Nova Scotia Grid Studies Find EverWind AI Data Centre Feasible With $73.9M in Upgrades
Initial studies by Nova Scotia's Independent Energy System Operator indicate the provincial grid can support EverWind Fuels' proposed AI data centre in Point Tupper if at least $73.9 million in infrastructure upgrades are completed, a cost the developer has pledged to cover. Experts caution that gaps remain in the analysis, while the province has yet to independently verify the project's projected economic benefits.
Nova Scotia’s Independent Energy System Operator (IESO) has published findings from two initial system impact studies regarding EverWind Fuels’ proposed AI data centre project in Point Tupper, N.S. Both reports conclude the project can be integrated into the provincial electricity grid without adverse effects, provided specific infrastructure upgrades and changes are addressed.
A preliminary, non-binding cost estimate for Phase 2 grid modifications and new infrastructure is $73.9 million. EverWind Fuels has stated it will pay for any necessary changes to the power grid required by the project.
David Miller, executive director of energy planning, stated the Nova Scotia grid is currently capable of delivering around 2,400 megawatts at peak. However, Francois Bouffard, an associate professor at McGill University, noted there are "significant blind spots" in the IESO's analysis because details inside the data centre remain unknown.
The EverWind proposal is not the only large-scale demand seeking connection. There are eight other interconnection requests for large-load customers in the queue, including two commercial projects: a 230-megawatt project in Richmond County and a 100-megawatt project in Cape Breton County.
On Oct. 16, EverWind announced $10 billion in private investment, comprising $8 billion for the data centre and $2 billion for onshore wind development. The company has also projected the initiative would generate $2 billion in provincial GDP during construction, $137 million in expected annual GDP once operational, and $1.5 billion in expected corporate income tax over the first 20 years.
As of Thursday, the province had not independently verified EverWind’s projections for the economic benefits of the project. Finance Minister John Lohr stated that tax incentives are not currently being provided for the construction of EverWind’s data centre but could be considered later in the approval process.