Nova Scotia Allocates CAD $1.73 Million to Seafood Sector for Clean Energy Transition and Emissions Reduction
Key Insights
Nova Scotia has disbursed CAD $1.73 million to 22 seafood companies through its Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund.
The funding supports projects like vessel electrification, solar installations, and refrigeration upgrades to reduce emissions and operational costs.
This initiative is part of the province's broader climate strategy, aiming for a 53% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.
A total of CAD $3.54 million has been allocated across 36 projects to date, with further funding opportunities anticipated.
The Nova Scotia government has disbursed CAD $1.73 million in its second round of funding from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund, supporting 22 seafood companies and related organizations across the province. This strategic investment, announced recently, aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fossil fuel consumption within Nova Scotia's vital seafood sector, enhancing its sustainability and operational efficiency amidst global climate targets.
The funding targets a diverse range of clean energy projects, including the electrification of fishing vessels, the installation of solar photovoltaic systems, and critical upgrades to refrigeration systems at lobster holding and processing facilities. These initiatives are designed to bolster energy efficiency while simultaneously reducing the operational expenditures for businesses within the sector, according to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
“Our seafood sector is a key partner in addressing climate change,” stated Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in a press release. He added, “This funding will help seafood organizations in their efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also helping the industry lower its operational costs.”
Part of the province’s comprehensive climate action strategy, “Our Climate, Our Future,” the CAD $6.5 million fund spans three years and is administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia. The overarching objective is to reduce energy use and climate change impacts to at least 53% below 2005 levels by 2030, ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To date, the fund has supported 36 projects with a total allocation of CAD $3.54 million.
Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO of EfficiencyOne, emphasized the broader impact, stating, “Energy efficiency is a powerful way for organizations in the sector to reduce costs and boost productivity both in the short and long term – and this fund is helping more businesses adopt innovative, energy-efficient practices that support a more resilient and sustainable future.” Ian McIsaac, President of the Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia, echoed this sentiment, adding, “The investments announced today will help make our processing sector more efficient and productive. These investments show that the Province understands these challenges and is working to grow the sector.”
Among the notable recipients in this round are Mersey Seafoods, which received CAD $28,000 for wharf electrification infrastructure; Asadalia Fisheries, awarded CAD $250,000 for a hybrid diesel-electric lobster vessel; and Hot Lobster Fisheries Ltd., securing nearly CAD $57,000 for a ground-mounted solar power system. Further projects include extensive refrigeration upgrades at lobster pounds and the deployment of solar systems on both ground and rooftop installations.
A third call for applications to the fund is anticipated later this year, signaling continued provincial commitment. Additionally, the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board has committed CAD $10 million in dedicated lending over three years to further support eligible clean energy projects within the sector, officials confirmed.