Oceanic Wind Energy and Coast Tsimshian Enterprises (CTE) have secured an Investigative Use Permit (IUP) for the first phase of their proposed offshore wind project in Hecate Strait, British Columbia.
The milestone allows the partners to progress development of a 600–700MW wind farm located just west of Stephens Island, potentially Canada’s first offshore wind project.
CTE is a 50:50 joint venture between the Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations.
“This agreement brings Oceanic and CTE a major step closer to realising Canada’s first offshore wind project,” said Oceanic Wind Energy president Mike O’Connor.
Hecate Strait offers Class 7 wind conditions with average annual wind speeds over 10m/s and a winter capacity factor above 65%, according to the partners.
They said the project could play a critical role in meeting growing energy demand in northwest BC, including at the Port of Prince Rupert and across expanding industrial and resource sectors.
“This first phase will help power the region’s growth while creating long-term economic and environmental benefits,” said CTE director Ryan Leighton.
The project is expected to support Canada’s greenhouse gas reduction targets and reinforce British Columbia’s position as a leader in low-cost green energy.