Sydney Cold Storage Facility Slashes Energy Bills With New Solar Project

A cold storage facility in Sydney, Nova Scotia, is significantly reducing its energy expenses thanks to a new solar energy project. The initiative, which involves over 1,300 ground-mounted solar panels, is expected to offset up to 40 percent of the facility's energy consumption, leading to substantial monthly savings.

Solar Power Boosts Savings for Sydney Cold Storage

Eskasoni Cold Logistics, a facility that handles frozen, cold, and dry goods, including a large volume of frozen fish products and live lobster, has embraced solar power to cut costs. The installation of a 583-kilowatt solar system, a result of a multi-partner investment, was recently celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This move towards renewable energy is projected to save the facility approximately $8,000 per month.

Key Takeaways

• The solar project is expected to reduce energy costs by 35 to 40 percent.

• The initiative involved a total investment of $1.85 million from various funding bodies.

• The project has also created local employment opportunities, training 10 band members as solar installers.

A Collaborative Investment in Clean Energy

The solar project was made possible through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, a national initiative that combines federal, provincial, and recipient funding. The total investment of $1.85 million was contributed by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada ($1.1 million), Eskasoni ($570,000), the province ($128,000), and Efficiency Nova Scotia ($72,000). This collaboration highlights a commitment to community-based renewable energy solutions.

Impact on Operations and Future Outlook

The facility requires consistent low temperatures for its frozen goods (around -23 C) and specific water conditions for live lobster storage (around 3 C), making energy consumption a significant operational cost. The new solar system, which came online a few months ago, is already demonstrating its positive impact on the facility's power bill and overall efficiency. While the facility still relies on Nova Scotia Power for a portion of its energy needs, there is optimism for further clean energy integration in the future, with co-owner Jim Gillis noting the growing presence of solar technology and its potential.

Sources

• Solar project melting away energy costs for Sydney cold storage facility, CBC.