Nova Scotia is gearing up for its inaugural call for offshore wind licences, with plans for subsequent annual bids already in the works. David MacGregor, the associate deputy minister of the Energy Department, highlighted the province’s strategy to nurture the emerging industry during a recent event in Sydney, N.S.
The province’s offshore energy regulator is anticipated to launch a call for offshore wind licences in 2026, aiming to allocate up to five gigawatts of generating capacity. MacGregor emphasized the importance of outlining a future development plan ahead of the upcoming bid process to provide clarity for industry stakeholders, including developers, ports, and the supply chain.
Speaking at Ports Day in Sydney, MacGregor shared insights alongside industry experts such as Jay Borkland from Avangrid, a U.S.-based offshore wind developer involved in the Vineyard Wind 1 project off Massachusetts. Borkland highlighted the vast potential of North Atlantic winds but underscored the substantial investment required, ranging from $3 billion to $7 billion for a single offshore wind project.
While MacGregor emphasized the planned annual bid calls, Borkland stressed the necessity for a comprehensive strategy on supply chain development, including the modernization of port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities across the region. He emphasized the importance of coordination among ports and factories in Atlantic Canada to ensure the successful implementation of offshore wind projects.
Nova Scotia’s collaboration with Massachusetts for potential energy off-take from the Wind West project, as well as interest from Hydro-Québec in Nova Scotian offshore wind initiatives, further underscore the region’s commitment to renewable energy development. Borkland emphasized the need for clear planning to avoid inefficiencies and ensure the viability of projects in the region.
As the industry gears up for future offshore wind developments, stakeholders are focused on creating a sustainable and efficient infrastructure to support the growth of renewable energy projects in Nova Scotia.