Renewable energy consultancy OWC has secured a contract to provide technical advisory services and analysis for Canada's upcoming offshore wind auction framework. The project, led by Canada's Ocean Supercluster and Marine Renewables Canada, aims to develop a framework that will guide future offshore wind auction processes in Canada, as the country seeks to expand its renewable energy sector.
Canada's Ocean Supercluster, an industry-led national consortium, brings together companies across diverse ocean industries to promote sustainable ocean solutions. Marine Renewables Canada, a national industry association, focuses on advancing marine renewables, including offshore wind power, across the nation.
OWC's operations in the United Kingdom, with teams in Glasgow and London, will manage the project, supported by OWC's New York office and the Canadian operations of sister company ABL, which has offices in Halifax, Calgary, St. John's, and Vancouver.
Jeff Fodiak, OWC's director for the Americas region, emphasized the company's expertise in North America and global experience in offshore wind advisory. “With entrenched roots and a track-record in North America, combined with OWC's global expert offering in offshore wind bid advisory, we are uniquely placed to provide recommendations for a robust and competitive auction process in Canada,” he said.
The Province of Nova Scotia has set an ambitious target to auction 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2030, with the first auction anticipated in 2025. Fodiak highlighted OWC's extensive international experience in supporting auction processes, noting, “We were pleased to help shape the parameters for future offshore wind auctions in Canada,” referencing the company's experience in Scotland, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States.
OWC, a part of Oslo-listed ABL Group ASA, specializes in technical due diligence, owner's engineering, project advisory, and engineering services for both onshore and offshore renewable energy projects. The company's involvement in the Canadian framework signals its expanding role in global offshore wind development, aimed at supporting Canada's long-term renewable energy goals.