EnergyOMNI's Perspectives I Canada to Launch Offshore Wind Tender in 2025 Prequalification Process Underway

Edited by EnergyOMNI

After several offshore wind projects in the United States were suspended or canceled during the Trump administration, neighboring Canada is moving in the opposite direction—preparing to invest in offshore wind development this year.

Canada to Develop Offshore Wind, Targeting 5 GW Allocation by 2030

In January 2025, the Canadian government released a Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia, located on the country's southeastern coast. The report initially identified eight areas suitable for offshore wind development. In March, Nova Scotia's Department of Energy and Natural Resources further narrowed the selection to five potential wind energy areas.

By July, the federal and provincial governments jointly designated four offshore wind energy areas—three located off the coast of southeast of Nova Scotia and one off the eastern coast of Cape Breton Island. These areas will be included in Canada's first-ever offshore wind tender, aiming to allocate up to 5 GW of capacity by 2030.

At the end of August, Canada officially established the Major Projects Office (MPO) to accelerate the review and development of major infrastructure projects deemed in the national interest, including the Wind West Atlantic Energy. The long-term goal is to develop over 60 GW of offshore wind capacity in the Atlantic region.

Offshore Wind Tender Prequalification Process Launched

In September, the Canadian government announced the policy framework for the Wind West Atlantic Energy, setting a goal to complete preliminary studies, data collection, stakeholder consultations, and finalize tender rules by the end of 2025, paving the way for the country's first offshore wind tender later in the year.

On September 20, the Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator confirmed that it had received instructions from both the federal and provincial governments to initiate call for bids process. Alongside the call for information, the process will include a prequalification process to assess applicants' financial capacity, technical expertise, and legal and social standing. The prequalification process will last at least 90 days.

According to current regulations, successful bidders will receive a Submerged Land License with a minimum term of 35 years. Each bid requires a USD 250,000 submission fee, and successful bidders must pay an additional USD 750,000 upon the issuance of the license.

Once the submerged land lease begins, a fixed annual rent will be charged until the wind farm becomes operational. The proposed lease rate is approximately USD 1,500 per square kilometer per year. After operations commence, lease payments will be based on either the project's rated capacity or a percentage of total generation revenue. Detailed regulations will be announced at a later stage.