Net Zero Atlantic says the final report of an assessment of the ability of Canadian ports to support offshore wind projects demonstrates that, with sufficient investment, numerous ports could do so
The report provides a snapshot of Atlantic Canada’s port capabilities, highlighting 10 large ports that have the potential to serve as primary hubs for offshore wind projects in both domestic and US markets.
The study assessed current and future demand in Atlantic Canada and the US. Although Atlantic Canada does not have operational offshore wind projects yet, it provides an ideal location for both fixed-bottom and floating wind projects with consistent wind speeds. Several provinces have conducted regional assessments, and in particular, Nova Scotia has proposed five wind energy areas for commercial development.
Among the ports assessed as having the potential to support offshore wind projects are Port of Belledune (New Brunswick); Port Saint John (New Brunswick), Channel Port aux Basques (Newfoundland & Labrador), Port of Argentia (Newfoundland & Labrador), Port of Mortier Bay (Newfoundland &
Labrador), Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal (Nova Scotia), Melford International Terminal (Nova Scotia), Novaporte (Nova Scotia), Port of Sheet Harbour (Nova Scotia) and Port Hawkesbury Paper (Nova Scotia).
The authors of the report found there is demand for ports in Atlantic Canada that can support fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind projects. The 10 ports identified include brownfield sites and four greenfield sites. Six of the 10 sites had the capability to develop their facilities to support floating offshore windfarms.
Several Atlantic Canadian ports – including Argentia, Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal and Sheet Harbour – have already supported offshore wind projects on the East Coast of the US and have reported interest in continuing to do so, although the need for this support will depend highly on the current and future US administration’s policies on renewable energy. Based on a demand analysis, at least one primary port, with potential demand for three, will be required to meet Atlantic Canadian offshore wind targets.
“Having 10 locations with potential to support offshore wind development in Atlantic Canada as primary ports is encouraging,” said Net Zero Atlantic research director Sven Scholtysik. “More ports will play a role, but primary ports are essential to the development of offshore wind sites.”
As a coastal region with many active ports and significant offshore wind potential, Atlantic Canada is well-placed to play a key role in successfully developing Canada’s offshore wind industry. However, the degree of readiness for the potential ports was unknown and an assessment of port suitability was needed.
Assessment of Atlantic Canadian Ports to Support Offshore Wind Development, led by Net Zero Atlantic and supported in funding by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and three offshore wind developers, Northland Power, Simply Blue Group and Nova East Wind, was developed to provide an overview of capabilities for ports and investors.
“This assessment is an important step in preparing the region for offshore wind development,” said Nova East Wind project development manager Gerry Sheehan. “By identifying port needs and opportunities, it helps provide clarity for future investment and positions Atlantic Canada as a competitive player in the offshore wind industry.”
The study began with a self-reported information survey from interested ports and concluded with an 81-page report and an accompanying set of port infrastructure layouts. The research was conducted by Moffatt & Nichol, Xodus, Caron Hawco Group, Angler Solutions and Envigour.
