Renewable Energy developer Oceanic Wind Energy and indigenous entity Coast Tsimshian Enterprises have secured a permit to use Crown lands to investigate a potential 700-MW windfarm offshore British Columbia
The investigative use permit (IUP) covers an area in the Hecate Strait, west of Stephens Island in British Columbia.
An IUP is an exclusive type of tenure that allows organisations to occupy and utilise Crown land to conduct investigations and collect data related to a potential project or activity.
The IUP, secured in partnership with Coast Tsimshian Enterprises is for the first phase of development, targeting a capacity of 600 MW to 700 MW. CTE is a 50/50 partnership of the Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations.
Oceanic Wind Energy president Mike O’Connor said the permit brings Oceanic and CTE “a major step closer” to realising Canada’s first offshore wind project.
Hecate Strait, in northwest British Columbia, is home to one of the world’s most powerful and consistent wind resources. With Class 7 wind conditions, low shear and turbidity, average annual wind speeds exceeding 10 m/s, and a winter capacity factor of over 65%, the area offers what Oceanic describes as “an unparalleled opportunity to generate clean, reliable energy, especially during British Columbia’s peak demand season.”
The company said the Oceanic Wind Project “is uniquely positioned to deliver utility-scale renewable power to a region with growing energy needs and limited alternatives.”
The project could play a critical role in supporting the energy demands of the Port of Prince Rupert and the expanding industrial and resource sectors across northwest British Columbia.
CTE director Ryan Leighton said, “We look forward to working closely with Oceanic to develop this transformative project. This first phase will help power the region’s growth while creating long-term economic and environmental benefits.”
In addition to supporting regional development, the project will contribute significantly to Canada’s greenhouse gas reduction goals and reinforce British Columbia’s leadership in cost-effective, green energy generation.
