Tesla Energy Storage Pilot Project Comes to Nova Scotia!

Tesla is well-known around the world for innovative green technology, including electric cars and solar panel roof tiles. This company’s technology may soon become an important part of Nova Scotia’s energy grid. 

Nova Scotia Power has just completed installing Tesla Powerwalls in 10 homes in Elmsdale as part of the Intelligent Feeder Project which will contribute to the provincial goal of 40 percent renewable energy by 2020. Along with the 10 residential Powerwalls, Nova Scotia Power is also installing a larger Tesla Powerpack at the Elmsdale substation which scheduled to be operating by the end of this month. 

This pilot project by Nova Scotia Power is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. This project initiated the very first installations of Tesla Powerwalls on the East coast. This green technology will store clean energy generated at the Hardwood Lands wind farm, which consists of three wind turbines capable of generating six megawatts of energy. While wind provides clean energy, it isn’t consistently available because sometimes the wind is too weak to turn a turbine. Batteries can store wind energy so that it will be available when there is demand, and they can also provide power to homes during power outages, providing a useful option for homeowners instead of gas-burning generators.

The Intelligent Feeder Project will test the efficiency of storing wind energy for Nova Scotians to use at a later time. Before this project, Nova Scotia Power had no way to store wind energy for future use. Wind turbines are already generating power at more than 80 locations around the province and now we need energy storage so when there is demand, renewables can be added to the mix of energy sources. The Tesla Powerpack and Powerwalls will also provide Nova Scotia Power with energy usage data from sensors, which is important especially when demand is at its peak. This information, along with energy storage like the Tesla technology, will contribute to Nova Scotia’s renewable energy future.

The Nova Scotia Power 2020 Forecast shows the target of 41 percent renewable energy sources with 18 percent from wind turbines and 20 percent from hydro and tidal energy. The province had reached 28 percent renewable energy in 2016 and is working towards the larger goal over the next two years. Nova Scotia has a long history in the coal industry and now the hard work is being done to reduce our dependence on this fossil fuel and to reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions. According to the utility’s website, approximately 14 percent of Nova Scotia’s energy currently comes from wind power. With the help of Tesla Powerwalls in homes and a Tesla Powerpack in the local substation, renewable energy will be more readily available for Nova Scotians.

Many Nova Scotian families are interested in generating their own electricity by installing solar panels, and some are considering electric cars in order to live more sustainably. Tesla Powerwalls can be purchased by homeowners as another type of energy solution. Interest in this technology is growing for homes that already have solar panels, including homes that operate off the grid because this presents a safe and reliable option when compared to other battery technology.

Nova Scotians continue to be dedicated to living more sustainably. Renewable energy generation has tripled over the last decade, and we are on track to meet the goal of 40 percent renewable energy by 2020. Innovations like Tesla Powerwalls and Powerpacks are part of the solution so that renewable energy is used more efficiently and can provide a greener future for everyone.

For more information, check out Nova Scotia Power’s awesome video about this pilot project. 

~Pamela Chandler,
Engagement Officer

References:

https://www.nspower.ca/en/home/community/blog/testing-battery-storage-in…
http://enfieldweeklypress.com/2018/02/14/elmsdale-residents-test-nsps-in…
http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_t/tesla_motors/20180219_home…
https://www.slashgear.com/tesla-installs-batteries-for-smart-grid-clean-…
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2018/02/homeowners-get-new-…
https://www.treehugger.com/energy-efficiency/tesla-smartens-grid-nova-sc…
https://inhabitat.com/nova-scotia-power-pioneers-new-energy-storage-syst…

Photo credits:
NS Power
Enfield Weekly Press
Tesla