Sadira Jan, Dave Randell, and James Gamblin

On October 17, 2022, the Government of Nova Scotia tabled bills that would amend four pieces of legislation in support of future green hydrogen development.

The intended impacts of the proposed amendments are outlined below:

In the House of Assembly, the Minster of Natural Resources, indicated that further regulatory amendments intended to support and regulate green hydrogen development will be forthcoming. The Minister has committed to the release of a green hydrogen action plan in 2023.

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced through clean renewable energy sources such as wind. On October 12, 2022, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada released, for public comment, draft agreements between the Federal Government and the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, in connection with Regional Assessments in each province for offshore wind development. Draft Terms of Reference for both Regional Assessments were also released for public comment. The comment period for these documents ends on November 26, 2022.^[1]

Below are  the proposed study areas for each Regional Impact Assessment^[2]:

For more information on the offshore wind Regional Assessments, please see our previous Thought Leadership piece, “Federal Government, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador clearing the way for offshore wind development”.

Sadira Jan is a partner in the Halifax office, with a practice focusing on renewable energy, financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, as well as general corporate law. Sadie has extensive experience acting as lead counsel for onshore wind development projects and acts in the development, implementation and testing of tidal power in Atlantic Canada.  She has been recognized by Lexpert in Energy law (electricity).

Dave Randell is a partner in the Halifax office, with extensive experience across various industries including energy,  insurance, mining, media, manufacturing and technology. He has acted as lead advisor for a number of noteworthy Canadian and international clients in the energy sector.

James Gamblin is an associate in the Halifax office, with a practice in the areas of renewable energy, leasing, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law. Jamie’s practice focuses advising clients regarding legislative and regulatory compliance. Jamie has a policy background, and holds Master’s degree in Public Policy and Public Administration.

This update is intended for general information only. If you have any questions on the above we would invite you to contact the authors or any other member of our Energy Group.

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[1] Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, “Public Notice: Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.” Online: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/145237?culture=en-CA
[2] Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, “Draft Agreement – Newfoundland and Labrador”, online: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/145234?&culture=en-CA; Impact Assessment  Agency of Canada, ”Draft Agreement – Nova Scotia”, online: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/145235?&culture=en-CA