Venterra Group, the global offshore wind services company, is delighted to announce a recent contract award to assess metocean data collection needs to enable offshore wind farm development off Canada's Atlantic Coast. This significant contract is a testament to Venterra's unmatched global expertise across the entire lifecycle of offshore wind farm development and experience guiding governments and policymakers to identify optimal locations for offshore wind farms.
Amidst a surge in interest in offshore wind power, Canada hopes to harness its expansive wind resources to fulfil its clean energy and climate ambitions. Through the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), the Canadian government oversees regional assessments of offshore wind off the coasts of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador. With Nova Scotia planning to offer seabed leases for up to an equivalent of 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, the role of the specialised Venterra Geoscience team is critical in realising Canada's renewable energy vision while ensuring responsible and cost-effective deployment.
Venterra Geoscience, with its track record of international consultancy, will expertly collate existing metocean data, identify critical gaps, and recommend optimised data collection methodologies. Their expertise is uniquely suited to address the distinctive challenges of Atlantic Canada's marine environment, including freezing spray, sea ice, and extreme weather conditions.
This work aims to comprehensively delineate all metocean data necessary to support offshore wind development in Atlantic Canada. The Venterra Geoscience team will evaluate regions with imminent development potential, mainly Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador while maintaining a vision for the long-term data needs across the Atlantic.
The insights obtained through this work will support various initiatives, from precise field measurement campaigns to advanced numerical modelling and targeted R&D, towards closing the information gap in Atlantic Canada's offshore wind sector.
Lee Gooderham, Director of Venterra Geoscience commented: "Our work on behalf of Canadian policymakers is a significant step in Canada's energy transition. Canada's proactive policies for renewable energy and grid modernisation in anticipation of offshore wind development are commendable. Our Venterra Geoscience team who have vast international experience, will offer strategic insights to not only meet but exceed Canada's clean energy goals, exemplifying responsible and sustainable wind farm deployment."
The Canadian government's commitment to a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 confirms the critical nature of these assessments in supporting clean energy initiatives for the future.
Media Enquiries:
Stiofáin MacDáibhéad, Head of Venterra Engineering Communications, Venterra Group
+00 353 86 3298700; stiofain@gdgeo.com
Katie Rogers, Communications Manager
+44 7463 110 249; katie.rogers@venterra-group.com
About Venterra Group Plc
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry's rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of nine sector-leading service providers with expertise and experience across engineer, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 600+ global workforce is helping developers and tier one contractors to bring wind power capacity online more quickly, competitively and sustainably. For further information please visit www.venterra-group.com.
Venterra Geoscience is a specialist team of globally recognised geoscience experts from Venterra Group companies Ordtek, Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG) and Partrac. Together they advise and support the early stages of offshore renewable energy developments across site characterisation, ground modelling, survey management, sediment processes, GIS & Data processes and UXO risk. Leveraging their expertise as subject matter specialists, the Venterra Geoscience team provides comprehensive ground risk management support, including consideration for anthropogenic and natural geohazards, UXO risk management, survey support, and geohazard assessment. By integrating offshore survey datasets into evolving ground models, the expert team enhances safety and drives efficiencies at all stages of a project lifecycle, smoothing the pathway to construction and ensuring ongoing support for Operations and Maintenance operations. With a strong emphasis on de-risking projects and optimising design, Venterra Geoscience empowers the wider Venterra Engineering and Build divisions to deliver successful and sustainable offshore wind projects for clients. Early assessments of ground risk and meticulous ground modelling ensure proactive risk mitigation, optimal design strategies, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and seamless project planning, setting the standard for excellence in offshore wind development.
