Marine Renewables Canada Welcomes Next Steps on Offshore Wind Land Tenure Process
Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 20, 2025 – Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) welcomes today’s announcement from the federal government and the Province of Nova Scotia providing strategic direction to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER) to design the Call for Information and Prequalification process for offshore wind development in the province’s offshore areas.
This step marks meaningful progress toward an upcoming Call for Bids, helping to advance the development of Canada’s offshore wind sector.
The Call for Information and Prequalification process will engage stakeholders, fishers, and Indigenous groups on potential lease areas and assessment criteria, while also identifying eligible companies that can participate in future Calls for Bids. It will also provide an opportunity for public engagement and help define key components of Canada’s first offshore wind leasing process.
“This announcement is an important milestone for Canada’s offshore wind future,” said Elisa Obermann, Executive Director of Marine Renewables Canada. “Industry is eager to engage and work with governments, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure this process is clear, fair, and timely. This momentum is key to attracting investment, advancing projects, and unlocking Nova Scotia’s offshore wind potential.”
“To fully realize the promise of Nova Scotia’s offshore wind potential, the industry needs certainty about how the power will get to market and who will buy it,” said Jonathan Robinson, Senior Policy Advisor at Marine Renewables Canada. “We applaud Premier Houston’s Wind West vision to expand transmission to central Canada and Minister Hodgson’s commitment to a fully integrated, pan-Canadian electricity grid. We are now looking for a clear plan to secure transmission infrastructure and offtake opportunities to provide the market confidence needed for investment.”
MRC will continue to work with governments, Indigenous partners, regulators, and stakeholders to advance a transparent land tenure process, including clear timelines, lease conditions, and milestone requirements, to ensure offshore wind can deliver clean energy, jobs, and economic growth for Canadians.
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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, 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
Marine Renewables Canada