Nova Scotia is gearing up for its inaugural call for offshore wind licenses, with plans for subsequent annual bids already in the works. According to David MacGregor, Associate Deputy Minister of the Energy Department, the provincial government aims to support the emerging offshore wind industry by introducing a consistent schedule of bids.
Before the upcoming bid process, MacGregor announced a comprehensive plan for future developments during an event in Sydney, N.S. The province’s offshore energy regulator is anticipated to issue a call for offshore wind licenses in 2026, targeting up to five gigawatts of generating capacity. MacGregor emphasized the importance of outlining the gigawatts Nova Scotia intends to license in the following years to facilitate supply chain development.
Speaking at Ports Day in Sydney, MacGregor highlighted the significance of annual bid calls, while industry expert Jay Borkland, a director at Avangrid, emphasized the substantial investment required for offshore wind projects. Borkland stressed the necessity for a clear strategy to modernize port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities across Atlantic Canada to support the industry’s growth.
Nova Scotia has collaborative agreements with Massachusetts and Hydro-Québec for potential energy partnerships, further indicating the region’s commitment to offshore wind initiatives. While MacGregor discussed the plans for annual bids, Borkland emphasized the importance of a well-defined strategy for the development of the supply chain infrastructure.
Borkland did not disclose Avangrid’s specific intentions for Nova Scotia’s offshore projects. However, he underscored the need for cohesive planning to ensure viable and sustainable projects that align with the region’s infrastructure capabilities.
As Nova Scotia progresses towards its offshore wind ambitions, industry stakeholders are eager to witness the development and implementation of robust strategies to support the growing sector.