Following the recent designation of the Wind Energy Areas, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are taking the next step toward realizing Canada’s first-ever offshore wind project.
The designated areas—French Bank, Middle Bank, Sable Island Bank, and Sydney Bight—could eventually produce up to five gigawatts of wind energy.
Eager to “harness the power of wind at sea,” federal and provincial ministers announced this week that the governments collaborated to provide Strategic Direction to the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator.
The Regulator now will implement a pre-qualification process and a Call for Information to attract qualified investments and provide an opportunity for the public and stakeholders to inform a path forward.
“Receiving strategic direction from governments is the next step in the offshore wind land tenure process,” remarked Christine Bonnell-Eisnor, chief executive officer of the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator.
The Regulator “is reviewing this strategic direction letter and finalizing details about the Call for Information and Pre-qualification processes that will help inform the Board’s offshore renewable energy recommendations,” she stated.
The announcement of progress “is another leap toward Canada becoming the global supplier of choice for energy and supporting our long-term energy security,” according to Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson.
“Now is the time to harness our powerful wind potential,” he believes, “turning it into prosperity and new opportunities for our communities.”
Atlantic Canada has “the wind, the people, and the ambition to lead the clean energy future,” posits Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “Now we’re acting on that potential.”
Trevor Boudreau, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy, agrees, suggesting that “Offshore wind is a game changer for Nova Scotia.”
“We’re pleased to get the process underway,” he stated, “so we can harness this tremendous natural resource for the benefit of all Nova Scotians.”