Project getting up to $18 million for an equity loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank
Alessia Passafiume · The Canadian Press · Posted: Feb 15, 2024 1:44 PM AST | Last Updated: February 15, 2024
A corporation co-owned by 13 Mi’kmaw communities is investing in new battery plants with Nova Scotia Power in what both parties are calling a step toward reconciliation.
The project, announced Thursday by Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA), is expected to draw and store electricity during off-peak periods and release it back to the grid when needed.
It is getting up to $18 million in an equity loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank to help facilitate the partnership.
Crystal Nicholas, WMA president, says creating a greener future is a priority for Mi’kmaw First Nations, and the investment in the storage facility marks “true economic reconciliation.”
“I’m very optimistic that this will continue to open doors for the WMA to partner with a lot of other companies,” said Nicholas.
Construction of what will be the largest energy storage project in Atlantic Canada is to begin this year in White Rock, Bridgewater and Waverly, with the first site expected to be operational next year.