Backgrounder: Government of Canada Invests in Renewable Energy, Carbon Capture and Grid Modernization in the Maritimes
Backgrounder
On July 11, 2025, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced close to $16 million in federal funding for energy projects in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
Energy Innovation Program – Smart Grid Demonstration
The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) supports research, development, demonstration and related scientific activities that advance clean energy technologies. These investments help Canada meet its climate targets and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Projects funded under the Smart Grid Demonstration Call for Proposals showcase innovative smart-grid technologies, solutions and market or contract mechanisms.
Project name: Advanced Distribution Grid Management
Recipient: Nova Scotia Power Inc.
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Funding amount: $6,000,000
Description: This project will demonstrate three new distribution grid technologies to modernize Nova Scotia Power’s electricity distribution network.
Project name: Advanced Digital Distribution System Operator
Recipient: Saint John Energy Inc.
Location: Saint John, New Brunswick
Funding amount: $5,250,000
Description: This project will modernize electricity distribution in the City of Saint John through intelligent grid management systems and bring cost savings and improved service reliability to approximately 36,000 Saint John Energy customers.
Project name: Charlottetown Grid Modernization Project
Recipient: Maritime Electric Company Ltd.
Location: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Funding amount: $2,000,000
Description: This project seeks to demonstrate the integration of smart-grid technology through the public cellular network in Charlottetown.
Project name: Regionally Integrated Smart Meter Platform Enabling Load Shifting Coincident with Excess Renewables
Recipient: Alternative Resource Energy Authority
Location: Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Funding amount: $875,000
Description: This project will better align end-user electricity demand with municipally owned renewable production. By leveraging advanced metering infrastructure, new customer rate structures and a collaborative model for intelligent grid management, the project aims to reduce costs for approximately 3,500 customers.
Energy Innovation Program – Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage
The EIP’s Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Call for Proposals aims to advance the commercial viability of CCUS technologies.
Project name: A Regulatory Roadmap for Offshore Carbon Storage in Atlantic Canada
Recipient: Dalhousie University
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Funding amount: $704,089
Description: This project will develop a roadmap for policies and regulations to better support a regulatory framework for offshore carbon storage, paving the way for innovation that will help offshore industries reduce emissions.
Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships
The program aims to increase the economic participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in the development of natural resource projects that support the transition to a clean energy future.
Project name: Dartmouth Solar Power Generation Project
Recipient: Millbrook First Nation
Location: Millbrook First Nation (near Truro, Nova Scotia)
Funding amount: $1,011,880
Description: Millbrook First Nation, in collaboration with Imperial Oil, intends to repurpose idled tank lots that have remained vacant since Imperial’s terminal was converted from a refinery in 2014. This project involves the delivery of a solar farm with photovoltaic solar arrays and potentially energy storage that will be majority-owned and operated by Millbrook First Nation.