Applications & Installations

Nova Scotia gold mine could host PV-plus-pumped hydro storage energy hub

A new partnership will investigate the viability of colocating a closed-loop pumped hydro energy storage facility with solar PV at the site of a former gold mine in Moose River in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Atlantic Mining, owner of the mine, and Natural Forces, a renewables company with 300 MW of operational capacity in Canada, are optimistic the project will be feasible.
Blathnaid O’Dea
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Blathnaid O’Dea
Entrance to Moose River Gold Mines | Image: ProjectHorizons, Wikimedia Commons

From pv magazine ESS News site

Australian mining company St Barbara has announced that its Nova Scotia-based branch Atlantic Mining will team up with Natural Forces, an independent power producer specializing in renewables, to explore whether Touqoy Gold Mine can be repurposed.

The duo wants to convert the mine site into a closed-loop pumped hydro energy storage system combined with solar photovoltaic panels.

The first step is conducting a feasibility study. This will begin later in the month, with the first conceptual design due at the end of the year.

“We are optimistic about this project’s feasibility,” said Robert Apold, director at Natural Forces. “It champions innovative solutions here at home and aligns with our mission to harness natural resources for the economic benefit and environmental future of Nova Scotian communities.”

The team seeks to establish a closed-loop system pumping water from the open-pit lake up to a reservoir onsite for storage of water, ready for hydro energy generation on the release of water back to the open pit when required. Energy will be stored until it is required, easing pressure on the grid.

pv magazine

The bumper June 2024 edition of pv magazine, out today, examines the state of national grids across key European markets as the region’s solar boom continues, considers the role small-scale PV arrays are playing in transforming the energy systems of Brazil and China, and studies the rising importance of artificial intelligence and algorithms when generating grid-related revenue from battery sites.

If the concept is viable the companies have promised they will involve the local community in any proposed developments. Natural Forces, which currently has approximately 300 MW of operational renewable energy projects in Canada, has community partnerships in many of the countries it operates in. Besides Canada, it has branches in Ireland and France.

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