County sending letter to encourage infrastructure upgrades
The Municipality of Pictou County is sending a letter to the provincial and federal governments to encourage them to complete the twinning of Hwy. 104 from Pomquet to Aulds Cove and to help fund upgrades to the short-line railroad between Truro and Port Hawkesbury.
Councillor David Parker brought forward the motion to write the letter during the May 1 MOPC Council meeting.
At a Smart Energy Conference Parker and Councillor Peter Boyles attended, Parker said they learned about a proposal to deploy very large offshore wind turbines, which would be used to bring electricity ashore and through electrolysis of water create liquid hydrogen, which could then be exported via ship and an existing pipeline to markets in North America and Europe.
“The green hydrogen industry is already well developed in Europe and demand is strong and growing due to the green label,” Parker stated in his report from the conference.
He noted the area south of Canso is considered to have some of the best wind energy potential in the world.
Councillor Larry Turner seconded the motion to send a letter and expressed his support given the potential for wind energy and green hydrogen as well as the plans to further develop the Canso Superport.
“It will considerably change the economy of Nova Scotia,” Turner stated.
Warden Robert Parker also expressed his support for encouraging the infrastructure development because even though the projects aren’t in Pictou County, he believes there would be ripple effects as much of the traffic to and from the projects would pass through Pictou County.
“It would be good for business in this county for sure,” he said.