Brian Zinchuk is editor and owner of Pipeline Online
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston speaks to reporters at the Nova Scotia legislature in Halifax, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
HALIFAX – In the late 1990s, natural gas developed from Nova Scotia’s Sable Island was not only enough to supply Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, but a Pipeline going into Maine and beyond. But in less than two decades, the Sable Offshore Energy Project saw its 21 production wells plugged and abandoned. By Dec. 2019, that was it.
(In the fall of 2021, Pipeline Online actually ran into one of the people who supervised the abandonment of Sable Island gas, at a lithium well in Saskatchewan, no less.)
With the end of Sable Island gas, Nova Scotia again had to import gas. And in 2014, just a few years before Sable Island supply gave out, the province banned fracking for natural gas. A province heavily dependent on equalization payments from Alberta’s natural gas development refused to develop its own, but continued to cash the equalization cheques from Alberta.
This is a 2009 map of the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, back when Nova Scotia was supplying gas, not bringing it in. Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline graphic
What a difference a few years make. In March, 2025, the province introduced a bill to lift its fracking moratorium. And now, in December, its premier, Tim Houston, is getting a lot more serious about developing its own resources. This time, it’s onshore gas – which will likely require fracking.
- 0106 SASPO-2874_Self Serve Campaign_New Connects_Youtube_v30106 SASPO-2874_Self Serve Campaign_New Connects_Youtube_v3
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Houston posted this on Facebook on Dec. 22:
Nova Scotia Power appears more focused on their bottom line than yours.
They buy energy from numerous sources: coal, gas, wind, solar, and whatever they pay, a part of that cost is passed along to you. This is why we must ensure Nova Scotia Power buys energy at the lowest possible price – to keep rates as low as possible for consumers.
There is one obvious way to lower these costs: use Nova Scotia natural gas. We have enough natural gas to meet our power demand for nearly 200 years. But, instead of drawing it from beneath our feet, Nova Scotia has to import natural gas through the United States at a significant, inflated cost.
In fact, in Nova Scotia we pay (approximately) over $15 a unit for natural gas. Compare that to Alberta and parts of British Columbia—self-producing provinces—where they pay just over $3 a unit. Imagine the difference if we were able to use our own gas, like Alberta, and not have to import it at exorbitant rates.
There are many of us who use gas but don’t realize it. If you are living in an apartment building, there’s a chance you use natural gas. There’s also a chance your employer uses it—many farms and factories do.
No matter what, if the cost of natural gas comes down (by using local gas), you will benefit. The benefits will come because Nova Scotia Power uses it and the current high cost of natural gas would be reflected in your bill.
If we used local gas, at a lower price, it has the ability to lower our bills. We could actually develop our own natural gas resources. People often ask, “But Tim, is it really possible to develop our gas safely?” Well, this is a question that must be properly answered. That’s why our government is working with Dalhousie University and launching a new research program. It will assess our onshore reserves, review new technologies, and answer outstanding questions.
The world—and technologies—has evolved, but until now we’ve ignored those advancements. It’s like we are still using a landline phone because we are nervous to accept the cellphone as a true advancement.
This Dalhousie research will help us understand what can truly be done safely. It can also ultimately lay out the science-based best practices for gas development that will work in Nova Scotia.
It’s past time that we stop simply saying “no” and instead roll up our sleeves and put in the work necessary to answer the fair questions that exist. The investment through Dalhousie will do this. It’s a $30 million research project and it is a critical part of the path to lower power bills.
This is one opportunity we should all want to say yes to.
- 0106 SASPO-2874_Self Serve Campaign_New Connects_Youtube_v30106 SASPO-2874_Self Serve Campaign_New Connects_Youtube_v3
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Houston has been making energy a major focus of his administration. Not only is he working on natural gas, but has proposed a massive offshore wind development known as “Wind West,” a play on the “Energy East” pipeline. This project, if built to its fullest extent, would produce many, many times the power needs of Nova Scotia (at least when the wind is blowing) and would be meant to supply power into its Maritime neighbours and Central Canada.
