The first study of its kind, the Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Grid Integration and Transmission Study shares findings from Phase 1 of a two-year study.
In 2023, Net Zero Atlantic's Sven Scholtysik, Research Director, and Kiera Walsh, Project Manager, initiated a research project that would advance our understanding of how to make offshore wind a reality for our region. The first study of its kind in Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Grid Integration and Transmission Study is primed to lay a solid foundation for future studies on the topic and help answer the questions surrounding transmission.
Phase 1 report released on June 9, 2025
The Phase 1 - Market Opportunities for Offshore Wind (OSW) in Atlantic Canada report is focused on domestic and international market opportunities and is the first published deliverable. Along with a supporting policy assessment report, it will serve to inform further investigations in Phase 2 by providing current context and future possibilities in the region.
Readers of the report will find in-depth information related to domestic and export opportunities for OSW on a regional (Atlantic Canada) scale and gain an understanding of what shape these opportunities could take in the future (over the next 25 years). The Phase 1 report will also help the region to start answering the question of how OSW can play a role in the energy mix/future plans for the provinces/Atlantic Canada.
Many partners have been key to ensuring optimal data and approaches were a part of the study.
Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD) Energy Innovation Program (EIP) was the project funder. The EIP focuses on advancing clean energy technologies to both support Canada’s climate change targets, as well as to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. An experienced team with in-depth knowledge of our region, consultants Stantec and Energy and Environmental Economics (E3) conducted the work and provided us with a thorough report. Provincial government and electrical utility representatives also participated by steering and technical committees for the study and providing key insights and guidance throughout this phase of work.
The Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Grid Integration and Transmission Study is another example of how we will enable the transition of Atlantic Canada’s energy system to a carbon-neutral future through collaboration on applied research.
Next Up for the Study
The Phase 2 – Offshore Wind Resource Potential Study and Phase 3 – Grid Integration Study reports are next, and the results in this report will be further iterated upon throughout the remainder of the project. We are excited to continue sharing these results throughout the year.
READ MORE ABOUT THE STUDY | DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
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