Nova Scotia’s independent grid operator has opened a technology-neutral procurement process for on-demand electricity capacity, inviting projects to compete as the province prepares to phase out coal by 2030. Eligible proposals include battery storage, pumped hydro, long-duration storage and several forms of generation.
The Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) launched the request for qualifications on October 30. Projects must be located in the province and have a capacity of at least 10 MW. Submissions are due by January 30, 2027.
The eligible technologies also include geothermal, biomass, thermal generation, hydrogen combustion, hydrogen fuel cells, small modular reactors and hybrid facilities. The final call allows hybrid projects, including storage paired with wind or solar. It also recognizes a range of storage durations and expands the development experience that can qualify. The procurement includes provisions to support Mi’kmaw participation and economic development.
IESO Nova Scotia said it will assess bids alongside a separate gas procurement through energy system modeling, seeking the most cost-effective mix of on-demand resources. The operator has not disclosed how much capacity it intends to procure through the technology-neutral call. It expects qualified bidders to advance to the next stage in spring 2027.
The separate tender, launched in July, seeks up to 600 MW from one or two 300 MW gas-fired plants in Pictou County. The plants must be designed to switch to non-fossil fuels. Its deadline has been extended to January 21, 2027. The tender targets commercial operation by July 2030, while allowing proposals with dates as late as July 2032.
The operator says new on-demand capacity is needed to help avoid rotating outages during low-wind periods, which can last for days. Coal currently provides about 40% of Nova Scotia’s electricity. Provincial law requires coal to be phased out and 80% of electricity generation to come from renewables by 2030.
Nova Scotia’s Clean Power Plan calls for about 1,000 MW of new onshore wind, at least 300 MW of large-scale solar and 300 MW to 400 MW of battery storage by 2030. Nova Scotia Power inaugurated three 50 MW/200 MWh batteries in September, while IESO Nova Scotia’s resource plan includes a further 250 MW of battery procurement.
Sources: pv magazine.