Offshore wind is a source of clean energy that can help meet local and global demand for cleaner energy options in the fight against climate change and it can directly support Nova Scotia’s plan to build a thriving green hydrogen sector.

About offshore wind

Wind turbines located in the ocean provide clean electricity. Nova Scotia’s offshore wind speeds are world-class and rival the winds of the North Sea, where the world’s offshore wind sector started. Now, offshore wind is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world, and we can learn from those experiences.

Building wind farms in Nova Scotia’s offshore will support the province’s green hydrogen industry, generate clean energy exports to Québec, Ontario and possibly Northeastern US markets, and offer a new local source of energy.

Latest news

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator launched Nova Scotia's first call for bids process to licence offshore wind energy in Nova Scotia in October with a prequalification phase and call for information.

Stay tuned for the call for bids NS25-1R to open in the coming months, for up to 5 gigawatts. Learn more.

Nova Scotia has significant market opportunities for its offshore wind energy:

• Nova Scotia and Massachusetts signed an agreement 4 February 2026 to work toward Nova Scotia supplying the state with clean energy from offshore wind. Learn more.
• Hydro-Québec plans to develop an offshore wind strategy that would foster Nova Scotia's offshore wind sector and supply that province and its customers with clean energy. The utility issued a request for information 24 March 2026. Learn more.

Additional studies and data collection is taking place in 2026 including: deploying LIDAR, desktop studies of transmission pathways and economic offtake modeling.

Benefits of offshore wind

Offshore wind energy is beneficial to Nova Scotia because it:

• is a clean alternative to fossil fuels that doesn't create greenhouse gas emissions
• can support other clean energy industries, like green hydrogen
• can support economic development, supply chain growth in Nova Scotia
• can help meet the province’s climate change goals

Building a wind farm at sea

Nova Scotia sits on a large continental shelf with vast areas of relatively shallow water that are ideal for floating and fixed wind platforms. Nova Scotia also has some of best, consistently fast wind speeds in the world. These natural features create opportunities for wind farms.

There are many important factors to consider when building a wind farm at sea, including:

• the distance to the shore and grid connection point
• the water level and seabed conditions
• whether to use fixed or floating turbines
• wind and weather conditions
• possible impact to the environment and to other industries operating offshore

Both federal and provincial governments are involved in regulating offshore wind through the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator.

Nova Scotia’s offshore wind advantage

Nova Scotia has the necessary resources and expertise for developing an offshore wind industry. The province has:

• abundant wind resources, ranging from 9 to 11 meters per second
• proximity to markets seeking clean fuel options
• land for facilities
• deep, ice-free and underused harbours
• well-established port services
• experienced, capable and competitive supply chain and workforce
• academic researchers with expertise in clean technology
• experience working in the ocean and in other energy sectors
• reputation as a leader in emerging technologies

Offshore wind is used in other jurisdictions around the world – the technology and successful co-location with other industries is already happening. Nova Scotia is developing offshore wind in a way that is responsible and sustainable, and we will make sure it can coexist with other sectors, such as the fishery, without harm.

Offshore wind roadmap

Nova Scotia plans to offer licences for up to 5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy from its first call for bids in 2026 and issue subsequent calls for up to an additional 10 gigawatts in the near term. To help reach that goal, Module 2 of the Offshore Wind Roadmap outlines the province's plan to develop a robust supply chain for the emerging sector and builds on the work of the first module. The roadmap includes 3 modules:

• Module 1: Offshore Wind Roadmap (PDF) - maps the work to complete the legislative and regulatory regime for offshore wind
• Module 2: Offshore Wind Roadmap (PDF) - outlines the supply chain and infrastructure opportunities for offshore wind
• Module 3: Offshore Wind Roadmap (PDF) - reflects input from the Mi'kmaq, coastal communities, fishers and fishing organizations, environmental non-profits, industry stakeholders and other interested parties

Regional assessment for offshore wind

Nova Scotia and the federal government completed a regional assessment for offshore wind. This process is helping identify where and how offshore wind projects can be optimally developed and inform how the sector and projects will be built in the future. Indigenous groups, fishers, non-government organizations, and members of the public had an opportunity to share their expertise and feedback. A Final Regional Assessment Report was submitted in January 2025 to federal and provincial Ministers for review and consideration for next steps.

Wind West

Nova Scotia has the offshore wind potential to power about a quarter of Canada's electricity needs. By developing Nova Scotia's clean offshore energy and working with neighbouring provinces, the federal government and the private sector to build the transmission infrastructure, Wind West will deliver much needed clean energy to markets in need in Ontario, Quebec and possibly the northeastern United States.