Nova Scotia is gearing up for its first auction of offshore wind licenses, with plans to make this an annual event. David MacGregor, the associate deputy minister of the Energy Department, highlighted the importance of consistent yearly calls to support the growth of the industry.
MacGregor revealed that the province intends to announce a roadmap for future offshore wind developments before this year’s bidding process. This roadmap will outline the allocation of gigawatts for upcoming years, providing clarity for developers, ports, and supply chain stakeholders.
The offshore energy regulator is set to launch the call for offshore wind licenses in 2026, aiming to authorize up to five gigawatts of generating capacity. MacGregor emphasized that such strategic planning is crucial for nurturing a robust supply chain.
Speaking at Ports Day in Sydney, MacGregor discussed the significance of preparing for future projects. Jay Borkland, a director at Avangrid, a U.S.-based offshore wind developer, emphasized the immense potential of North Atlantic winds but stressed the substantial investment required for offshore wind projects, ranging from $3 billion to $7 billion.
Borkland commended the efforts of the province and the Canadian government in driving demand and supporting initiatives like Wind West and electrification strategies. He underlined the necessity of enhancing port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities across Atlantic Canada to ensure the success of these projects.
While MacGregor focused on the regularity of bidding calls, Borkland emphasized the importance of a well-defined strategy for the development of the supply chain. He urged for collaboration among ports and factories in the region to create a sustainable and efficient infrastructure to support offshore wind endeavors.
Borkland refrained from disclosing Avangrid’s specific plans for Nova Scotia’s offshore sector. However, he acknowledged the positive steps taken by the province in fostering offshore wind initiatives, including partnerships with Massachusetts and Hydro-Québec.