Nova Scotia gears up to license 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030

The legislation coming into force follows the passage of Bill C-49 and Nova Scotia’s mirror legislation, Bill 471, which amended the federal and provincial versions of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act.

In a statement, the government said, “This legislation will unlock the enormous potential of offshore renewable energy, increase Nova Scotia’s prosperity, create thousands of jobs, attract billions in investment, help protect the environment and strengthen the economy.”

The government said it will continue to work with the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to unlock the potential of offshore renewable energy ‘collaboratively and responsibly.’ 

While Nova Scotia has already adopted mirror legislation, Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to advance consideration of its legislation this year, which is required to bring its portion of Bill C-49 into force.

Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said, “With the coming into force of Bill C-49 in Nova Scotia, Canada is positioned to seize the enormous economic opportunity offshore wind presents Atlantic Canadians. 

“Offshore wind will strengthen the economy, enable the creation of thousands of jobs and attract billions in investments. Today’s announcement is another leap forward for Canada to become the global supplier of choice for energy and clean technology.”

Nova Scotia Minister of Energy Trevor Boudreau described offshore wind as “a game changer for Nova Scotia.” He said it could make the province a net exporter of clean energy. “With our legislation in place, we’re gearing up for our first licence call this year and plan to offer licences for 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030.”

Marine Renewables Canada executive director Elisa Obermann said, “The development of Nova Scotia’s offshore wind resources presents an immense opportunity to grow the economy, provide clean energy and leverage the strengths of our local supply chain, built on decades of experience working in ocean industries. With this legislation now in force, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have established the critical regulatory framework and certainty needed to attract investment and accelerate the growth of this promising sector.”

The legislation establishes a joint management regulatory framework for offshore renewable energy development. Bill-49 includes amendments to the Canada-Nova Scotia Accord Act that establishes the framework to develop offshore renewable energy; changes the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER); expands the mandate of the CNSOER to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects; and improves alignment between the Accord Act and the Impact Assessment Act (IAA).