Canada takes new offshore wind step as it moves to capitalise on Trump chaos
Offshore wind now seen as key plank in Canadian plan to become 'energy superpower'
Canada has taken the next step toward developing its first offshore wind farms as it looks to capitalise on US President Donald Trump’s wanton destruction of the industry south of the border.
The Canadian government announced on Saturday that the federal government and government of the province of Nova Scotia have provided “strategic direction” to the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER) to get the industry up and running.
“Following the recent designation of the Wind Energy Areas, this represents Canada and Nova Scotia taking the next step toward realising Canada’s first-ever offshore wind project,” said the government.
The regulator will now implement a prequalification process and a call for information to attract qualified investments and provide an opportunity for the public, indigenous groups and stakeholders to inform the path forward, said the government.
“Today’s announcement is another leap toward Canada becoming the global supplier of choice for energy and supporting our long-term energy security,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“Now is the time to harness our powerful wind potential, turning it into prosperity and new opportunities for our communities.”
CNSOER CEO Christine Bonnell-Eisnor said that receiving strategic direction from the governments is the “next step in the offshore wind land tenure process.”
The regulator is now “reviewing this strategic direction letter and finalising details about the Call for Information and Prequalification processes,” which she said will help inform “recommendations related to the making of an offshore wind Call for Bids and the terms and conditions of a submerged land licence.”
This may well create the perfect conditions for Canada to capitalise on further offshore wind investment that would have gone to the US but now finds itself without a home.
Trevor Boudreau, minister for energy in Nova Scotia, described offshore wind as a “game changer” for the eastern province.
“We’re pleased to get the process underway for the first call for bids so we can harness this tremendous natural resource for the benefit of all Nova Scotians, and we have great confidence in the regulator to lead this work.”
The two Atlantic provinces spotlighted for offshore development – Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador – have only around 1.5 million residents combined and low power demand. Nova Scotia's 40GW target would generate nearly 30% of Canada's entire power demand.