Canada Identifies Offshore Wind Farm Sites in Nova Scotia
Canada has selected five key areas off the coast of Nova Scotia for the development of offshore wind farms, aiming to produce 5GW of electricity by 2030.
Selection of Wind Energy Areas
Initially, a regional assessment recommended eight potential wind energy sites, but this number was later reduced to five. Four of these areas are located south of Nova Scotia’s eastern shore:
- French Bank
- Middle Bank
- Sable Island Bank
- Emerald Bank
The fifth area, Sydney Bight, is positioned northeast of Cape Breton. Together, these designated offshore sites cover more than 19,500 square kilometers.
Regulatory and Public Consultation Process
A 25-kilometer buffer zone has been proposed to separate the wind farms from Nova Scotia’s coastline and from Sable Island, which is designated as a national park reserve.
Before the final designations are made, the Nova Scotia government is seeking public feedback, with the consultation period set to close on April 14. Following official approval, expected later this year, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator will oversee a competitive licensing process for wind farm development.
Future Development in the Offshore Wind Industry
In a statement, the Nova Scotia government explained: “The location and size of future call for bids areas within wind energy areas will be determined during the subsequent steps in the land tenure process.”
With the world’s longest coastline, Canada is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing $1 trillion global offshore wind market. Nova Scotia, in particular, offers strong wind resources and favorable seabed conditions, making it a promising hub for offshore wind energy.