GUYSBOROUGH COUNTY — EverWind Fuels has received environmental approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change for the Setapuktuk Wind Project, a 432-megawatt onshore development proposed for the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG).
The company announced the decision Monday, describing it as a major milestone in its second phase renewable energy buildout and a significant economic opportunity for the region.
“This approval reflects years of environmental studies and community engagement, as well as close collaboration with the province, MODG, and our Mi’kmaq partners,” EverWind CEO and founder Trent Vichie said in a press release. “Setapuktuk is a major opportunity for rural Nova Scotia, and we are proud to be moving it forward.”
According to EverWind, the project is expected to create 350-400 construction jobs and 20-35 long-term operations and maintenance positions. The company also projects more than $3 million in indexed annual municipal tax revenue for MODG, along with $432,000 in yearly contributions to a community benefits fund which supports local infrastructure and education initiatives.
In his approval letter, Environment Minister Timothy Halman outlined several conditions EverWind must meet as the project moves forward, including obtaining all required contriwutionwatercourse alteration approvals before any disturbance, ensuring operational noise levels do not exceed 40 decibels at any permanent or seasonal residence, and working with regulators to avoid impacts on identified old-growth forest areas and species-at-risk habitat within the study area. The minister also directed EverWind to continue operating its community liaison committee and maintain engagement with nearby communities throughout the project’s development.
The Setapuktuk project includes 54 turbines located near Pirate Harbour, Middle Melford, Sand Point, Hadleyville and Manchester. EverWind says the wind farm will generate renewable electricity to power industrial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production at the company’s Point Tupper Green Fuels facility. Electricity would be delivered through the Strait Crossing Transmission Line, which has already been approved.
EverWind framed Monday’s approval as a key step in advancing Nova Scotia’s clean-energy goals, offering that the project is aligns with the province’s energy strategy, including its Wind West initiative for large-scale renewable development intended to support export and industrial growth.
Setapuktuk is being co-developed in partnership with Membertou First Nation. EverWind says this reflects a commitment to advancing Mi’kmaq economic reconciliation and Indigenous leadership in clean energy through governance roles, employment and training.
The municipality welcomed the approval. MODG Warden Paul Long said the project stands to deliver lasting economic and community benefits.
“The Setapuktuk Wind Project represents a major opportunity for the Municipality of the District of Guysborough,” he said. “It will deliver long-term employment, municipal tax revenue and meaningful community investment that support economic growth and the strength of our communities. MODG is proud to support this project and the positive, lasting impact it will have for our residents.”
The project’s turbine count was reduced from 84 to 54 during early-stage engagement to minimize environmental impacts. The company did not provide a construction start date but said the EA approval allows it to move into subsequent permitting and development phases.
