POINT TUPPER – EverWind Fuels, the proponent of major wind energy projects in Guysborough and Antigonish counties, says it is exploring the possibility of hosting a data centre at its existing Point Tupper property. But it has not disclosed details about the potential facility’s size, intended use, cost, electricity source, construction timetable, prospective employment or partners.
In an email to The Journal last week, EverWind director of communications Claire Parsons said the company “is exploring opportunities to host a data centre at our existing industrial site at Point Tupper. The proposed development would form part of the broader Point Tupper Energy Hub and complement EverWind’s clean energy projects across Nova Scotia.”
As for details, she said, “We will provide further information as the project advances and specific opportunities are ready to be discussed publicly.”
EverWind’s interest was reported by CBC News on Sept. 23, the same day Premier Tim Houston announced he was prepared to consider major data centre developments in Nova Scotia, subject to conditions involving electricity costs, water and environmental protection, community benefits and financial returns to the province.
In a Facebook post, Houston cited changing international circumstances, new federal principles for responsible data centre development and a major investment in Saskatchewan to explain why he was now open to discussing such projects.
“I’ve always said that until there was an actual application before us, there wasn’t much to talk about when it came to data centres in Nova Scotia,” he wrote. “Well, the conversation around us has changed quickly.”
Houston said companies seeking to establish major data centres in Nova Scotia would have to meet or exceed federal standards, protect water resources and the environment, and ensure their electricity requirements do not increase rates for other customers.
He also called for lasting economic benefits, including employment, training and agreements with host municipalities, as well as direct financial returns to Nova Scotians beyond normal taxes.
“Nova Scotians should never be asked to take the risk while somebody else gets the reward,” he wrote.
In her response to The Journal, Parsons said EverWind shared the federal and provincial governments’ expectations that major projects must deliver lasting benefits.
“Any development at Point Tupper would be designed to protect ratepayers, water resources and the environment; cover the energy and infrastructure costs it creates; and deliver meaningful benefits to the host communities, including opportunities for Indigenous participation and economic benefits.”
However, Parsons did not provide preliminary figures for the potential facility’s size, investment or employment, nor did she specify its intended use or a possible construction timetable.
She also left unanswered questions about whether the facility would obtain its electricity from EverWind’s proposed wind projects, the provincial grid or both, and whether the company has discussed the development with the province.
CBC reported that utility contractor Valard Construction had recently advertised several positions related to data centre construction in Port Hawkesbury. EverWind did not confirm any affiliation with Valard to CBC, and Parsons did not address The Journal’s subsequent question about possible development or construction partners, including Valard.
Meanwhile, EverWind continues to pursue its existing plans for wind farms across Nova Scotia and a green hydrogen and ammonia production facility at Point Tupper.
Parsons said the company’s commitment to those projects has not changed and that a potential data centre would complement its existing plans.
“A potential data centre development would complement those plans by strengthening the energy and infrastructure platform at Point Tupper, while attracting new industries that can create good jobs and contribute to Nova Scotia’s economic growth,” she said.
