Canada has officially marked its entry into the offshore wind sector by designating four offshore wind energy areas off Nova Scotia’s coast, setting the foundation for large-scale renewable energy development in Atlantic waters.
On July 29, 2025, Natural Resources Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia jointly announced the designation of four offshore wind energy areas: French Bank, Middle Bank, and Sable Island Bank along mainland Nova Scotia, and Sydney Bight off Cape Breton. The announcement was made in Halifax and represents a key milestone in Canada’s efforts to establish a sustainable offshore wind industry.
These designated zones are the first to be officially outlined in Canadian waters, and they aim to support the federal and provincial target of licensing five gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030. That’s enough energy to power more than two million homes and supply surplus electricity to other provinces.
“The identification of wind energy areas off the coast of Nova Scotia is a significant step forward towards unlocking our renewable energy potential,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. He emphasized the initiative’s alignment with Canada’s long-term energy security goals and its capacity to generate clean employment opportunities.
The province, long known for its maritime heritage, may soon also become known for its role as a renewable energy exporter. Premier Tim Houston highlighted the economic and environmental potential of these projects: “With some of the top wind speeds in the world, Nova Scotia has the potential to become a clean energy superpower. By becoming an energy exporter, we can secure long-term prosperity for Nova Scotians.”
Competitive Bidding on the Horizon
The announcement follows a regional assessment conducted earlier this year, which initially identified eight areas with strong offshore wind potential. After reviewing public feedback and technical criteria, five were shortlisted and four selected. The French Bank and Sydney Bight areas were slightly reduced in size based on stakeholder input.
Private sector developers will compete for project licenses through a formal call for bids later this year, managed by the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER). The regulator is currently preparing the legal and regulatory framework, including submerged land license terms and environmental safeguards.
Christine Bonnell-Eisnor, CEO of the CNSOER, confirmed the regulator’s readiness: “Governments designating the offshore wind energy areas is an important step in the offshore wind land tenure process.”
A Roadmap to Long-Term Infrastructure Investment
As part of the announcement, Nova Scotia also released the final module of its Offshore Wind Roadmap, detailing timelines for consultation, environmental review, and Indigenous engagement. This roadmap is the product of extensive discussions with local communities, First Nations, environmental groups, and industry players.
Trevor Boudreau, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy, said the province is ready for investment: “As this industry continues to build, it’s creating good-paying jobs, bringing investment into our communities and making Nova Scotia more resilient. Designating these areas tells industry that it’s time to go.”
While this initial batch includes only four of the proposed zones, the fifth—Western/Emerald Bank—remains under consideration for future licensing rounds. This phased approach gives regulators and developers time to coordinate infrastructure needs, such as grid connections, port upgrades, and vessel availability.
With these designations, Canada enters a global offshore wind market that is rapidly expanding across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Northeast. For port operators, marine engineers, heavy-lift shippers, and logistics firms, the opportunity to support and service large offshore infrastructure could represent a significant long-term business pipeline in Atlantic Canada.
