Advantages of offshore wind energy
Electricity can be generated by capturing kinetic energy from the movement of air across large blades mounted to a turbine. These turbines can be located on land or in the water. Offshore wind energy refers to electricity generated by wind blowing across the sea. Offshore wind energy is more efficient than onshore wind due to stronger and more consistent wind speeds and the lack of physical interference that landforms or human-made objects can present.Note de bas de page 1
Because of their large size, offshore wind energy projects can produce large amounts of energy, which can bring needed power to our electricity system to heat our homes and buildings, power industry and power new technologies such as the production of hydrogen for export.
Offshore wind is a well-established sector in Europe and East Asia, with the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark at the forefront in Europe, and China leading in offshore wind development globally (GWEC 2024). Offshore wind is growing at a rapid pace around the world: from 2022 to 2023 there was a 24% increase in new capacity (GWEC 2024). The industry has reached a competitive levelized cost of energy in many international jurisdictions, including in the northeast United States, and this cost is expected to continue to decrease over the coming decades (IRENA 2024).
With the longest coastlines in the world, Canada is well positioned to partake in the global offshore wind sector, which is forecast to attract $1 trillion in investment by 2040. Atlantic Canada is uniquely positioned to lead Canada’s offshore wind energy sector. Given Nova Scotia’s considerable offshore wind potential, in 2022, the Government of Nova Scotia set a provincial offshore wind target to offer leases for up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030.
Offshore wind technology
Offshore wind turbines are divided into 2 main categories based on their foundation type: fixed-based foundation wind turbines and floating-based foundation wind turbines. CanmetENERGY and the Renewable and Electrical Energy Division published an Offshore Wind Technology Scan which provides a thorough review of offshore wind technology.
Empowering Canadians with wind energy
Legislation
Regulations
Regional assessment of offshore wind development
Land tenure process
Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program
Contact us
Please reach out to us for questions: offshorerenewables-renouvelablesextracotieres@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca