FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
May 13, 2026 

Nova Scotia Power Receives 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering 

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Engineers Nova Scotia is pleased to announce that Nova Scotia Power is the recipient of the 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering for its Grid-Scale Battery Project. 
 

Named in honour of J.J. Kinley, P.Eng., the first and only Engineers Nova Scotia registrant to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and the first professional engineer to hold that office in any Canadian province, this award recognizes outstanding achievement through the original or creative application of engineering principles and adherence to the highest standards of professional practice. 
 

Nova Scotia Power’s Grid-Scale Battery Project was selected for its strong engineering standards, including thoughtful planning, system integration, and a focus on safety and reliability. The project delivers a dependable solution supporting the continued growth of renewable energy in Nova Scotia. 

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition. The Grid-Scale Battery Project reflects the power of teamwork—internally and with partners—to deliver innovative solutions for Nova Scotia. What makes this achievement especially meaningful is the opportunity to celebrate it alongside our Mi’kmaq partners. Our work is grounded in building respectful, collaborative relationships, and this project is a strong example of what we can accomplish together.” 

— Dave Pickles, Chief Operating Officer, Nova Scotia Power Inc. 

The project highlights the important role engineers play in integrating emerging technologies into existing infrastructure. While much of this work occurs behind the scenes, it enables visible outcomes—such as delivering power quickly when it is needed most—demonstrating the impact of engineering innovation, collaboration, and expertise. 
 

From the outset, the project has contributed to economic activity by engaging a broad network of engineering, construction, and manufacturing partners at both the local and national levels. It also enhances system efficiency by improving responsiveness to grid disturbances, supporting peak demand management, and enabling further adoption of renewable energy. 
 

The initiative reflects strong leadership in the practice of engineering in Nova Scotia, bringing together expertise from within Nova Scotia Power and across the province to deliver practical, forward-looking solutions that support a more resilient and sustainable energy system. 
 

Following careful consideration of the project nominations submitted for the 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering, the Jury Panel selected the A. Murray MacKay Bridge Deck Panel Replacement project by COWI for an Honourable Mention. The project demonstrates innovative rehabilitation engineering that extends the service life of a critical Halifax harbour crossing while minimizing disruption to the public. By designing and installing modular orthotropic steel deck panels during planned weekend closures, the project addressed fatigue-related deterioration efficiently and sustainably, exemplifying excellence in proactive infrastructure management. 
 

The 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering will be formally presented at Government House in June, at a ceremony hosted by His Honour the Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. 

About the Award 

The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering is presented annually to a team, company, government department, or consortium of professional engineers who, through original achievement or creative accomplishment in the application of engineering principles, demonstrate a high quality of professional engineering standards. 

About Engineers Nova Scotia 

Engineers Nova Scotia is the licensing and regulatory body for more than 9,800 professional engineers and engineers-in-training in Nova Scotia. Its mission is to serve and protect the public interest, advance and promote the value and proficiency of the engineering profession, and support members in their professional practice. 

 
Media Contact: 
Pal Mann, CD, FCSSE, ICD.D., FEC, P.Eng. 
CEO and Registrar, Engineers Nova Scotia 
E-mail: Pal.mann@engineersnovascotia.ca