HALIFAX — IESO Nova Scotia has launched a competitive procurement process seeking new electricity generation and storage projects to meet growing demand, strengthen grid reliability, and support the province’s transition away from coal-fired power.
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ), open until January 30, 2027, invites proposals from developers of technologies capable of delivering electricity on demand, particularly during periods when renewable generation is insufficient.
“There is no single technology that can meet all of Nova Scotia’s future electricity needs,” said Chris Milligan, Vice President of Planning and Procurement at IESO Nova Scotia. “Our job is to procure the electricity resources our province needs at the best possible cost.”
Eligible technologies include battery energy storage, pumped hydro, long-duration storage, geothermal, biomass, hydrogen generation, thermal generation, small modular nuclear reactors, and hybrid facilities combining renewable generation with storage.
Projects must be located in Nova Scotia, provide at least 10 megawatts of generation or storage capacity, and satisfy technical, financial, and operational requirements. The procurement also includes provisions supporting Mi’kmaw participation and economic development.
The initiative comes as Nova Scotia works toward its legislated target of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 while eliminating coal-fired generation, which currently supplies approximately 40% of the province’s electricity.
IESO Nova Scotia says additional dispatchable capacity will be essential to maintaining reliable electricity supplies during extended periods of low wind generation.
The final RFQ incorporates feedback from more than 20 organizations, including changes that broaden eligibility for hybrid renewable projects and recognize different energy storage durations.
Qualified proponents will advance to the next procurement stage, expected in spring 2027.
IESO Nova Scotia will evaluate submissions alongside proposals from its separate fast-acting generation procurement using energy system modelling to determine the most cost-effective combination of resources.
Established in 2025, IESO Nova Scotia is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for electricity system planning, procurement, and grid operations.
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