Image: Natural Forces web page

Nova Scotia is making an effort to battle climate change.

The province is releasing the road map it will take for offshore wind projects that will come in three stages.

The first, is the approach to selecting a sight, seabed licenses, and support mechanisms. It also provides options for input.

The second module, released next spring, focuses on supply chain, infrastructure and clean, inclusive growth opportunities.

The third is looking for feedback particularly from indigenous people and Mi’kmaq, fisheries industry, environmental organizations, academia, community groups, workers, the research community, ocean users and other interested parties. Module 3 will also consider input gathered through the federal-provincial regional assessment of offshore wind development, announced in March. Engagement will continue after the third module is released, in the fall of 2024.

“Investors around the world are looking to Canada for opportunities to build a net-zero economy – including by deploying renewable energy technologies. Today’s announcement of Nova Scotia’s offshore wind road map is an important step towards growing the economy, protecting the environment, and creating good jobs for Nova Scotians.”
– Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister of Natural Resources

“The Nova Scotia Offshore Wind Roadmap is an important milestone in creating a sustainable offshore wind industry for Nova Scotia. It emphasizes the importance of data collection and data-based decision-making in understanding how best to develop offshore wind as a source of clean energy for the province. The approach must be co-operative, and the road map will help ensure the involvement of rights holders and interested parties, including Mi’kmaq and Indigenous peoples from other communities, environmental organizations, fisheries, workers, academia, and community groups.”
– Alisdair McLean, Executive Director, Net Zero Atlantic

Last fall, Premier Tim Houston announced a target to offer seabed leases for five gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030. The road map will help achieve that goal.

“Nova Scotia offers some of the best offshore wind resources in the world, with ample capacity to serve both local and international green hydrogen markets,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “We will use this geography to our advantage in our pursuit of offshore wind as one of many solutions to help fight climate change and grow our green economy. This is an exciting opportunity for Nova Scotia.”

Quick Facts:
— wind speeds off Nova Scotia are world class, rivalling even the winds of the North Sea where the offshore wind sector started
— offshore wind has the potential to help Nova Scotia and Canada achieve climate change goals and support a global transition to a low-carbon energy
— the mandate and name of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board are being expanded to regulate offshore wind projects
— the board will ensure offshore wind projects meet all safety and environmental requirements
— Nova Scotia is committed to responsible development of its natural resources, balancing environmental, social and economic interests