Canada joins global offshore wind club

The GOWA was formed by the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities; the Global Wind Energy Council; and the International Renewable Energy Agency.

“With the longest coastline in the world, Canada is well positioned to partake in the $1-trillion global offshore wind energy market, supporting the creation of sustainable jobs and helping power Canada’s economy while ensuring secure domestic energy sources,” says a Canadian government statement.

“That is why, together, Canada, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are taking steps to ensure a thriving offshore energy sector.”

Canada seems to have realised the potential fairly late, and according to market intelligence firm 4C Offshore, it does not even have any offshore wind farm projects in the consent phase, let alone operating.

Natural Resources Canada, a government department headed up by minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson, says joining the GOWA is part of the aim to ‘mobilise international economies and accelerate offshore wind uptake’.

The regional governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have also joined the alliance as sub-national governments, it says.

As a latecomer to the offshore wind drive, Canada is likely to struggle in obtaining the required vessels and equipment needed for any meaningful development, however the passage of Bill C-49 at least creates a legislative framework for offshore renewable energy in the Atlantic region.

“By joining GOWA and passing Bill C-49, Canada is positioning itself to seize the enormous economic opportunity that offshore wind presents for Atlantic Canadians,” said Wilkinson. “These steps will strengthen our domestic economy, enable the creation of thousands of Canadian jobs and attract billions in investments. Today’s announcement is another step forward for Canada as we act now to become a global supplier of choice for energy, very much including clean energy.”

National members of the GOWA include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Romania, Spain, the UK and the US; along with the Australian State of Victoria, European Commission, and US state of California.

Other members include Ocean Conservancy, the World Bank, Ørsted, Vestas, SSE Renewables, Corio Generation, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Ramboll.

Maritime Journal has contacted Natural Resources Canada for more information.