Nova Scotia Cold Storage Facility Slashes Energy Costs with Major 583 kW Solar Installation
Key Insights
Eskasoni Cold Logistics in Sydney, Nova Scotia, has installed a 583-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array, offsetting up to 40% of its energy consumption.
The project, featuring over 1,300 solar panels, is expected to save the cold storage facility approximately $8,000 per month on its electricity bills.
A $1.85 million investment, supported by federal, provincial, and Eskasoni First Nation funding, enabled the solar installation under Nova Scotia’s Green Choice Program.
The initiative fostered local economic development by training and employing 10 Eskasoni First Nation members as certified solar installers.
Eskasoni Cold Logistics, a prominent cold storage facility in Sydney, Nova Scotia, has significantly reduced its operational energy costs by up to 40% following the commissioning of a new 583-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array. The installation, comprising over 1,300 photovoltaic panels, represents a strategic move towards sustainable energy consumption for the facility, which specializes in storing frozen fish products and live lobsters, requiring constant, energy-intensive temperature control at approximately -23°C and 3°C, respectively.
The project, celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on June 23, was the result of a robust partnership between Eskasoni First Nation, Natural Forces Solar, and the Nova Scotia government’s Green Choice Program. This provincial initiative aims to facilitate the transition of large-scale electricity consumers to clean energy sources. The total investment for the solar system amounted to $1.85 million, with substantial contributions including $1.1 million from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, $570,000 from Eskasoni First Nation, $128,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia, and $72,000 from Efficiency Nova Scotia.
Jim Gillis, co-owner of Eskasoni Cold Logistics and general manager of Live Stor Sydney, emphasized the immediate impact of the solar integration. "The fact that we're just using natural sunlight to drive power is a good thing," Gillis stated, noting the system has already begun to reduce the company’s monthly power bill. Steve Parsons, CEO of Eskasoni’s corporate division and a lead on the community's renewable energy efforts, projected monthly savings of approximately $8,000, based on typical sun patterns.
Beyond financial benefits, the project has also generated significant local economic impact. The installation phase created employment opportunities, with 10 band members trained and certified as solar ground-mount system installers. While the facility currently offsets up to 40% of its energy needs, still relying on Nova Scotia Power for the remaining consumption, both Gillis and Parsons expressed optimism for future clean energy expansion. This initiative underscores a growing trend in the commercial and industrial sectors to leverage renewable energy for operational resilience and cost efficiency, particularly within energy-intensive cold chain logistics.