N.S. identifies five areas for potential offshore wind farms
Posted Mar 14, 2025 01:23:40 PM.
Last Updated Mar 14, 2025 04:14:05 PM.
The provincial government is proposing five areas for offshore wind farm development in Nova Scotia.
The government says in working with federal partners, five areas have been identified to be proposed for offshore wind, including:
- French Bank
- Middle Bank
- Sable Island Bank
- Sydney Bight
- Western/Emerald Bank
In all, these offshore areas cover more than 19,500 square kilometres.
A 25-kilometre buffer zone has been recommended from the Nova Scotia coastline and around Sable Island, a national park reserve.
“Later this year, after areas are designated, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator will manage a competitive licensing process for developing wind farms,” read a government media release. “The process will include identifying specific parcels within wind energy areas for development.”
The province says the public can offer feedback on the proposed areas up until April 14.
While offshore areas are jointly managed by the two levels of government, their work is supposed to include regular communication with Mi’kmaq First Nations, fishers, developers and communities.
“The designation of Wind Energy Areas by federal and provincial governments is meant to clarify where offshore wind development can take place in the future; it does not mean that development will take place in the area,” the discussion paper says.
With files from The Canadian Press.
