The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has finalized a $45.8 million loan for the 34-megawatt Benjamins Mill Wind Farm in Hants County, Nova Scotia. The project is a joint effort between Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd (The Agency), representing all 13 Mi’kmaw First Nations in the province, and independent power producer Natural Forces.
The Benjamins Mill Wind Farm will install eight wind turbines, generating enough clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 84,500 tonnes annually. This accounts for 0.6% of Nova Scotia's total emissions in 2020. Additionally, the project is expected to create 128 construction jobs and several full-time operational positions, providing economic growth for Hants County.
“This project will invigorate the Hants County economy, creating jobs and economic opportunities for the region,” said Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants.
The project will also support Nova Scotia’s goal of achieving 80% renewable energy by 2030, phasing out coal, and reducing emissions from electricity generation by more than 90%.
The Agency’s involvement reflects the growing leadership of Indigenous communities in renewable energy development. Crystal Nicholas, President and Interim Manager of The Agency, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “It’s important for us to be in leadership and partnership positions in clean energy projects as protectors of our natural resources.”
The Agency, established by Nova Scotia's 13 Mi’kmaw bands, facilitates partnerships with industry leaders and manages business opportunities for the Mi’kmaq Nation. Governed by a five-member board—three Chief-nominated and two community members—it evaluates and oversees partnerships. Additionally, shareholder seats are held by the Chiefs of the 13 bands, ensuring collective representation and decision-making.
The partnership with Natural Forces supports sustainable energy goals and drives economic prosperity for the Mi’kmaw Nation.
The CIB’s long-term financing model makes wind energy projects affordable and competitive with fossil fuel-based power. Revenue from a power purchase agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc. will repay the loan.
“The investments we’re choosing will get us to our climate change goals, while helping reduce costs for Nova Scotian ratepayers,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables.
Strong federal and provincial policies have been instrumental in fostering collaboration between First Nations, government entities, and independent power producers. This alignment is key to transitioning Nova Scotia toward a cleaner energy grid.
The wind farm is expected to be operational by late 2025 and is part of a broader effort to phase out coal and create sustainable energy solutions. Ehren Cory, CEO of the CIB, highlighted the project’s impact: “This wind farm will generate clean, renewable power and takes advantage of the province’s support for similar projects.”
Canada is committed to a sustainable energy future, aiming for 90% of its electricity to come from non-emitting sources by 2030. In 2022, the country produced 639 terawatt-hours of electricity, with 70% from renewable sources and 82% from non-greenhouse gas-emitting sources, including hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear power.
Hydropower is a significant contributor, accounting for 62% of Canada's electricity generation, making the nation the world’s third-largest producer of hydroelectricity. Wind and solar energy are the fastest-growing sources, with installed wind power capacity reaching 15,000 megawatts in 2023.
The federal government has implemented policies to support clean energy, such as the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which outlines sector-specific strategies to cut emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Additionally, Canada aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, focusing on renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, and clean technology innovation.
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