Canada initiates process for its first offshore wind auction

On 16 October 2025, CNSOER simultaneously issued a prequalification notice for the auction, and a call for information.

Three areas have been identified for the country’s first offshore wind auction, with the zones in those areas to be used for the development of offshore windfarms to be defined after input from industry.

The call for information NS25-1R and prequalification NS25-1R were issued after CNSOER received joint strategic direction from the government of Canada and the government of Nova Scotia to formally initiate the process to issue a call for bids for offshore wind in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area.

Strategic direction from ministers is part of the offshore renewable energy land tenure process and occurs prior to the CNSOER commencing the call for information and prequalification processes. 

The offshore wind call for information is open for 90 days through 13 January 2026. As part of the offshore wind call for information, CNSOER is seeking feedback on governments’ strategic direction letter and other items noted in the online form. 

CNSOER has invited indigenous groups and rights holders, the fishing sector, industry, government, the public and other stakeholders to provide their feedback on a number of issues. These include the wind energy areas (WEAs) being considered and the location(s) of potential parcel(s) within the WEAs; possible evaluation criteria to be used as part of the Call for Bids process; and possible draft terms and conditions for a submerged land licence.

The offshore wind prequalification is also open for 90 days. Its purpose is to review and identify eligible companies that can participate in the next offshore wind call for bids. Only companies who are prequalified by the CNSOER will be eligible to bid on a parcel(s) in the call for bids.