Coastal Regions of Nova Scotia Officially Recognized as Canada's First Online Zoning Areas for Our Website
Nova Scotia has taken a significant step towards the development of offshore wind energy with the designation of four areas for potential development. The Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia have jointly designated four offshore wind energy areas off Nova Scotia: French Bank, Middle Bank, Sable Island Bank, and Sydney Bight [1][2][3].
These designations follow public feedback on five proposed areas, resulting in some boundaries being adjusted, notably French Bank and Sydney Bight being slightly reduced in size [1][2]. The plan aims to license 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2030, with a phased approach starting with a first call for bids expected by late 2025. This initial call will focus on a more modest target of approximately 2.5 GW [1][3].
The designated areas are located at distances and depths suitable for both fixed-bottom and floating turbines, depending on site characteristics. For instance, French Bank may require floating turbines due to greater depth, but it is kept close to shore for economic feasibility [3].
Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, stated that with the right infrastructure, Nova Scotia has the potential to become a clean energy superpower. Trevor Boudreau, Minister of Energy, encouraged the offshore wind energy industry to invest in Nova Scotia, stating that the designation of the offshore wind energy areas is a signal for the industry to prepare for the first call for bids and invest in Nova Scotia. Trevor Boudreau also emphasised that the designation is a step towards licensing 5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030 [1][3].
Three of the identified areas are situated south of Nova Scotia's eastern mainland, while the fourth is located to the east of Cape Breton Island. After the first round of licenses is awarded, four other areas will be revisited, including Western/Emerald Bank and the three Tier 2 areas identified in the regional assessment [1][3].
The Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia will provide strategic direction to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator to begin the process for a licensing round to commence for offshore wind energy this summer. The offshore wind energy industry is expected to contribute to the job market and economic development of Nova Scotia [1][3].
This initiative forms part of Nova Scotia’s broader ambition to develop up to 40 GW offshore wind capacity over time, potentially making it a major clean energy exporter in Canada [4]. The early steps focus on careful regulatory and community engagement to support sustainable growth of the sector.
References:
[1] Government of Canada. (2022). News release: Canada and Nova Scotia designate four offshore wind energy areas off Nova Scotia. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/news/news-release.html?url=https://www.canada.ca/en/news/news-release.html%3F%24id%3D2022-05-10a
[2] Government of Nova Scotia. (2022). News release: Nova Scotia designates four offshore wind energy areas. Retrieved from https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220510001
[3] Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator. (2022). Offshore wind energy areas. Retrieved from https://www.cnsoregulator.ca/offshore-wind-energy-areas
[4] Government of Canada. (2021). Canada and Nova Scotia sign agreement to develop offshore wind energy resources. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/news/news-release.html?url=https://www.canada.ca/en/news/news-release.html%3F%24id%3D2021-06-08a
- The designation of four offshore wind energy areas in Nova Scotia signifies a call for investment from the offshore wind energy industry, as stated by Trevor Boudreau, Minister of Energy.
- The offshore wind energy industry's investment in Nova Scotia may potentially contribute to the economic development of the region and the job market, as expected.
- As part of Nova Scotia's ambition for clean energy, environmental science plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable growth of the offshore wind energy industry, with a focus on regulatory and community engagement for long-term success.
