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Sydney Community Solar Public Notice
We are writing to make you aware of a proposed Community Solar Project, located at GPS: 46.1461, -60.1233 (please see attached site plan for exact location in Sydney), that will be proposed to the Nova Scotia Community Solar Program. As part of the community engagement, we are sharing the outline of the Project with you.
See more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/solar-power-gardens-cbrm-1.7182485
Update: Please note, due to utility constraints, we are required to adjust the size of the solar project. The project capacity will be reduced from 7 MW AC to 1.7 MW AC. If you have any questions or require further information, please email Mila Simon at mila.simon@solarbankcorp.com
Community Solar Program Background
Nova Scotia is working toward 80% renewable energy by 2030 and becoming net-zero by 2035. These are targets set by the federal and provincial government, and Nova Scotia committed to achieving them together. Last year, the province announced its Clean Power Plan—a roadmap to reach climate goals that Nova Scotia Power are aligned with and supportive of.
Nova Scotia’s Community Solar Program Goals:
- Add up to 100 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable solar generation to the grid, helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
- Extend the benefits of solar generation to those unable to access it.
- Support local economic development.
Benefits of Community Solar Gardens
Community solar gardens provide many benefits, including:
- Helping communities to get involved in developing renewable energy making renewable energy more accessible (even for people who wouldn’t be able to install solar panels, like renters, condos and people with shaded roofs).
- Helping generate more clean energy (a 1.7-megawatt solar garden can power up to 220 homes per year), helping Nova Scotia reach its target of 80% renewable energy by 2030 saving money on energy costs.
- Reduce electricity costs. Subscribers get a credit on their electricity bill for the power generated by their subscription of solar electricity.
- Local job opportunities and economic growth: long-term contracts can be awarded to local businesses, electricians, technicians for project development, and operations & maintenance.
For more information please see: https://energy.novascotia.ca/renewables/community-solar-program
Proponent Information
4601981 Nova Scotia Limited is a 100% owned Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) by AI Renewable Flow-through fund. The AI Renewable 2020 LP is a Canadian flow-through limited partnership, made to invest in clean infrastructure and/or renewable energy projects that help to reduce energy costs and GHG emissions in Canada while producing tax benefits and long-term reasonable returns for investors.
AI Renewable has contracted SolarBank Corp and TriMac Engineering to work on the development of the project.
Developers
SolarBank is a Canadian, established and trusted developer, engineer, and asset operator in renewable and clean energy projects. We specialize in behind-the-meter (BTM) solar power plants, grid-connected community solar gardens, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and EV Chargers. Since 2013, SolarBank has enabled the proliferation of renewable and clean energy contributing to Net Zero carbon emission goals through its development, engineering, and asset management services in Canada and the United States.
For more information please visit: http://www.solarbankcorp.com
TriMac Engineering is a locally owned engineering firm with offices located in Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia. TriMac are Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Consultants, incorporated in 2015 with roots dating back to 1991.
The firm has particular expertise in the design and implementation of piping, mechanical, electrical and control systems with extensive experience in the power generation and construction industries.
For more information please visit: http://www.trimaceng.ca
Project Information
SITE PLAN IS PRELIMINARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOLLOWING DETAILED ENGINEERING, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, UTILITY AND GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES’ REQUIREMENTS.
Proponent Name: 4601981 Nova Scotia Limited
Project Name: Sydney
Project Size: 1.7-Megawatt AC
Project Location GPS: 46.1461, -60.1233
Zoning: CR / UR-1
The proposed 1.7 MW Community Solar Project is currently in the early stages of proposal to the Nova Scotia Community Solar Program. If our proposal is successful and we are selected for contract, we will begin the detailed project development, including permitting, interconnection, detailed engineering, procurement, and construction. The project will be connected to the local distribution system, to an existing Nova Scotia Power 12kV Line. There will be an Access Road from Grand Lake Road. The project site is surrounded by trees which provide visual screening and will not be visible from the road.
Community Engagement Plan
As the project developer, SolarBank plans to engage the local community as part of the development process.
This plan includes the following:
- Hosting a public meeting in an accessible location so that local residents can learn about the project, ask questions, and raise any potential concerns.
- We hosted 3 public meetings at 3 different times, to ensure we are accommodating different schedules and needs. 2 meetings were in person, while the other was online.
- Posting on local social media group page.
- Posting the Public meeting notice a minimum of 2 weeks in advance on the project website.
- Engaging with local First Nations communities and marginalized communities.
- Notifying owners of property adjacent to the project site of the public meeting via mail correspondence – we have sent out a Canada Post mail drop to properties in surrounding area.
- Notifying the municipality of the public meeting via correspondence.
- Posting all project information, site planning, and meeting minutes on project website.
- Gauging community sentiment through online survey.
- Providing contact information on project website and letters for any questions that residents may have and will be responsive in a timely matter.
Online Form
Let us know your thoughts! Form link: https://forms.gle/w2HJSB29kwr4fKKZ8
Public Meeting
As part of the project development process, community members are invited to attend public meetings. The meetings are intended to ensure that community members have the chance to inform about the project and ask any questions they may have. The meetings will cover the same information, feel free to attend whichever fits best with your schedule.
In-person meeting:
Public Meeting #1
Date: Wednesday, April 17th, 2024
Time: 2 pm
Location: Southend Community Centre
1464 George St, Sydney, NS B1P 1P3
Public Meeting #2
Date: Monday, May 13th, 2024
Time: 6 pm
Location: Grand Lake Road Fire Hall
850 Grand Lake Rd, Sydney, NS B1P 5T3
On-line meeting:
Public Meeting #3
Date: Tuesday, April 23th, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm
Microsoft Teams Link:
Questions and Contacts
Please feel free to reach out to me below if you have any questions regarding the Community Solar Program, companies involved, and/or proposed project.
Sincerely,
Mila Simon, Project Coordinator
SolarBank Corporation
mila.simon@solarbankcorp.com
