Nova Scotia is gearing up for its first round of bids for offshore wind licenses, with plans for subsequent annual calls to further develop the industry. David MacGregor, an official from the Energy Department, highlighted the province’s strategy to support the emerging sector. Before launching this year’s bid process, Nova Scotia will unveil a roadmap for future developments, outlining the gigawatt capacity to be licensed in the coming years.
Speaking at a recent event in Sydney, N.S., MacGregor emphasized the importance of providing clarity to industry stakeholders, including developers, ports, and the supply chain, to facilitate effective planning. The offshore energy regulator is anticipated to issue a call for offshore wind licenses in 2026, with a potential capacity of up to five gigawatts. MacGregor stressed that this strategic approach is vital for nurturing the local supply chain.
At Ports Day in the Port of Sydney, MacGregor shared insights on the province’s renewable energy plans alongside industry experts like Jay Borkland, a director at Avangrid, a U.S.-based offshore wind developer. Borkland praised the abundance of North Atlantic winds as a valuable resource but emphasized the significant investment required for offshore wind projects, ranging from $3 billion to $7 billion each.
While MacGregor advocated for annual bid calls, Borkland underscored the necessity of a comprehensive strategy for developing the supply chain infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of modernizing port facilities and manufacturing plants across Atlantic Canada to support the industry’s growth. Borkland called for a coordinated approach to ensure the region’s ports and factories work together effectively.
The province has established partnerships, such as a memorandum of understanding with Massachusetts for potential energy collaboration through the Wind West project. Additionally, Hydro-Québec has shown interest in Nova Scotia’s offshore wind initiatives. Borkland emphasized the need for clear planning to avoid duplication of efforts and unnecessary costs, citing the importance of bankable and insurable projects supported by robust infrastructure.
While Avangrid’s specific plans for Nova Scotia’s offshore sector remain undisclosed, the company, along with other developers, has submitted pre-qualification applications for bidding. The industry awaits further developments as Nova Scotia positions itself as a key player in the offshore wind energy landscape.