An overview of what our team is doing on the topic of wind
On the topic of wind, we are working on research and projects with federal and provincial government departments and at time Indigenous communities to build a sustainable and inclusive energy transition in Atlantic Canada. Our contribution to wind development is to identify knowledge gaps, lead applied research, share information, and engage communities.
Visit this page when you want information on:
- how we are helping communities further their awareness of onshore and offshore wind potential in the target region.
- what offshore wind research is being conducted regarding electricity grids and port infrastructure readiness.
Additional research and projects will be added to this page as more partners join us in these efforts. Visit again.
Completed Applied Research
Our team collaborates with subject matter experts to carry out technical and other research meant to inform the evolution of wind energy development in Atlantic Canada.
Two notable reports on offshore wind from 2023 in our research portal are Creating a Workplan for Offshore Wind Pathways to Market Studies and Value mapping Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Resources. They investigate the practical applications of wind in terms of the economic benefit and the electricity grid
Leading a Grid Integration and Transmission Study
One of the more promising strategies for low-carbon electricity generation lies in harnessing the potential of offshore wind in Atlantic Canadian waters. Realizing this significant potential will require electricity grid integration mechanisms allowing for multiple pathways to market.
The Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Integration and Transmission Study is involving many key stakeholders, such as federal and provincial policymakers, electricity grid operators, regulatory bodies, and research institutions to lay the groundwork by identifying potential pathways, constraints, and investments needed, with an emphasis on technical impacts of OSW integration on the Atlantic Canadian electricity grid.
Building Community Capacity
We are currently leading a project with partners in rural Nova Scotia and Mi'kmaw communities, called Capacity Building for the Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Resource. The aim is to use knowledge-sharing methods to increase everyone's capacity to beneficially and confidently participate in offshore wind projects.
Capacity building for this project goes both ways. We present information on Nova Scotia's offshore wind potential to spark conversations with community members and collect local insights.
- Read our first What We Heard Report.
- Share your questions and comments via email at offshorewind@netzeroatlantic.ca.
Port Capacity for Offshore Wind
Ports are essential to establishing the infrastructure needed to complete the energy transition underway now. As such, we are leading a study with eligible ports, called Assessment of Atlantic Canadian Ports to Support Offshore Wind Development, to assess how ready our region’s port infrastructure is for the offshore wind industry.
Collecting Credible Data for Conversations
Onshore wind developments are underway, and Nova Scotia residents are being asked to participate. With an overwhelming number of sources online, Net Zero Atlantic initiated the Clean Power Plan Public Education and Engagement Project and to date our researchers have gathered credible 65+ sources based in science and authored by reliable researchers. We distilled these sources into useful facts and prepared a resource page featuring statements, metrics, and graphs to inform and answer common local questions.
Our aim is for "Useful facts for talking about onshore wind in Nova Scotia" will help residents feel confident in what they know and share with their friends, family, and neighbours.