Offshore Wind Is Canada’s Next Great Energy Opportunity – The Time to Act is Now
Atlantic Canada stands at the threshold of a transformative opportunity. Offshore wind – a source of clean, abundant, and exportable energy – is more than a climate solution. It is an economic catalyst that can help secure the region’s prosperity for generations.
Across the region, governments are taking important steps to advance offshore wind development. With new regulatory frameworks emerging and proposed wind energy areas under review, the region is building critical momentum.
This is not just regulatory housekeeping. It’s the green light for one of the biggest economic opportunities Canada has seen in decades.
With over 300,000 km² of ocean space under consideration off Nova Scotia alone -through the provincial government’s recently proposed wind energy areas – and some of the strongest and most consistent winds in the world, Atlantic Canada is well positioned to become a global leader in offshore wind energy.
A 15 GW offshore wind build-out could create 30,000 direct jobs annually during construction and over 1,200 permanent jobs in operations and maintenance. A recent study commissioned by Marine Renewables Canada highlights that with the right training programs and supply chain investments, these roles can anchor a lasting clean energy economy in Atlantic Canada.
But while the policy signals are encouraging and the potential is real, we need to act with urgency and ambition.
The global offshore wind market is forecasted to attract $1 trillion in investments by 2040. And while Canada is home to some of the world’s longest and most wind-rich coastlines, we have yet to install a single offshore wind turbine. Nearly 30 countries are ahead of us, and in the North Sea alone, thousands of turbines now generate more than 30 gigawatts of power. This highlights both the urgency and the immense scale of the opportunity Canada has yet to fully seize.
In Nova Scotia, the province’s plan to issue leases for 5 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 – more than enough to power its entire population – represents a bold commitment. Yet the road from promise to progress is long. Strategic investment in critical infrastructure – including port upgrades and subsea transmission – alongside robust workforce development and Indigenous and community partnerships, is essential to realize these projects.
That’s where federal and provincial cooperation becomes critical. The joint management model established under the amended Accord Acts is a smart and collaborative foundation. Now we need matching urgency in planning, permitting, and funding. Delays in other countries – including a pause on development in the U.S. and financial write-downs by major developers – show us that offshore wind isn’t immune to risk. But they also show the cost of unpredictable policy, and insufficient support.
Canada must learn from those lessons.
Our comparative advantages are undeniable. Atlantic Canada has a strong offshore oil and gas legacy with a skilled workforce ready to pivot. Many of the technical challenges of offshore wind – from mooring systems to extreme weather resilience – mirror those faced by oil and gas platforms. These transferable skills give our region a competitive edge, particularly in floating wind technology, which is crucial for deeper waters like those off the Scotian Shelf and offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.
Moreover, our clean power potential aligns perfectly with global demand. Countries looking to decarbonize are searching for secure, clean energy imports. Green hydrogen production from offshore wind is a prime export opportunity, and Canada’s reputation as a stable, resource-rich nation makes us a natural partner.
But even with growing tailwinds, the successful deployment of offshore wind requires strategic foresight and collaborative effort. Our port infrastructure needs to evolve to accommodate the scale of turbine assembly and deployment; our transmission networks must be expanded to deliver this new energy to domestic and export markets; and our regulatory systems must offer predictability and transparency to attract investment.
Securing broad public and stakeholder alignment is also critical to this success. This means early and meaningful engagement with key groups, including fishing communities, Indigenous peoples, and coastal residents. Simultaneously, marine ecosystems must be protected, and local economic benefits must be prioritized. This isn’t just about building turbines offshore; it’s about building trust, capacity, and long-term prosperity onshore.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help Canada meet its climate goals, strengthen its economy, and reaffirm its role as a global energy leader. Atlantic Canada is ready to lead – but realizing this vision will take clear direction, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to progress.
Let’s move forward – together.
Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada