Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said the federal government is investing in a low-carbon future powered by clean energy (source: Canadian Gov)
Nearly C$1.9M (US$1.42M) is to be invested in capacity building to help lay the foundations for offshore wind projects in the province of Nova Scotia in Canada
The ‘Capacity Building for the Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Resource’ programme will ensure an inclusive approach to offshore wind development in Nova Scotia in two phases.
Phase One will bring together Mi’kmaw First Nations people and other communities in educational forums and workshops toward the creation of community outreach plans.
Phase Two will deliver on these plans by developing the foundations for offshore wind developments across Nova Scotia’s coastal communities.
C$1.8M is being million invested in Net Zero Atlantic, an energy research organization advancing Canada’s transition to a carbon-neutral society. Net Zero Atlantic and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq are also contributing to the project, bringing the total investment to C$1.9M.
The investment is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to support innovative projects in the energy sector that will lead to a clean, sustainable and competitive energy and resource industry while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing economic reconciliation and fighting climate change.
Canada Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said, “Today’s announcement creates a foundation for further clean energy deployment, including in rural and Indigenous communities.
“In the recent Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada announced support for clean energy and technologies and the creation of a sustainable jobs training centre and secretariat. Smart investments like those announced today are enabling a sustainable and prosperous low-carbon future powered by clean, abundant and reliable energy.”
In September 2022, the province set a target to offer leases for 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030, to support its budding green hydrogen industry.
Leases for offshore wind development will be granted through a competitive bid process jointly managed by the provincial and federal governments. The first call for bids will be in 2025. After reaching the 5-GW target, calls for bids will be based on market opportunities.
