the WMA, all 13 Mi'kmaw communities in Nova Scotia are participating as equity partners in the project, helping drive both economic reconciliation and a cleaner energy future, demonstrating how meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities can advance clean energy while creating lasting economic opportunities.

Investments in grid modernization and clean electricity are helping Canadians get access to the power they need while laying the foundation for long-term economic growth across the country, in partnership with indigenous peoples.

Quotes

"In partnership with Nova Scotia Power, and the Mi'kmaw Nation, our government is working to increase clean power capabilities in the Atlantic, and across the nation. Energy storage is essential for Nova Scotia's move towards more renewable electricity and as demand for electricity continues to grow, Canada is building on its position as a global leader in clean power by investing in the infrastructure needed to keep our electricity systems reliable, affordable and resilient for generations to come."

The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Justice

"Today marks an important milestone for Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. We already have a strong electricity system, and clean electricity will ensure that we can keep that energy reliable, affordable, and secure. By building and improving our power grid, we're creating the infrastructure needed to support Canada's future growth and competitiveness."

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

"The completion of energy storage facilities in Bridgewater, Waverley and White Rock marks another step forward in Nova Scotia's transition to renewable energy sources. Working alongside Nova Scotia Power and WMA, we're proud to support infrastructure that creates jobs, strengthens reliability and a cleaner energy future for Nova Scotians."

Ehren Cory 
CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

"The successful completion of all three battery sites is an exciting milestone and reflects years of planning, engineering, community engagement and teamwork. These projects strengthen the reliability of the electricity system for our customers while enabling the continued growth of renewable energy across the province. We are grateful for the strong partnerships and collaboration that made this achievement possible and are pleased to celebrate this success today. Together, we are building a cleaner, more reliable energy future for Nova Scotians."

Vivek Sood 
President and CEO, Nova Scotia Power

"The WMA is proud to participate as equity partners in developing reliable energy solutions for our province. Energy storage is part of our path toward a greener future, and our First Nations need to be part of this ongoing transition. Inclusion in such projects opens pathways toward economic reconciliation and ensures that traditional Indigenous values are considered in major project development."

Crystal Nicholas
President and General Manager, Wskijinu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency

Quick Facts

  • The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) is a $4.5-billion NRCan program designed to reduce emissions and enable a more modern, reliable electricity grid system by supporting the deployment of grid modernization, energy storage and renewables in every region of Canada.
  • Predevelopment funding for the battery projects was provided by NRCan's Electricity Predevelopment Program, a $250-million program that supports predevelopment activities for clean electricity projects of regional and national significance.
  • The project marks the first clean energy initiative backed by the Canada Infrastructure Bank's Indigenous Equity Initiative, partnering with all 13 Mi'kmaw communities through the Wskijinu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency.
  • Each site can power roughly 45,000 average residential homes for four hours during peak times or outages and strengthen grid reliability by providing a rapid response to unexpected disturbances, delivering safe, reliable and clean electricity during periods of peak demand, and enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources.
  • On May 14, the Government of Canada launched Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy. This plan will double the capacity of our grid by 2050 and supply clean, reliable, affordable power across the country for decades to come.
  • To develop this strategy, the government launched consultations with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, utilities and unions to work together to identify the actions needed to double our grid most effectively and affordably.

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Contacts: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6096, [email protected]; Charlotte Power, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, [email protected]

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