N.S., Massachusetts sign offshore wind energy agreement

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Nova Scotia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Massachusetts as it continues its work toward creating offshore wind energy.

Premier Tim Houston and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the agreement today at a news conference in Boston. The government says that the agreement will work toward Nova Scotia supplying the state with offshore wind energy.

“We’re on the verge of our first call for bids to license the first offshore wind projects in Canada, and we’re advancing Wind West to build the transmission infrastructure to send that clean energy to markets,” said Premier Houston. “Our agreement with Massachusetts signals to developers that markets for their clean energy are solidifying, giving them even more confidence to invest in our new offshore wind industry.”

The agreement outlines a number of areas of collaboration between the two jurisdictions, including market coordination, grid integration and supply chain development.

“Our relationship with Nova Scotia is special. More than a century ago, when the Halifax Explosion devastated the city and its port, Massachusetts was there to provide immediate aid and support,” Governor Healey said. “That spirit of collaboration continues today as we work together to build a strong, resilient offshore wind sector that lowers energy costs and creates good-paying jobs along the Atlantic coast.”

Related:

• Houston optimistic about Wind West after ‘excellent conversations’ with Ottawa
• N.S. on track for 2030 green energy target, Wind West project not yet in development
• Nova Scotia offshore regulator looking to study potential Wind West sites

A call for bids on offshore wind energy in Nova Scotia is expected in the coming months, according to the provincial government.

Houston first floated his province’s Wind West project over the summer, and the $60-billion first phase is estimated to produce five gigawatts of power by 2033.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said the federal government is prepared to work with Nova Scotia to accelerate the development of Wind West