Cumberland Dreams Big in Green Energy

Cumberland may have closed its energy authority, but the lure of prosperity through green energy remains attractive to local officials.

The Mayor of Cumberland says county council is exploring the feasibility of building a mega solar farm. 

Murray Scott told radio listeners on Morning Talk that the province is promoting green energy programs, including large scale solar installations, and Cumberland Council feels it should evaluate the pluses and minuses for a taxpayer owned facility.

Scott admits the idea is in the very early stage, but partnership interest has already been shown by the Town of Truro.

The mayor says the idea calls for large scale adoption to truly be a long-term benefit to taxpayers. He admits the cost would be in the millions, take some time to build, and need the financial support of other levels of government or other investors.

Suggesting the time is right, Scott says we owe it to our taxpayers to investigate the idea. He added it would not be right to ignore the potential.

County staff are working on a report for council, one that may offer recommendations for action or an outright halt to the concept.

The provincial government is very receptive to green energy proposals. It is part of the provincial strategy to replace coal and other fossil fuels for electrical generation.

Premier Tim Houston, also a radio guest on Morning Talk, often refers to Nova Scotia’s leadership in green energy in Canada. Houston says other countries see great potential in this province, especially with wind energy — both offshore and onshore — along with solar and green hydrogen production. But, the premier says it is the untapped potential of the Bay of Fundy that may offer the greatest return to Nova Scotia’s economy for many years to come.

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