Offshore wind energy for Nova Scotia: The challenges and the options

Abstract

Concerns over the causes and effects of climate change have induced an enthusiastic political consideration of offshore wind developments in Nova Scotia. Marine wind turbine farms have been established elsewhere for more than 30 years, but they are a new venture for the Maritimes. Wind over the sea is often stronger, less turbulent and more consistent than over land, and there is also a growing demand for green hydrogen, that could be provided by the strong winds flowing over the Scotian Shelf. However, offshore wind development in Nova Scotia comes with significant challenges. The materials required for a wind farm and its installation (e.g. turbines, installation vessels etc.) currently need to be obtained from elsewhere. The article summarizes the results of a two year long Regional Assessment of the feasibility and acceptability of offshore wind development in Nova Scotia’s waters.