Nova Scotia has approved the environmental assessment for the Setapuktuk Wind Project, a 432-megawatt development that proponents say will play a central role in powering the province’s emerging green hydrogen industry.
The approval issued November 24 allows EverWind NS Holdings Ltd. and its partner, Membertou Development Corp., to move ahead with detailed planning for the onshore wind farm, to be built largely on Crown land in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.
The project will install 54 eight-megawatt turbines — each standing roughly 222 metres to blade tip — near the communities of Pirate Harbour, Middle Melford, Sand Point, Hadleyville and Manchester. Power from the site will feed EverWind’s Point Tupper green hydrogen and ammonia facility in Richmond County via the company’s approved Strait Crossing transmission line.
According to the assessment documentation, the wind farm is expected to prevent about 730,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually by displacing fossil-fuel-generated electricity. Nova Scotia attached 58 terms and conditions to the approval to protect the environment and human health.
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“Please be advised that prior to the alteration of applicable wetlands or watercourses identified in the Study Area, you must apply for and receive the required Wetland and Watercourse Alteration Approvals from the Department,” wrote Bridget Tutty, manager of Nova Scotia’s Environmental Assessment Branch, in her decision statement.
Construction is slated to begin in late 2026 and take approximately 36 months, creating an estimated 350 to 400 jobs during the build and 20 to 35 permanent positions once operations begin in mid-2028. The municipality expects to receive roughly $3.7 million in annual tax revenue from the project.
EverWind and Membertou first registered the proposal for environmental review in October 3 under Part IV of Nova Scotia’s Environment Act.
The project is designed for a 35-year operational life, after which decommissioning would take place over about 18 months. In addition to new renewable energy capacity, the proponent says the development is expected to deliver economic benefits through local employment, operating expenditures and a Community Benefits Agreement with the municipality.
