Natural gas is considered a cleaner fossil fuel because it produces low air emissions compared to other fossil fuels. Around the world, it is found in reservoirs under the earth. Near Nova Scotia, it is found under the ocean floor.
Nova Scotia Power was the first industrial customer in the province to use natural gas from the Sable project. In 2000, NSPI's Tufts Cove plant was re-fitted to burn either oil or natural gas. Since then, two other natural gas-fired additions have been made to Tufts Cove. In 2010, natural gas represented about 18 per cent of Nova Scotia Power's generating capacity.