Greenhouse Gases 

Carbon dioxide is one of six greenhouse gases that are being targeted by international protocols to reduce the impacts of global warming/climate change. The combustion of carbon is the key source of energy in fossil fuels, but carbon dioxide is generated as a by-product.

The Canadian government has proposed regulations governing GHG emissions in Canada that would require an 18% reduction in the emission rate or “intensity” for each industrial sector, from 2006 levels, beginning in 2010, and an additional 2% intensity reduction each year thereafter until 2020. Also, the provincial government in Nova Scotia has enacted legislation that established a goal of reducing provincial GHG emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020. Specific details on NSPI's obligations under these regulations have not been defined. Over the last 5 years, NSPI's CO2 emissions have remained steady at approximately 10 megatonnes per year.

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NSPI is embarking on a process to transform the delivery of electricity in the province from one of high carbon intensity to that of lower carbon intensity without compromising the economic and social structure of Nova Scotia . The strategy, which includes short, medium and long-term objectives, will use a portfolio approach to facilitate this transformation. The portfolio will include the use of technology, alternative fuels, conservation and efficiency initiatives, increased use of renewable energy, the use of offset credits, investment in research and development of technology such as tidal power and carbon dioxide storage and investments in transmission assets that will allow for the increased use of regional energy sources.