A report has been published that highlights the opportunities for Atlantic Canada’s wind energy supply chain growth.
Atlantic Canada, home to some of the world’s strongest offshore and onshore wind resources, is ready to drive clean energy growth and support emissions reduction targets through new projects, according to the findings of the Atlantic Wind Energy Supply Chain Assessment.
Commissioned by Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) with support from the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and the Prince Edward Island Energy Corporation, and executed by Xodus Group, the report reveals significant opportunities for regional businesses to participate in the growing renewable energy sector.
Depending on development scenarios, offshore wind projects could generate up to 6000 jobs at peak times under a medium scenario, while onshore wind projects could generate up to 5000 jobs at peak times under the same scenario.
Atlantic Canada has a skilled workforce and established companies in areas such as marine operations, logistics, and environmental consulting, making it well-positioned to support both onshore and offshore wind projects.
Among the 1070 companies assessed for offshore wind, approximately 21%–28% were identified as ‘highly applicable,’ meaning they have direct experience and relevant products and services to meet the growing demand for new projects.
Similarly, for onshore wind, about 22% of the 950 companies evaluated fell into same category, with another 100 companies showing great potential to enhance their capabilities to meet the industry needs.
Indigenous businesses and organizations bring unique strengths such as land stewardship, community engagement, sustainable practices, and have strong potential for project equity participation and supply chain contributions.
The report found that 16% of assessed companies in the Atlantic Canada are diverse- or Indigenous-owned enterprises, highlighting a strong foundation for inclusive growth.
While the region has notable strengths, additional investment in infrastructure, workforce training, and specialised manufacturing will further enhance the local supply chain’s competitiveness.
Recommendations include leveraging existing supply chain strengths, strengthening industry ecosystem support, encouraging supply chain diversity, supporting Indigenous involvement, expanding workforce training, improving access to wind energy jobs, fostering policy support for local economic benefits, increasing industry awareness, and driving innovation.
“The Atlantic Wind Energy Supply Chain Assessment highlights the incredible potential of Atlantic Canada’s offshore and onshore wind energy sector and the opportunities it presents for local businesses.
“With strategic investments and collaboration, we can establish a robust supply chain that benefits communities and accelerates our clean energy goals,” said Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada.
“There are opportunities all along the supply chain for these sectors that are making good use of our natural resources and making our region more energy secure,” said Trevor Boudreau, Nova Scotia Minister of Energy.
“As Prince Edward Island continues to invest in wind power and we work to become a cleantech hub for the region, the Atlantic Wind Energy Supply Chain Study is helping to identify our regional strengths, give advice on addressing gaps, and giving us a guidebook to our next steps,” said Gilles Arsenault, Prince Edward Island Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.