The Canadian province of Nova Scotia has set a target to offer leases for 5GW of offshore wind energy by 2030 to support the green hydrogen industry.
The leases will be granted through a competitive bid process jointly managed by the provincial and federal governments and the first call for bids will be in 2025.
After reaching the 5GW target, calls for bids will be based on market opportunities.
Offshore wind projects will be administered by the current offshore petroleum regulator whose mandate will be expanded and name changed to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Board.
This board will ensure offshore wind projects meet all safety and environmental requirements.
The province also announced that it is developing a green hydrogen action plan which will be released in 2023.
It will outline the role green hydrogen can play in the transition to clean energy and the steps the government will take to build this industry, which will help Nova Scotia reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Nova Scotia Premier’s office said that the province’s offshore wind industry will be developed in consultation with fishers, First Nations and other stakeholders.
It added that it will also take into account the federal-provincial regional assessment for offshore wind that is currently underway.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said: “Setting this target sends a clear signal to the world that Nova Scotia is open for business and becoming an international leader in offshore wind and green hydrogen development.
“We are taking every opportunity to develop our renewable energy market, not only to fight global climate change, but also to create green jobs here in Nova Scotia.”
Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said: “The Government of Canada is pleased to support our partners in Nova Scotia in delivering the deployment of clean offshore wind.
“This clean energy target represents an ambitious step forward towards delivering a net-zero economy powered in part by wind and hydrogen, while delivering sustainable jobs for Nova Scotians and Canadians.”
Canadian Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables Tory Rushton said: “Nova Scotia offers some of the best offshore wind resources in the world, with ample capacity to serve both local and international green hydrogen markets.
“We will use this geography to our advantage in our pursuit of offshore wind as one of many solutions to help fight climate change and grow our green economy. This is a promising opportunity for Nova Scotia.”
Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship chief executive officer Melanie Nadeau said: “Today’s announcement further strengthens Canada’s role as a leader in renewable energy and provides a great opportunity for the marine industry in Nova Scotia.
“The government’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 exemplifies that progress in the renewable energy sector is essential to the future of innovation, climate change and the economy.”