Canada and Nova Scotia impose a moratorium on offshore wind energy in the Georges Bank

The Canadian and Nova Scotian governments have jointly imposed a moratorium on the development of offshore wind farms in the Georges Bank, aiming to protect this vital marine ecosystem and the local industries dependent on it.

Partagez:

The Canadian and Nova Scotian governments have announced the imposition of a moratorium on the development of offshore wind farms in the Canadian portion of the Georges Bank. This measure aims to preserve the ecological integrity of this crucial maritime area and support the local industries that rely on it.

Georges Bank is a vast ocean plateau located between Cape Cod and Nova Scotia. It serves as a habitat for a wide variety of fish, marine mammals, and corals. The area is also one of the most productive commercial fishing zones in the world, providing jobs for thousands of Canadians.

Legislative Context and Joint Decision

This decision is based on recent amendments to the federal and provincial laws governing the Canada-Nova Scotia agreements. These amendments extend their scope to the management and regulation of offshore renewable energy. The moratorium on offshore wind energy aligns with the one imposed since 1988 on oil and gas activities in the Canadian portion of Georges Bank, recognising the ecological and socio-economic importance of the area.

Commitment to Responsible Development

Both the Canadian and Nova Scotian governments reaffirm their commitment to sustainably and responsibly exploiting offshore resources. The goal is to protect the environment while supporting the local economy. The imposition of this moratorium on offshore wind energy is part of this balanced approach.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Alisdair McLean, Executive Director of Net Zero Atlantic, praised the initiative, stating that this joint decision demonstrates the ability to protect a critical habitat while developing a substantial new source of clean energy. He added that decisions based on objective data strengthen confidence in the transition towards a clean and inclusive energy future.

German operator Encavis AG strengthens its portfolio by acquiring two wind farms in Lower Saxony and Saxony, totalling 59 MW, in a transaction with Energiequelle GmbH, thereby expanding its renewable energy assets.
Ocergy officially launches an industrial project aiming to install by 2028 a new-generation floating wind turbine of over 15 MW, in partnership with EnBW, Kyuden Mirai, and TEPCO Renewable Power.
France officially commissions its first floating wind farm, consisting of three turbines with a combined capacity of 25 megawatts, introducing strategic technology in the Mediterranean, vital for national energy goals.
Inaugurated on 20 June, the five-turbine plant of wpd onshore France feeds 18 MW into the grid and unlocks new tax revenue for four Côtes-d’Armor municipalities.
Statkraft refocuses investments on flexible Nordic hydropower and reduces commitments in offshore wind and hydrogen to lower operating costs, amid an uncertain economic environment and pressured profitability.
Suzlon Group receives third consecutive order from AMPIN Energy Transition to supply 170.1 MW of wind turbines for a project in India's Andhra Pradesh state, strengthening their strategic industrial partnership.
The Muir Mhòr floating wind project secures Aberdeenshire's onshore consent, paving the way for the potential production of one gigawatt of electricity, enough to power up to 1.2 million British homes by the early 2030s.
Iberdrola España and Renfe conclude a virtual power purchase agreement for 370 GWh per year for ten years, strengthening the use of renewable energy in Spanish railway transport.
TotalEnergies has been awarded a concession in the North Sea enabling the development of a 1GW offshore wind project, reinforcing its strategic presence in Germany.
With an annual increase of 14%, global offshore wind capacity now reaches 85.2 gigawatts, driven mainly by China, the United Kingdom, and Germany, while another 27.3 gigawatts are currently under construction.
Seabed exploration begins in Jammerland Bay to validate the placement of sixteen turbines and the cable corridor, the first tangible step before construction of the project led by TotalEnergies and European Energy.
RWE and Østermark Entreprenørforretning celebrate advanced construction of the operational building for Denmark's largest offshore wind farm, promising up to 60 permanent local jobs by 2026.
RWE and Amazon Web Services enter a strategic collaboration to supply renewable energy for data centres and accelerate digital capabilities within the global energy sector.
SSE Renewables inaugurated its first wind farm in Southern Europe in Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye, with eight Siemens Gamesa turbines and an investment exceeding €30mn ($32.3mn).
The Astenn Avel consortium, led by Elicio and Q ENERGY, brings in VALOREM to bid for the 500 MW floating wind project planned off the coast of Southern Brittany.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of the Mesgi'g Ugju's'n 2 wind farm, co-owned by Mi'gmaq communities and Innergex, through a combined equity and debt financing package.
The first turbine of the Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion project was assembled at Port-La Nouvelle, marking a major industrial milestone for Ocean Winds and its partners.
RWE inaugurated an onshore wind farm in Plounérin and Plounévez-Moëdec, featuring four turbines with a capacity of 14.7 MW, in partnership with the local SEM Lannion-Trégor.
The Moulins wind farm, made up of five turbines, was inaugurated on June 6 across three municipalities in the Douaisis region. It will generate €70,000 in annual tax revenue for local authorities.
Chinese firm SANY Renewable Energy enters Serbia through a 168 MW wind deal aimed at powering the local grid from 2028.