A major renewable energy project backed by Indigenous communities is moving forward in Nova Scotia after securing more than $240 million in financing for wind farms and a green hydrogen facility.

EverWind Fuels announced the investment will support the first phase of a large-scale wind and hydrogen project that could position Cape Breton and Nova Scotia as emerging hubs in the global clean energy market.

The financing is being provided by Nuveen Infrastructure Credit, a New York-based investment manager that oversees a portfolio worth approximately US$1.4 trillion.

Massive Wind and Hydrogen Project Planned for Nova Scotia

The first phase of the project will include four onshore wind farms across Nova Scotia with a combined generating capacity of more than 650 megawatts of electricity.

According to EverWind, that amount of power could supply roughly 200,000 homes.

Electricity generated by the turbines will feed into Nova Scotia’s power grid and ultimately supply a hydrogen and ammonia production facility at Point Tupper in Richmond County, Cape Breton.

The hydrogen plant is expected to begin operations a few years after the first wind energy begins flowing, which the company estimates could happen around 2028.

Clean Ammonia Production Could Reach 1 Million Tonnes

The project will produce clean ammonia, which is commonly used to transport hydrogen long distances.

EverWind estimates the first phase could produce approximately:

• 200,000 tonnes of clean ammonia annually

Future phases could significantly expand production. A second phase of development may add:

• An additional wind farm
• A dedicated transmission line
• Up to 800,000 tonnes of ammonia production annually

Combined, the full project could eventually produce around one million tonnes of ammonia each year.

Indigenous Communities Hold Majority Ownership

A major component of the project is Indigenous participation.

An Indigenous consortium led by Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton holds 51 percent ownership of the first phase of the wind portfolio. Other partners include Paqtnkek First Nation and Potlotek First Nation.

Membertou Chief Terry Paul said the financing represents an important step toward long-term economic development in Mi’kma’ki.

“This financing marks a significant step forward in delivering clean energy projects that Indigenous communities are helping lead and shape,” Paul said in a statement.

He added that the partnership will help create sustainable economic opportunities while ensuring projects are developed responsibly within Mi’kmaw territory.

Hundreds of Jobs and Billions in Economic Activity

EverWind CEO Trent Vichie said the project could generate significant economic benefits for Nova Scotia.

The company estimates the development could create:

• 500 construction jobs
• 100 long-term skilled jobs
• More than $1 billion in procurement and contract opportunities

The company has already begun early development work, including clearing land for the 47-turbine Windy Ridge project near Truro, one of the largest wind farms planned in the province.

Germany Interested in Canadian Hydrogen Exports

Although EverWind has not yet secured a long-term hydrogen buyer, Germany has expressed interest in importing Canadian hydrogen.

Hydrogen exports have become a major focus for Canada and Europe as countries look to transition away from fossil fuels.

In 2022, Canada and Germany signed a declaration to develop hydrogen supply chains as Europe sought alternatives to Russian energy following the invasion of Ukraine.

More recently, the European Union committed €200 million to support renewable hydrogen production in Canada, which could help supply future exports to Germany.

Auctions for Canadian hydrogen producers to secure export contracts are expected to begin in 2027.

Hydrogen Projects Face Challenges in Atlantic Canada

Despite growing interest in hydrogen development, projects in Atlantic Canada have also faced obstacles.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recently reported it is owed more than $34 million in land reserve fees related to wind-powered hydrogen developments.

Several projects in the province have faced delays, and one major developer, World Energy GH2, recently sought creditor protection after accumulating significant debt.

EverWind has confirmed it remains in discussions with the Newfoundland and Labrador government regarding land reserve agreements tied to its projects.

What This Signals for Atlantic Canada’s Energy Future

If successful, EverWind’s development could mark one of the largest clean energy projects ever built in Atlantic Canada.

The project highlights growing global interest in the region’s renewable energy potential, particularly wind-powered hydrogen production for export to Europe.

With billions of dollars in planned investment and strong Indigenous partnerships, Nova Scotia could play an increasingly important role in the emerging global hydrogen economy.

---

References

City Tv News. Wind, hydrogen projects get more than $240M in financing

Stevens, D. (2026, March 3). EverWind lands more than $240M in financing for N.S. wind and hydrogen projects. The Canadian Press. https://halifax.citynews.ca

European Commission. (2026). EU support for renewable hydrogen production in Canada. https://energy.ec.europa.eu

Government of Canada. (2022). Canada-Germany hydrogen alliance declaration of intent. https://www.canada.ca

EverWind Fuels. (2026). Hydrogen and wind development projects in Atlantic Canada. https://www.everwindfuels.com