The government of Nova Scotia has set a target to offer leases for 5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. Leases for offshore wind development will be granted through a competitive bid process jointly managed by the provincial and federal governments, and the first call for bids will be in 2025. After reaching the 5 GW target, calls for bids will be based on market opportunities.
“Setting this target sends a clear signal to the world that Nova Scotia is open for business and becoming an international leader in offshore wind and green hydrogen development,” says Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. “We are taking every opportunity to develop our renewable energy market, not only to fight global climate change, but also to create green jobs here in Nova Scotia.”
The most promising use for offshore wind energy is generating renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen for use in the province and for export. Green hydrogen is a clean alternative to fossil fuels because it does not create greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore wind is also another option to help Nova Scotia and Canada meet future clean electricity needs.
“With its abundant wind resources and strong political commitment to increase renewable energy production, CanREA believes Nova Scotia is well-positioned to take a leadership role in the offshore wind energy industry in Canada,” says Jean Habel, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s (CanREA) director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “Our association is pleased to see the positive steps Nova Scotia is taking toward enacting policies that will attract renewable energy investment to Canada.”
The most promising use for offshore wind energy is generating renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen for use in the province and for export. Green hydrogen is a clean alternative to fossil fuels because it does not create greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore wind is also another option to help Nova Scotia and Canada meet future clean electricity needs.
The province also announced that it is developing a green hydrogen action plan to be released in 2023. The plan will outline the role green hydrogen can play in the transition to clean energy and the steps the government will take to build this industry, which will help Nova Scotia reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Nova Scotia’s offshore wind industry will be developed in consultation with fishers, First Nations and other stakeholders. It will also take into account the federal-provincial regional assessment for offshore wind that is currently underway.
