Nova Scotia to pursue 5 GW of offshore wind leases by 2030

The eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia on Tuesday announced a target to offer leases for 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030 to drive green hydrogen production for local use and for export.

The provincial and federal governments will jointly run a competitive bid process to award leases, with the first call for bids scheduled for 2025. Once the 5-GW goal has been reached, auctions will be based on market opportunities, the provincial government said.

It also said that it is working on a green hydrogen action plan, which will be published in 2023.

“Setting this target sends a clear signal to the world that Nova Scotia is open for business and becoming an international leader in offshore wind and green hydrogen development,” stated Premier Tim Houston.

Nova Scotia says it has advantages to become a hydrogen spot such as a large continental shelf suitable for floating and fixed wind platforms, an experienced marine service and supply chain, and experience from the oil and gas industry.

“Nova Scotia offers some of the best offshore wind resources in the world, with ample capacity to serve both local and international green hydrogen markets. We will use this geography to our advantage in our pursuit of offshore wind as one of many solutions to help fight climate change and grow our green economy,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables.

Offshore wind projects will be administered by the existing offshore petroleum regulator, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, which will change its name to Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Board.

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