Article content The marshalling yard at the Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal in Sydney. The terminal is a base where developers can store offshore wind turbine components until installation — a big job as the massive parts have special storage and transport requirements. Across the harbour in this photo is Sydport and 100-plus acres of property where the Novaporte Development Corporation plans to construct a similar wind marshalling yard. CONTRIBUTED/ATLANTIC CANADA BULK TERMINAL Photo by Luke Dyment /643030Article contentRENEWABLE ENERGY GOALSArticle contentIn Sydney, the study suggested that a potential power source could be Nova Scotia Power (NSP). Under provincial legislation, NSP must achieve 80 per cent renewable generation through wind and other green sources by 2030.Article content“While we didn’t play a significant role in the study, we actively engage with economic development partners, including the Cape Breton Partnership, to support growth opportunities in the province,” NSP Spokesperson Jacqueline Foster said in an email statement.Article contentTransportation remains a key consideration. The limestone would need to move via a revitalized rail line to reach the proposed plant sites.Article content“If the two plants took 30,000 cars each annually, it would be phenomenal,” MacDonald said. “We are working with Glencoe Resources to try and make this a reality.”Article contentHe added that other bulk shipping opportunities could include potash, wheat, and canola oil. Neither Glencoe Resources nor the Strait of Canso Superport responded to requests for comment.Article contentArticle contentMacDonald confirmed that discussions have also taken place with CN.Article content“They are interested,” he said. “They said get more information and come back and we will talk.”Article contentThomas Bateman, manager of public relations and stakeholder relations with CN, said in an email statement since acquiring a stake in the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway (CBNS), CN has focused on integrating the in-service portion of the line with our tri-coastal network.Article content“This work is proceeding well and offers new transportation options to customers in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. Future investment in the unused section of the line must be supported by a clear business case, which involves restoration of the line to safe operating status,” he said. “While we won’t comment on specific proposals or projects, CN remains engaged with our partners, stakeholders, and potential proponents in the region to better understand their interests and priorities for economic growth in Cape Breton. We appreciate the Nova Scotia government’s efforts to drive economic growth.”Article contentArticle contentRAIL IMPORTANCEArticle contentPort of Sydney CEO Lorna Campbell emphasized the importance of rail connectivity for the region’s future.Article content“The port will never be what it can be without the rail being activated. We are not building a rail line. It’s infrastructure that needs investment and it’s there,” she said. “I see many opportunities in Sydney for bulk and for things that can be done here. Offshore wind is another big one and any spinoffs that come from that.”Article contentStill, Campbell noted that while there is talk of green cement and potash opportunities, “she is not aware of any business case at this point.”Article contentTom Peters is the Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The AdvocateArticle content
Rail revitalization and green industry potential key to Port of Sydney development
