Nova Scotia has announced a temporary halt in the development of offshore wind within its provincial waters, opting instead to focus on establishing a regulatory framework for areas jointly managed with the federal government.
Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, emphasized the significance of offshore wind in the province's clean energy plan and affirmed collaboration with federal partners to facilitate sustainable development.
The decision to pause the consideration of waters under provincial jurisdiction underscores a commitment to creating a clear pathway for the sector's growth. Nova Scotia has set a target of offering licenses for 5GW of offshore wind energy by 2030, with the inaugural call for bids slated for 2025. The province's move to concentrate on jointly managed waters aligns with ongoing regional assessments that will inform decisions regarding the regulatory framework for both areas.
Rushton encouraged active participation from Nova Scotians in the ongoing process, stating, “Our decision to focus on jointly managed waters first reflects that we are listening to the feedback through this process.” The province aims to strike a balance between advancing its clean energy goals and ensuring that the regulatory foundation for offshore wind aligns with public input and collaborative efforts with federal authorities.
