Marine Renewables Canada (MRC), with support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Nova Scotia Department of Energy (DOE), is launching a new two-year initiative aimed at strengthening supply chain and workforce readiness for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
Offshore Wind Futures will help local businesses and workers build the knowledge, skills, and industry connections needed to participate in future offshore wind projects in Nova Scotia and beyond.
Atlantic Canada has world-class offshore wind resources and a strong base of marine and energy sector capabilities that can support the development of a domestic offshore wind industry. In Nova Scotia, this opportunity is being advanced through Wind West Atlantic Energy, an ambitious plan aimed at harnessing more than 60 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind potential.
The opportunity is expected to begin with the development of 5 GW of offshore wind, with Nova Scotia preparing to launch its first Call for Bids, supported by new transmission infrastructure to deliver clean electricity to markets in Eastern Canada and potentially the United States. The scale of this opportunity underscores the importance of preparing the regional supply chain.
The MRC-led Atlantic Wind Energy Supply Chain Assessment evaluated more than 1,000 companies across Atlantic Canada and found that approximately 60 percent already have capabilities applicable to offshore wind, particularly in areas such as marine operations, logistics, and environmental services. The assessment also found that offshore wind development could create up to 6,000 jobs at peak construction under a medium deployment scenario of 7.5 GW.
At the same time, the assessment identified areas where further preparation is needed to maximize regional participation. These include increasing supplier understanding of offshore wind procurement and project opportunities, developing workforce skills and training, strengthening connections between developers and regional suppliers, and supporting inclusive participation throughout the supply chain.
"Offshore wind represents a significant economic opportunity for Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada, and we already have many of the companies, skills, and the expertise needed to participate in this growing industry," said Elisa Obermann, Chief Executive Officer of Marine Renewables Canada. "Offshore Wind Futures is about building on those strengths and addressing the gaps that remain - helping businesses understand where they fit in the offshore wind supply chain, preparing our workforce for future opportunities, and creating stronger connections between regional suppliers and the offshore wind industry."
Offshore Wind Futures has five key objectives:
1. Increase supplier readiness.
Prepare Nova Scotian and Atlantic Canadian companies to compete for offshore wind supply chain contracts.
2. Develop a skilled workforce.
Establish training pathways aligned with offshore wind occupations and industry certification standards.
3. Support inclusive participation.
Expand participation of the full workforce including Indigenous businesses, diverse suppliers, and rural communities.
4. Strengthen the regional offshore wind ecosystem.
Build stronger connections between developers, suppliers, training institutions, and communities.
5. Support local workforce and supply chain competitiveness in future offshore wind procurement processes.
Ensure regional companies and workers are prepared to participate in upcoming offshore wind projects.
Through its supplier readiness activities, MRC will help companies understand where their capabilities fit within the offshore wind value chain, build awareness of procurement pathways and supplier requirements, and prepare regional businesses to compete for future contracts. The initiative will also create opportunities to strengthen connections between local suppliers, offshore wind developers, Tier-1 suppliers, and other industry partners.
On workforce development, Offshore Wind Futures will identify priority occupations, skills and workforce needs, and support greater alignment between industry requirements and regional training pathways. It will also strengthen coordination among industry, training institutions, governments, and workforce partners while supporting opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities, underrepresented groups, and rural communities.
"Atlantic Canadian businesses have the skills and expertise to play a major role in offshore wind," said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The opportunity now is to make sure they are ready to compete as the industry develops. This initiative will help more local businesses secure contracts and keep more of the economic benefits here at home. We're proud to support Marine Renewables Canada in preparing our region for what's ahead."
"Through Wind West we are transforming from an energy importer into a clean energy superpower, and we see this sector as one of our province's highest economic growth opportunities for the coming decades," said Tim Houston, Nova Scotia Premier and Minister of Energy. "As I travelled around the province this summer, I heard from Nova Scotia businesses who are eager to participate in offshore wind and want to know how to prepare. This initiative will help our businesses, workforce and communities get ready for the jobs and economic opportunities that offshore wind development will create."
As the initiative progresses, MRC will share relevant updates, resources, and opportunities. For more information, please contact Corey Mattie, Manager, Offshore Wind Supply Chain & Workforce, at corey@marinerenewables.ca.
More Information
About Marine Renewables Canada (MRC)
MRC is the national association for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy, representing technology and project developers, suppliers, utilities, Indigenous organizations, researchers, and communities. We strive to champion Canada's growing marine renewable energy sector through advocacy, engagement, and education and expand market opportunities across the country and globally. Learn more at www.marinerenewables.ca.
