The Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia jointly designated the areas of French Bank, Middle Bank and Sable Island Bank off mainland Nova Scotia and Sydney Bight off Cape Breton for eventual wind projects. This is a key step to develop an offshore wind industry that will provide long-term energy security and generational economic benefits for Nova Scotians.

“The identification of wind energy areas off the coast of Nova Scotia is a significant step forward towards unlocking our renewable energy potential. We are moving quickly to deliver on our commitment to advance offshore wind, create clean jobs and support our long-term energy security.” 

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“With some of the top wind speeds in the world, Nova Scotia has the potential to become a clean energy superpower. With the right infrastructure, we’ll have the opportunity to send our wind west to power other parts of Canada. By becoming an energy exporter, we can secure long-term prosperity for Nova Scotians.”

Tim Houston
Nova Scotia Premier

“We’re moving forward to seize the full potential of our offshore energy resources for the benefit of Nova Scotians. As this industry continues to build, it’s creating good-paying jobs, bringing investment into our communities and making Nova Scotia more resilient. Designating these areas tells industry that it’s time to go, it’s time to get ready for the first call for bids, and it’s time to invest in Nova Scotia.” 

Trevor Boudreau
Nova Scotia Minister of Energy  

“The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator is actively preparing its offshore renewable energy recommendations related to the making of an offshore wind call for bids and the terms and conditions of a submerged land licence. Governments designating the offshore wind energy areas is an important step in the offshore wind land tenure process.”

Christine Bonnell-Eisnor
CEO, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator  

• The federal and provincial governments jointly manage the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area through the Canada-Nova Scotia Accord Acts.

• The regional assessment identified eight areas with strong potential for offshore wind; after further review, the governments shortlisted five to proceed as proposed offshore wind energy areas and four were selected.

• Private companies wanting to build offshore wind projects will participate in a competitive licencing process managed by the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator. 

• The Province released the final module of the Offshore Wind Roadmap which outlines consultation and engagement and reflects feedback from interested parties on offshore wind development.

• The designation comes after the public was asked for feedback on five proposed areas in the spring. The input contributed to the decisions to designate four areas and make the French Bank and Sydney Bight areas slightly smaller.

• After the first round of licences are awarded, four other areas identified in the January 2025 regional assessment of offshore wind development will be revisited. They include Western/Emerald Bank, which was the other area shortlisted in the spring.

Associated links

• Nova Scotia Offshore Wind
• Designated Offshore Wind Energy Areas
• Offshore wind road map
• Regional assessment of offshore wind
• Canada Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator
• Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan For Clean Growth

Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6096
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Greg Frame
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Gregory.Frame@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Adèle Poirier
Natural Resources Nova Scotia
902-430-0997

Adele.Poirier@novascotia.ca  

Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.