Canada has designated its first four offshore wind energy areas (WEAs) off Nova Scotia, pressing ahead with plans to license 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. The zones include French Bank, Middle Bank, Sable Island Bank, and Sydney Bight, with the aim of launching a competitive call for bids later this year.

The designation follows a regional assessment that started in 2023 and initially shortlisted eight areas. Five were proposed for public feedback by April, and after refining based on stakeholder input, four were confirmed—French Bank and Sydney Bight were slightly reduced in size.

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

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson called the move “a significant step forward towards unlocking our renewable energy potential.” Premier Tim Houston added that Nova Scotia—known for some of the world’s top offshore wind regimes—has “the potential to become a clean energy superpower.” Provincial Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau said the designation sends a clear signal to industry that “it’s time to invest in Nova Scotia.”

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.