The Project

Background

The Government of Nova Scotia has engaged Dalhousie University to oversee the Subsurface Energy Research and Development Investment Program. Dalhousie’s involvement will help in understanding the potential for natural gas production in Nova Scotia and community readiness.

Nova Scotia has enough onshore natural gas to meet the province’s needs for 200 years, and yet Nova Scotia currently imports all our natural gas from or through the U.S., exposing the province to market volatility, supply chain constraints, more transportation tolls and exchange‑rate risk.

These realities point to the need to understand Nova Scotia’s own subsurface resources and to make informed, evidence‑based energy and climate decisions. This program will focus on updating Nova Scotia’s geological, environmental, and emissions data to inform policy decisions for developing this resource and answering key technical questions such as: “How do we recover the gas safely?”

Purpose

The Province of Nova Scotia aims to reduce or eliminate Nova Scotia’s dependence on imported natural gas, recognizing we have our own significant resources that we could develop, creating jobs and investments for our communities, and establishing greater self-reliance and resilience in the face of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. 

Undertaking research and exploration to assess the potential for onshore natural gas extraction in Nova Scotia will allow the government to make better-informed choices about the options available to it in advancing these aims.

How the program will operate

Dalhousie University, the largest research institution in Atlantic Canada, will oversee the program, lead the research and engage communities. The Subsurface Energy R&D Investment Program is designed to answer technical questions through a controlled, research‑driven approach to inform public policy and support decision making. Several aspects will be considered:

Exploratory Drilling

Dalhousie University and the Province of Nova Scotia will seek proponents to participate in an incentive-based, data sharing program through a call for submissions in late February 2026. Proponents will be selected by the Province and will be responsible for any exploratory drilling – following all provincial rules and regulations and adhering to all applicable laws, rules and regulations governing gas exploration.

The results of the exploratory drilling will generate important data about the recoverability of natural gas which will be shared with Dalhousie for analysis.

Readiness Research

Dalhousie and other Nova Scotia university researchers will establish key environmental, geological, and infrastructure baselines to inform evidence‑based decisions about future development. This includes groundwater and methane monitoring, seismic analysis, and transport infrastructure needs.

Public Engagement

Dalhousie will oversee public and stakeholder engagement with particular focus on research and the exploratory drilling program, including through its relationships with First Nations. 

Formal consultations and engagement required as part of the regulatory framework will follow its own process with the Province taking the lead on consultation with Mi’kmaq on any decision that could impact their treaty rights.

Expert Report

A final report will be produced by Dalhousie and provided to the Province. The report will provide expert opinion based on researchers’ assessments of exploratory drilling findings and community engagement results. The province will make the resulting public policy decisions.

Dalhousie’s Role

As administrative lead for the program, the university’s mandate is focused on three key areas: 

  1. Program Administration: Dalhousie will administer a $24.3M reimbursement program for participating firms.
  2. Research Leadership: Dalhousie will undertake research to determine baseline infrastructure, environmental and other key data and provide expert opinion on exploration findings 
  3. Community Engagement: Dalhousie will engage with communities/public to better understand community readiness. 

Dalhousie University, Atlantic Canada’s largest research institution and one of the largest organizations in Nova Scotia has the administrative capacity, faculty and research expertise, industrial research and partnering track record and the public consultation experience to undertake this work.

Dalhousie’s Vice President Research and Innovation has accountability for the delivery of this project and will be advised by an Oversight Committee, a Management Committee and Technical Advisory Committee.

List of Research Projects

  • Exploratory Drilling Analysis: Analysis of drilling results and reservoir characterization.
  • Geological Studies: Geological and geomechanical assessment to inform exploration decisions. 
  • Groundwater and Wastewater Studies: Baseline community monitoring of water resources and evaluation of treatment and disposal practices to inform future policy.
  • Methane Emissions Studies: Quantifying baseline emissions to inform future policy.
  • Seismic Analysis: Establishing a seismic baseline to inform future development.
  • Transport & Infrastructure Studies: Analyze transport and infrastructure needs to inform future development.