Marine Renewables Canada welcomes announcements supporting offshore wind and green hydrogen development
Today the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announced the intent to establish a joint management regime for offshore renewable energy, as well as the commencement of a regional assessment for offshore wind in Nova Scotia. The mandate of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) will be expanded to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy by amending the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and the board will be renamed the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Board (CNSOEB).
“Increasing electrification and achieving net-zero targets is going to require up to three times more clean electricity than we already have, as well as the use of clean fuels like green hydrogen. We’re going to need all of our renewable energy resources to meet these goals – and offshore wind holds huge potential for clean electricity, green fuel production, and new opportunities for businesses and communities,” said Elisa Obermann, executive director of Marine Renewables Canada.
This announcement follows a similar announcement made last week by the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board will also have its mandate expanded to include offshore renewable energy development and a regional assessment for offshore wind will be conducted.
“Marine Renewables Canada has been working for years to highlight the potential of offshore wind and the important role it can play in Canada’s net-zero future,” said Obermann. “These announcements set the stage for the beginning of an offshore wind industry in Atlantic Canada. We look forward to working with the federal and provincial government, Indigenous groups, stakeholders, industry, and our members to build an industry that will help address climate change, contribute to a sustainable economy, and integrate responsibly with existing ocean users.”
Related links
Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia
Government of Canada News Release (Nova Scotia)
Government of Canada News Release (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations Initiative
About Marine Renewables Canada
Marine Renewables Canada is the national association for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy, representing technology and project developers, utilities, researchers, and the energy and marine supply chain.
Since 2004, the association has worked to build the sector by advocating for supportive policies, identifying domestic and international business development opportunities for its members, facilitating collaboration amongst its membership and broader ecosystem, providing education and outreach, and disseminating market intelligence. As part of its focus on developing the sector, Marine Renewables Canada is active in catalyzing opportunities for how marine renewable energy can contribute to achieving net-zero goals through production of green fuels such as hydrogen, as well as displacement of diesel in remote communities and other marine industries.