As for natural gas development, here’s the Government of Nova Scotia press release:
A new program will help understand the potential of Nova Scotia’s onshore natural gas deposits and help produce natural gas here in the province.
“Natural gas is used to heat many homes and apartments, and we’ve seen as much as 20 per cent of Nova Scotia Power’s output fuelled by natural gas,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Right now, we are forced to import all of our natural gas and ship it through the U.S. We should not pay to transport it when it is a resource we have here at home.”
The Province is engaging Dalhousie University to oversee the Subsurface Energy Research and Development Investment Program. The university will lead research efforts to better understand the nature and location of the resource and to track and develop guidelines to ensure exploration and development are done responsibly.
The $30-million program will help kick-start the province’s onshore natural gas industry after a decade of inaction and inactivity, bringing jobs and investment to the province.
“Previous governments made the decision to shut down our industry and import fuel. That contributed to driving up electricity costs while sending jobs elsewhere. That makes no sense,” said Premier Houston. “Developing our own resources to fuel our own energy needs will help combat the rising cost of heat and power and create good-paying jobs here at home. That’s why we are working with Dalhousie to understand how to do this safely.”
First steps include Dalhousie establishing an oversight committee of people with experience in energy development, including representation from academia, the public, the Department of Energy, First Nations and the energy industry. The university will also lead communication with the public before research starts and manage ongoing stakeholder engagement.
The university will set qualification criteria for companies and issue an open call for project proposals. After applications are evaluated, the Province will negotiate agreements with successful proponents to determine the amount of provincial investment. Proponents must secure all applicable permits and approvals before exploration or production begins.
The Province can hold equity in successful drilling ventures or earn a share of profits of production in a number of ways, such as royalties. Nova Scotians will receive economic benefits, and each project will produce a return in both jobs created and new source government revenue.
Any provincial revenue earned will be partially, but disproportionately, reinvested in the surrounding local municipalities based on proximity.
- 0106 SASPO-2874_Self Serve Campaign_New Connects_Youtube_v30106 SASPO-2874_Self Serve Campaign_New Connects_Youtube_v3
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Quotes:
“Dalhousie University is pleased to support the Government of Nova Scotia by providing administrative capacity, faculty and research expertise, and community connection for the Subsurface Energy Research and Development Investment Program. We are committed to being a strategic partner in promoting the economic development and social vitality of Nova Scotia, creating and fostering growth opportunities through impactful and collaborative research, scholarship and partnerships.”
— Graham Gagnon, acting Vice-President Research and Innovation, Dalhousie University“The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers welcomes the launch of this new program to support the potential development of Nova Scotia’s onshore natural gas projects while ensuring environmental stewardship, transparent and collaborative processes, and clear regulatory pathways. Advancing the exploration and potential development of the province’s abundant natural resources can attract new investment, create new jobs and generate new revenues for the Province and municipalities to support funding for schools, hospitals and social programs that Nova Scotians rely on.”
— Lisa Baiton, President and CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers“Eastward Energy supports Nova Scotia’s ongoing efforts to responsibly harness natural gas production. Locally produced natural gas will support communities, attract investment and drive prosperity across the region.”
— John Hawkins, President, Eastward EnergyQuick Facts:
-
Dalhousie will submit a final report to the Province by December 31, 2026, with published research papers to follow
-
exploratory wells in the program that do not produce natural gas could be assessed for potential geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage research and development
-
Nova Scotia has an estimated seven trillion cubic feet of natural gas underground; that is about three times the amount of gas off Sable Island and enough to meet Nova Scotia’s needs for 200 years
-
the Province is also aiming to further develop offshore natural gas; a call for bids is underway for 13 parcels on the Scotian Shelf and slope
- 0106 SASPO-2874_Self Serve Campaign_New Connects_Youtube_v30106 SASPO-2874_Self Serve Campaign_New Connects_Youtube_v3
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001