Offshore wind is a source of clean energy that can help meet local and global demand for cleaner energy options in the fight against climate change and it can directly support Nova Scotia’s plan to build a thriving green hydrogen sector.

About offshore wind

Wind turbines located in the ocean provide clean electricity. Nova Scotia’s offshore wind speeds are world-class and rival the winds of the North Sea, where the world’s offshore wind sector started. Now, offshore wind is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world, and we can learn from those experiences.

Building wind farms in Nova Scotia’s offshore will support the province’s green hydrogen industry and offer a new local source of energy.

Benefits of offshore wind

Offshore wind energy is beneficial to Nova Scotia because it:

• is a clean alternative to fossil fuels that doesn't create greenhouse gas emissions
• can support other clean energy industries, like green hydrogen
• can support economic development, supply chain growth in Nova Scotia
• can help meet the province’s climate change goals

Building a wind farm at sea

Nova Scotia sits on a large continental shelf with vast areas of relatively shallow water that are ideal for floating and fixed wind platforms. Nova Scotia also has some of best, consistently fast wind speeds in the world. These natural features create opportunities for wind farms.

There are many important factors to consider when building a wind farm at sea, including:

• the distance to the shore and grid connection point
• the water level and seabed conditions
• whether to use fixed or floating turbines
• wind and weather conditions
• possible impact to the environment and to other industries operating offshore

Both federal and provincial governments are involved in regulating offshore wind through the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator.

Nova Scotia’s offshore wind advantage

Nova Scotia has the necessary resources and expertise for developing an offshore wind industry. The province has:

• abundant wind resources
• proximity to European markets seeking clean fuel options
• land for facilities
• deep, ice-free and underused harbours
• well-established port services
• experienced, capable and competitive supply chain and workforce
• academic researchers with expertise in clean technology
• experience working in the ocean and in other energy sectors
• reputation as a leader in emerging technologies

Offshore wind is used in other jurisdictions around the world – the technology and successful co-location with other industries is already happening. Nova Scotia is developing offshore wind in a way that is responsible and sustainable, and we will make sure it can coexist with other sectors, such as the fishery, without harm.

Offshore wind roadmap

Nova Scotia plans to offer leases for 5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, with a first call for bids by 2025. The Offshore Wind Roadmap will help reach that goal. The roadmap includes 3 modules:

• Module 1: Offshore Wind Roadmap (PDF) - maps the work to complete the legislative and regulatory regime for offshore wind
• Module 2: Offshore Wind Roadmap (PDF) - outlines the supply chain and infrastructure opportunities for offshore wind
• Module 3: Offshore Wind Roadmap (PDF) - reflects input from the Mi'kmaq and other Indigenous peoples, as well as other groups like the fishing industry and other ocean users, environmental organizations, workers and the research community

Regional assessment for offshore wind

Nova Scotia and the federal government completed a regional assessment for offshore wind. This process is helping identify where and how offshore wind projects can be optimally developed and inform how the sector and projects will be built in the future. Indigenous groups, fishers, non-government organizations, and members of the public had an opportunity to share their expertise and feedback. A Final Regional Assessment Report was submitted in January 2025 to federal and provincial Ministers for review and consideration for next steps.