We are pleased to announce that Net Zero Atlantic and the Carbon Trust have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together in support of Nova Scotia's emerging offshore wind industry. This collaboration brings together internationally recognised expertise and regional leadership to help shape an informed path forward for one of Canada's most compelling clean energy opportunities.
A World-Class Offshore Wind Opportunity
Nova Scotia has world-class offshore wind resources, strong political ambition, and the conditions to build a new clean energy industry that supports economic growth, energy security, and decarbonisation at scale.
Net Zero Atlantic's work is grounded in a clear understanding of both the potential and the complexity. Offshore wind buildout in Atlantic Canada is not constrained by resource availability, but by access to electricity markets and the associated grid infrastructure needed to deliver that energy. Identifying viable transmission corridors, understanding cable technology options, and navigating regulatory and environmental considerations will determine whether this industry can be built responsibly and competitively.
Federal & Provincial Investment Supports the Analytical Foundation
In February 2025, Natural Resources Canada announced nearly $5 million in funding through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), alongside nearly $700,000 in financial and in-kind support from the Province of Nova Scotia, for Net Zero Atlantic's Data Analysis and Modelling for Atlantic Offshore Wind and Transmission project.
This investment supports the next phase of offshore wind and electricity system planning, furthering our understanding of interconnection and transmission corridors, identifying where those corridors may exist, and informing what technology and regulatory pathways are available. Outputs are expected to reduce early-stage uncertainty and inform transmission planning and future investment decisions across Eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
Bringing Global Experience to Nova Scotia
The Carbon Trust is a globally recognised expert in offshore wind market development, with extensive experience supporting emerging markets across Europe and beyond. Through this MOU, Carbon Trust will provide independent, evidence-based advice as Nova Scotia's offshore wind market takes shape.
Together, Net Zero Atlantic and the Carbon Trust will focus on the early-stage market design decisions that will determine how Nova Scotia's offshore wind industry scales, attracts investment, and delivers long-term value.
Voices from the Collaboration
"The Carbon Trust brings global offshore wind experience that directly strengthens what we are building in Nova Scotia. We are applying those lessons here to guide early decisions and ensure the analytical and strategic work this industry needs moves forward with confidence."
— Alisdair McLean, Chief Executive Officer, Net Zero Atlantic
"Early market decisions matter. By combining international offshore wind experience with strong regional leadership, this collaboration will help decision makers in Nova Scotia build a credible and investable offshore wind pathway."
— Jan Matthiesen, Director, The Carbon Trust
Offshore wind in Atlantic Canada is moving. We look forward to completing this work alongside the Carbon Trust and to what comes next.