Beothuk Energy Inc., a Canada-based offshore wind developer, has announced plans for a C$4 billion, 1 GW wind farm off the coast of Nova Scotia. Beothuk says the project's power would be exported to New England in the U.S. via a proposed 200-nautical-mile subsea cable, the Can-Am Link.
According to the company, the proposed offshore wind farm site will be located about 20 km from shore in shallow waters of 30 meters or less, and it will be outside of major shipping lanes and commercial fishing grounds. Meanwhile, the Can-Am Link would make landfall close to existing transmission facilities near Boston, giving access to the New England transmission corridors.
To develop this Nova Scotia-New England export project, Beothuk has partnered or has formed working relationships with Jacob Capital Management, Siemens Offshore Wind, Talon Energy and Maderra Engineering.
"As both Canada and the United States seek to meet their climate change goals, clean, renewable offshore wind is going to play a major role in helping decrease reliance on fossil fuels," comments Sasha Jacob, CEO of Jacob Capital Management. "Offshore wind in North America is the next big area for investors in cleantech and one in which we are proud to bring our global experience to harness the potential right here in Canada."
Furthermore, Beothuk says it is in discussions with various Canadian and U.S. utilities and independent power producers regarding power purchase agreements and partnerships for the project. Early in 2016, the developer plans to hold consultations with Nova Scotia stakeholders, including First Nations, environmental groups and municipalities in proximity to the project.
As previously announced, Beothuk Energy is also working to develop a 180 MW offshore wind pilot project in St. George's Bay, Newfoundland.
"Our announced projects are the first part of a greater Atlantic Canada regional plan that we have formulated for offshore wind power in the area," states Kirby Mercer, president and CEO of Beothuk. "We are creating a new energy sector in the Atlantic provinces that will have an immense beneficial socioeconomic effect with thousands of new, highly skilled jobs."
