Department of Energy: About us

The Department of Energy supports the use and development of energy resources to help increase energy security, create jobs, grow the economy and create social benefits. We help develop local, renewable energy and clean energy solutions to create new economic opportunities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save people money on their energy bills.

The department promotes sustainable development and manages onshore and offshore energy resources through legislation, regulations and cross-jurisdiction (inter-governmental and territorial) partnerships. Our work also includes marine and environmental science, energy storage solutions and geothermal and environmental conservation and protection.

• promoting the province’s onshore and offshore energy development opportunities
• promoting efficient, effective and environmentally responsible development of energy resources through energy policies, programs and partnerships with government, industry and communities
• developing strategies and programs for renewable energy, emission reduction and energy efficiency in homes, businesses, transportation and across the electricity system
• regulating onshore oil and gas exploration and marine renewables in provincial waters (like tidal energy and offshore wind)
• managing programs that help students and recent graduates start careers in the province’s energy sector

The Department of Energy has about 50 staff in Halifax.

• working to help increase sustainable onshore and offshore energy resource development and grow the economy and energy security
• expanding renewable energy resources, using innovative and new technology to improve the electricity system’s reliability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• supporting the 2030 Clean Power Plan
• helping reduce energy costs and stabilize electricity bills
• increasing access to energy efficiency programs, supporting electrification initiatives and modernizing electricity policy and structures