Marine Renewables Canada welcomes $100 million federal commitment to advance Nova Scotia’s offshore wind industry
Halifax (Nova Scotia), October 15, 2026 – Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) welcomes the Government of Canada’s $100-million commitment to advance offshore wind development in Nova Scotia and support the early-stage work needed to move projects such as Wind West toward development.
Announced by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the commitment includes $5 million for floating LiDAR buoys to collect offshore wind and ocean data, and nearly $3 million for Net Zero Atlantic to expand transmission modelling and conduct marine surveys to support potential cable routes.
This information will help prospective developers assess site conditions, technical challenges and potential costs ahead of Nova Scotia’s first Call for Bids, expected in winter 2027. As the province prepares to offer licences for up to five gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, better baseline data can help inform competitive bids and investment decisions, while identifying infrastructure needs early in the development process.
The work also presents opportunities for MRC’s supplier members. Canadian companies with expertise in marine surveying, ocean technology, engineering, environmental services and data analysis could contribute to these activities, building experience and strengthening the domestic supply chain for future offshore wind projects.
“This landmark $100-million federal commitment sends a clear signal that Canada is serious about developing Nova Scotia’s tremendous offshore wind potential,” said Elisa Obermann, Chief Executive Officer of Marine Renewables Canada. “By helping advance projects and build confidence among prospective developers, this investment can support the growth of a new industry in Atlantic Canada. Wind West has the potential to create good jobs, strengthen energy security and position Canada as a global leader in offshore wind, while opening new opportunities for Canadian businesses.”
MRC looks forward to working with government and industry partners to advance Nova Scotia’s offshore wind sector and help ensure Canadian companies are positioned to participate in its development.
More Information
- Natural Resources Canada News Release
- Wind West Atlantic Energy
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program
- CNSOER – Offshore Wind Call for Bids
- CNSOER – Offshore Wind Prequalification
- CNSOER – Wind energy area spatial data viewer
- Net-Zero Atlantic – Offshore Wind
About Marine Renewables Canada (MRC)
MRC is the national association for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy, representing technology and project developers, suppliers, utilities, Indigenous organizations, researchers, and communities. We strive to champion Canada’s growing marine renewable energy sector through advocacy, engagement, and education and expand market opportunities across the country and globally. Learn more at www.marinerenewables.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Chelsi Bennett
Communications & Events Coordinator
Marine Renewables Canada