Nova Scotia maps out 5GW offshore wind lease sales

The Atlantic coastal province aims to hold its first lease tender in 2025. It is unclear how much capacity it expects this first round to support. The tender will be managed jointly by the Nova Scotia provincial government and the Canadian federal government.

After it has awarded enough leases to support 5GW of offshore wind capacity, leases will be based on market opportunities, the Nova Scotia government stated.

The move comes as part of a push to support its green hydrogen industry, and follows Canada signing a deal to export green hydrogen to Germany.

The Nova Scotia government explained: “The most promising use for offshore wind energy is generating renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen for use in the province and for export.” It also intends to use offshore wind for electricity generation in the province and elsewhere in Canada, it added.

The continental shelf off Nova Scotia is suitable for both floating platforms and fixed-bottom foundations, the government stated. Nova Scotia also benefits from international shipping, an existing marine service and supply chain and years of experience from the oil and gas industry.

The province plans to build its offshore wind industry in consultation with the fishing industry, indienous communities and local stakeholders, it added.

The province plans to release an action plan for green hydrogen in 2023. The plan will outline the role green hydrogen can play in the transition to clean energy and the steps the government will take to build this industry, Nova Scotia added.