Report highlights supply chain opportunities from Canadian offshore wind

Commissioned by Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) with support from the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and the Prince Edward Island Energy Corp and executed by Xodus Group and its team of local consultants, the report reveals significant opportunities for regional businesses to participate in the growing renewable energy sector.

With existing onshore wind and more projects in advanced development plus tremendous offshore wind potential, across the Atlantic provinces, the region is gaining momentum. This growth is driven by rising global demand for renewable energy and emerging green hydrogen opportunities.

The report underscores the region’s strengths in offshore and onshore wind development and provides clear recommendations for expanding the supply chain to maximise local economic benefits. However, strategic investments in supply chain development and workforce training will be necessary to ensure local businesses can fully capitalise on these opportunities and meet the scale of projected demand.

Among the report’s key findings are that there is a growing workforce demand. Depending on development scenarios, offshore wind projects could generate up to 6,000 jobs at peak times under a medium scenario, while onshore wind projects could generate up to 5,000 jobs at peak times under the same scenario.

Other findings include that Atlantic Canada has a skilled workforce and established companies in areas such as marine operations, logistics, and environmental consulting, making it well-positioned to support both onshore and offshore wind projects. 

Among the 1,070 companies assessed for offshore wind, approximately 21-28% were identified as ‘highly applicable,’ meaning they have direct experience and relevant products and services to meet the growing demand for new projects. Similarly, for onshore wind, about 22% of the 950 companies evaluated fell into same category, with another 100 companies showing great potential to enhance their capabilities to meet the industry needs.

The report also found opportunities for indigenous businesses and organisations, which bring unique strengths such as land stewardship, community engagement, sustainable practices, and have strong potential for project equity participation and supply chain contributions. The report found 16% of assessed companies in the Atlantic Canada are diverse- or Indigenous-owned enterprises, highlighting a strong foundation for inclusive growth.

Although the region has notable strengths, additional investment in infrastructure, workforce training, and specialised manufacturing will be required to further enhance the local supply chain’s competitiveness. Recommendations include leveraging existing supply chain strengths, strengthening industry ecosystem support, encouraging supply chain diversity, supporting Indigenous involvement, expanding workforce training programmes, improving access to wind energy jobs, fostering policy support for local economic benefits, increasing industry awareness, and driving innovation.

Marine Renewables Canada executive director Elisa Oberman said, “The Atlantic Wind Energy Supply Chain Assessment highlights the incredible potential of Atlantic Canada’s offshore and onshore wind energy sector and the opportunities it presents for local businesses. With strategic investments and collaboration, we can establish a robust supply chain that benefits communities and accelerates our clean-energy goals.” 

Nova Scotia Minister of Energy Trevor Boudreau said, “With onshore and offshore wind, we have tremendous potential to create green jobs, attract investment and make the move to clean energy. There are opportunities all along the supply chain for these sectors that are making good use of our natural resources and making our region more energy secure.” 

Xodus Group lead renewables consultant Delia Warren said, “With a strong existing experience and transferable capabilities from companies in adjacent sectors, Atlantic Canada is well positioned to capitalise on its immense wind resources. As well as the potential for significant green job creation, there is also a significant opportunity for the region’s existing businesses to diversify and access new revenue streams.”