Canada dives into offshore wind with first areas designated
The Canadian government has selected the first four areas for offshore wind development in the east coastal province of Nova Scotia with a target to license 5GW by 2030.
French Bank, Middle Bank and Sable Island have been earmarked off mainland Nova Scotia, and Sydney Bight has been earmarked off Cape Breton for ‘eventual’ wind projects, Natural Resources Canada says.
Last October, the government unveiled plans to unlock the potential for offshore wind with Bill C-49, which contained provisions to amend regulations and put regulators in place, and this is the next step.
“Bill C-49 enables Atlantic Canada to seize the generational economic opportunity presented by offshore renewable energy,” said minster of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson at the time. “It will strengthen the economy, enable the creation of thousands of jobs and attract billions in investments in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Now that the areas for development have been designated, parcels within them need to be identified before a first call for bids takes place later this year.
“The identification of wind energy areas off the coast of Nova Scotia is a significant step forward towards unlocking our renewable energy potential.” said Tim Hodgson, minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “We are moving quickly to deliver on our commitment to advance offshore wind, create clean jobs and support our long-term energy security.”
Once licences are awarded, four other areas. which were identified in January in a regional assessment, will be revisited as potential sites.
Maritime Journal has contacted the Canadian government to find out more about the plans.
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