Nova Scotia and Massachusetts are advancing their offshore wind partnership with the launch of a joint request for information on offshore wind.
Issued today, November 12, it aims to explore opportunities for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia and delivery of clean energy to New England markets.
The request for information, which also includes Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont, stems from the memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year between the two jurisdictions.
"With an estimated 60 gigawatts of offshore wind potential, Nova Scotia is uniquely positioned to become a renewable energy hub for eastern North America. At peak demand, Nova Scotia uses 2.4 gigawatts. We have an opportunity to supply clean, reliable electricity to multiple jurisdictions, including Atlantic Canada, Quebec, the New England states and beyond," said Premier Tim Houston. "I firmly believe that Nova Scotia is no longer at the end of the energy transmission line. We are becoming the starting point. Through our partnership with Massachusetts, we are exploring opportunities that could create jobs, attract investment and help establish Nova Scotia as a clean energy leader."
The request for information invites input from offshore wind and transmission developers, utilities, Indigenous communities, fisheries representatives, labour organizations, researchers, supply chain companies and environmental groups.
Feedback will help both governments better understand market interest, transmission options, workforce opportunities and the infrastructure needed to support future development.
The initiative reflects growing co-operation between eastern Canada and New England on clean energy development.
The request for information is open until December 31.
Quotes:
"Massachusetts has the ports, infrastructure and workforce needed to build offshore wind. We're working with our partners in Nova Scotia to harness that expertise and get more clean energy built. Today marks a major step in strengthening our long-standing relationship. Together, we can lower energy bills, boost economic development in our historic port cities, and create more good-paying jobs."
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey
Quick Facts:
- Nova Scotia has one of the strongest offshore wind resources in North America, with annual average wind speeds exceeding nine to 11 metres per second
- in 2025, Nova Scotia exports to the New England states reached almost $1.2 billion; imports from this region were more than $57 million
- the New England-Canada Business Council's mission is to advance business, political and cultural relationships between Canada and the United States; it was founded in 1982
