With the longest coastlines in the world, Canada is well positioned to partake in the $1-trillion global offshore wind energy market, according to the federal government.
Empowering the country’s offshore wind energy sector will create jobs and fuel Canada’s economy while ensuring secure domestic energy sources, the government says.
This week, federal minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced Canada’s membership in the Global Offshore Wind Alliance.
Launched at COP27 in 2022, the GOWA aims to mobilize international economies and agreements to accelerate offshore wind uptake.
Provincially, the Governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador also joined GOWA as subnational governments.
“Offshore wind and green hydrogen are game changers for Nova Scotia,” said the province’s Minister of Energy. “Becoming a member of the Global Offshore Wind Alliance is another step we’re taking to advance these sectors and put Nova Scotia on the global stage as a key player in clean energy.”
Through GOWA, Canada will gain access to international and industry expertise that will help strengthen the foundations of the country’s offshore wind industry, according to a statement from the government.
“Joining GOWA’s global membership is a significant step,” remarked Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “Our province’s vast renewable energy potential, combined with our skilled workforce and rich history in energy development, uniquely positions Newfoundland and Labrador to play a central role in the global transition to sustainable, green energy.”
This move builds on other pro-offshore initiatives, such as the passage of Bill C-49 to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, which created the legislative framework for offshore renewable energy in the Atlantic region.
“By joining GOWA and passing Bill C-49, Canada is positioning itself to seize the enormous economic opportunity that offshore wind presents for Atlantic Canadians,” Wilkinson stated. “These steps will strengthen our domestic economy, enable the creation of thousands of Canadian jobs and attract billions in investments.”
GOWA was established by Denmark, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and the Global Wind Energy Council.
“Offshore wind is key to a cleaner, more secure energy future, and therefore it is imperative that we collaborate globally to promote best practices and find solutions to address both the opportunities and challenges of the sector,” commented Lars Aagaard, Minister of Climate, Energy, and Utilities for the government of Denmark.
“I am pleased to welcome our new partners and look forward to working with our Canadian colleagues and the GOWA community to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind, strengthen climate action and increase clean energy investments,” Aagaard said.