The Role of District Energy in
Making Nova Scotian Communities Energy ResilientIntroduction
This paper explores the opportunity and need to include thermal energy as part of any energy policy initiative going forward in Nova Scotia. Thermal energy is the energy needed to heat and cool communities, and both are obviously essential in our climatic conditions. Moreover, as temperature patterns, frequency and severity of weather events change due to climate change, there is a need to rely on secure and resilient systems to dependably meet thermal energy needs. This paper specifically focuses on District Energy (DE) opportunities (see description below). It describes how other countries have “leap-frogged” Canada in meeting their energy needs and environmental goals, sustainably and securely by adopting DE solutions. And it talks about how Nova Scotia can catch up by following a similar path.
To learn more about QUEST NS
Other Publications
QUEST conducts and packages cutting edge applied research to empower practitioners and decision makers with the tools they need to advance Smart Energy Communities. Find out more about our projects:
Pan-Atlantic NCA
QUEST Canada’s Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) Program has been recognized with a prestigious 2025 Clean50 Top Project Award. The annual awards recognize initiatives based on their innovation, their ability to inform, and to inspire Canadians.
QUEST Canada’s Pan-Atlantic NCA Program enables Atlantic Canada communities to reach net zero by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to develop and implement community energy and emissions plans and understand the net economic benefits they can provide.
Town of Salisbury
Salisbury is a town located in Westmorland County, New Brunswick. A village for 57 years, in January 2023 it was amalgamated with parts of four local districts to become a new town.
Town of Riverview
Riverview is a town in Albert County, and is the largest town in New Brunswick, and despite being designated as a town it is the fifth-largest municipality in the province, with a population of 20,584 in 2021.