Exploring pathways to net-zero: utilizing advanced energy system modelling to investigate the impact of long duration energy storage on Nova Scotia’s energy transition

Nova Scotia’s investment of Green Fund resources in energy efficiency, solar energy and electric transportation will mitigate carbon emissions immediately. Both the Green Choice Program and renewable energy transmitted via the Maritime Link will significantly decarbonize the electricity grid in the short to medium-term. The initiatives conceived within these programs are cost efficient and low risk.

But scaling up affordable renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies that have been proven in Nova Scotia will not get us all the way to net-zero by 2050. There are still significant knowledge and technology gaps that must be identified and addressed. The Emerging Concepts and Technologies (ECT) Research Program will make R&D investments in two areas:
1. to foster early-stage genesis of novel technologies in Nova Scotia, and
2. to evaluate the suitability of technologies emerging from other jurisdictions for application in Nova Scotia.

To address the most recalcitrant, hard-to-abate emissions in the 2030-2050 period, the ECT Program will identify gaps in carbon-reduction pathways and invest today in the early stage R&D needed to create and implement affordable solutions.

Priority research areas are expected to include subjects listed below, but will also be defined in consultation Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC – the primary funder) and through the application of Net Zero Atlantic’s Energy System (ACES) Model. The model will be used to identify knowledge gaps and provide insights into the relative costs, benefits and challenges of different deep decarbonization options. Initial priority research themes include:
• Fishing and Ferry Fleets
• Nature-Based Solutions for Carbon Sequestration
• Agricultural emissions
• Long-Term Energy Storage
• Direct Air Capture
• Electricity System Challenges Post 2030

Faculty Supervisor:

Lukas Swan

Student:

Partner:

Net Zero Atlantic;Sutubra Research Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: