Nova Scotia Offshore Wind R&D Forum 2025

The Nova Scotia Offshore Wind R&D Forum is convened by Net Zero Atlantic in partnership with Nova Scotia Department of Energy

Contents

Forum Overview
Registration and Accommodation
Program of Speakers & Sessions
Poster Presentations
Sponsorship
Forum 2024

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 (8:30AM - 6:30PM AT)
Location: The Westin Nova Scotian (1181 Hollis St, Halifax, NS B3H 2P6)

The development of offshore wind in Nova Scotia presents a generation-defining opportunity to build a sector that delivers sustainable economic growth, energy security, and climate resilience. As the Province moves toward issuing licences for offshore wind energy development, the focus is shifting from ambition to action.

As Nova Scotia prepares for its first offshore wind Call for Bids in 2025, the Forum builds on the momentum of the R&D Roundtable held in June 2025 and the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia’s Final Report to take stock of progress, refine research priorities, and define what’s needed next. Together, we aim to translate insights into coordinated action, align efforts across sectors, and drive real-world outcomes through shared knowledge and innovation.

Why Attend? 

• Shape the Future: Contribute to defining the research and partnerships needed to move projects from planning to production.
• Stay Ahead: Get the latest updates on offshore wind R&D in Nova Scotia and beyond, including what's emerging, what’s working, and where the gaps are.
• Make Connections: Build relationships across sectors, industry, academia, Indigenous leadership, communities, government, and NGOs.
• Advance Your Work: Align your research, policy, or investment priorities with Nova Scotia's offshore wind activities and initiatives.
• Collaborate for Real-World Outcomes: Be part of coordinated action that reduces duplication, supports better decision-making, and advance sustainable development.

Who Should Attend?

This forum is for anyone building the research foundation to advance offshore wind development in Nova Scotia. 

• Industry: Understand where R&D can reduce risk and drive project success. 
• Government: Align policy and investment with emerging research needs. 
• Academia: Connect your expertise to real-world offshore wind challenges. 
• Indigenous Communities: Ensure Indigenous knowledge and leadership guide development. 
• NGOs: Help shape environmentally responsible and socially inclusive research. 
• Fisheries: Share knowledge on environmental impacts and inform mitigation strategies. 

Delegate passes and fees*

As a delegate you will have access to the R&D Forum sessions, plenary and keynote, a networking reception, as well as breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks. 

Private sector - $350 early / $390 regular 
Non-profit, NGO, academic, and government - $225 early / $265 regular
Student - $50**
Student presenter - Free
Media pass - Free 

REGISTER NOW

If your organization would like to be invoiced for delegate passes, please email your request to events@netzeroatlantic.ca 

Important notes: *Fees do not include taxes or EventBrite fees. **Proof of full-time student status is required to be eligible for the student rate. Proof can be in the form of student ID or other official documentation of enrollment. 

Media accreditation

Media credential passes are available to qualified media. Media access includes access to forum sessions only.

For a media pass, please contact Kasia Morrison, Communications and Engagement Lead at kmorrison@netzeroatlantic.ca.

Cancellation policy

Refunds will be accepted up to 14 days prior to the event. After that period, no refunds will be accepted. Please note, that Eventbrite fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. We encourage you to instead transfer your registration to a colleague, guest or client rather than refund your ticket. Please email events@netzeroatlantic.ca to have a name changed on tickets being transferred.

The Westin Nova Scotia is the Forum's preferred hotel

Not only is The Westin Nova Scotian the location of the Forum, it is our preferred hotel. Forum delegates are being offered a discount for booking by August 25. The Westin Nova Scotian also offers proximity to many Halifax features, such as The Discovery Centre.

BOOK YOUR ROOM

Agenda at a Glance

Nova Scotia Offshore Wind R&D Forum 2025
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 (8:30 AM - 6:30 PM A.T.)
The Westin Nova Scotian (1181 Hollis St, Halifax, NS B3H 2P6)

Opening Session

9:05 AM – 9:40 AM (Commonwealth Ballroom)

Elder Ann LaBillois, Elder in Residence, Dalhousie University 

10:25 AM – 10:35 AM (Commonwealth Ballroom)

The Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia 

Tim Houston is Nova Scotia’s 30th Premier. Born in Halifax, Tim grew up in a military family, moving across Canada before returning to Nova Scotia for his father’s retirement posting. After obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce and earning his Chartered Accountant designation, Tim worked internationally before moving back home in 2007 with his wife, Carol, and their children, Paget and Zachary, to be closer to family. Tim’s passion for this province and its people—and discussions in hockey rinks—sparked his interest in politics. He was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as the MLA for Pictou East in 2013 and later became Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia in 2018. In 2020, Tim was awarded his profession’s highest mark of distinction, the Fellow (FCPA) designation, by Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia. Following a successful election campaign centered around “Solutions for Nova Scotians”, particularly in healthcare, Tim was sworn in as Premier on August 31, 2021. Now in his second term, Tim is delivering on his promise to “Make it Happen,” driving progress and embracing new opportunities to unlock Nova Scotia’s full potential.

Special Presentation

1:00 PM - 1:10 PM (Commonwealth Ballroom)

Alisdair McLean, Chief Executive Officer, Net Zero Atlantic 

Nova Scotia Offshore Wind R&D Program - Roadmap Overview. Download the Report.

Keynote Sessions

9:40 AM – 10:25 AM (Commonwealth Ballroom)

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE: 
Philipp Josef Tremer, German Offshore Wind Energy Foundation

Presentation Title - "A Brief History of Offshore Wind in Germany – Industry and Policy Challenges to Reach 70 GW by 2045" (presentation)

Philipp Josef Tremer was born in Nuremberg, Germany, and has been deeply committed to nature conservation and environmental protection for many years. While studying Environmental Engineering in Hamburg, he gained six years of professional experience as a teacher before completing an additional engineering qualification at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW). Since 2019, Mr. Tremer has been working as a Project Manager at the German Offshore Wind Energy Foundation. Initially, he was responsible for technical projects such as grid expansion, demand-based night-time marking, decommissioning of offshore wind turbines, and the use of drone technologies in wind farms. In 2022, he expanded his role to include leading the foundation’s educational activities and played a key role in establishing the German chapter of OffshoreWind 4 Kids to strengthen young people’s knowledge and awareness of offshore wind energy. Since 2023, Mr. Tremer has also been actively involved in the German Offshore Wind Initiative, supporting the international development of the sector in countries including the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. Through his work in the German Export Initiative and the Energy Partnerships program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), he contributes to raising global awareness of offshore wind energy. Currently, his work focuses on development cooperation, where he is initiating and supporting an association partnership between Indian wind energy organizations and the German Offshore Wind Energy Foundation. The aim of this collaboration is to share expertise and foster the successful development of offshore wind energy in India. With his expertise and passion for renewable energy, Philipp Josef Tremer is dedicated to promoting innovation, education, and international cooperation.

1:10 PM – 1:55 PM (Commonwealth Ballroom)

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE: 
Peter Nicholson, Canadian Climate Institute 

Presentation Title - "The Nation-building Power of Atlantic Offshore Wind" (presentation)

Peter Nicholson is originally from Halifax, educated in physics (BSc, MSc, Dalhousie University) and mathematics (PhD, Stanford). He has served in numerous posts in government, business, science, and higher education. His public service career included positions as Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada and as Special Advisor to the Secretary-general of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in Paris. Dr. Nicholson's business career has included senior executive positions with Scotiabank in Toronto and telecom holding company, BCE Inc. in Montreal. He retired in 2010 as founding president of the Council of Canadian Academies, an organization that conducts expert panel studies of scientific issues related to public policy. He is currently the Chair of the Board of the Canadian Climate Institute. Dr. Nicholson is a Member of the Order of Canada (C.M.) and the Order of Nova Scotia (O.N.S.) and is the recipient of six Honorary Degrees.

Technical Sessions

10:50 AM – 12:00 PM (Commonwealth Ballroom)

Grid Integration, Innovation, and Infrastructure 

This session examines how strategic planning, grid innovation, and infrastructure upgrades can enable efficient integration of offshore wind into evolving energy systems.

• Kiera Walsh, Net Zero Atlantic - Moderator
• Nathaniel Pearre, Dalhousie University/Mechanical Engineering - “Offshore Wind Siting Considerations for Grid Value” (presentation)
• Joshua Singer, Moffatt & Nichol - “Development of Offshore Wind Ports in Atlantic Canada” (presentation)
• Bojana Zindovic, Managing Consultant, Electricity Regulation & Market Design - Elia Grid International - “Harnessing European Insights: Bridging Provinces with Hybrid Offshore Wind Interconnectors and Energy Islands” (presentation)
• Daniela Pantoja, Stantec - "Offshore Wind Grid Integration and Transmission Study Phase 1 Results" (presentation)

2:05 PM – 3:15 PM (Commonwealth Ballroom)

Advancing Offshore Wind Data Management Strategies for Nova Scotia 

This panel explores forward-looking approaches to data collection, sharing, and integration in support of sustainable offshore wind development in Nova Scotia.

• Tom Levy, Natural Resources Canada - Moderator
• Brad Covey, Ocean Frontier Institute - “From Data to Deliberation: Rethinking Data Management for Sustainable Offshore Wind” (presentation)
• Kevin Smith, Fugro - “Advancing Offshore Wind Data Management Strategies for Nova Scotia” (presentation)
• Jon Pye, Ocean Tracking Network - "Platforms of Opportunity - Offshore Development's Role in Biodiversity Observation" (presentation)
• Angus Creech, Acadia University - "How Data and Modelling Improve Wind Farm Planning and Operation" (presentation)

3:30 PM – 4:40 PM (Commonwealth Ballroom)

Enabling Resilience: Design Considerations for Extreme Weather Events 

This panel explores how offshore wind infrastructure can be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions driven by climate change, with a focus on wake effects, icing, and performance resilience.

• Anne Marie Belliveau, Projectable Consulting - Moderator
• Lukas Swan, Renewable Energy Storage Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dalhousie University - “Icing and Wake Effects: Advanced Topics for Offshore Wind Farm Siting and Layout”
• Jerjis Kapra, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University - “The Effect of Climate Change on Offshore Wind Turbines in Nova Scotia” (presentation)
• Marianne Rodgers, Wind Energy Institute of Canada - “Field Trials and Analysis of Leading Edge Protection in a Coastal Environment” (presentation)
• Anthony Viselli, University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center - “VolturnUS + Concrete Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Deployed Off the Coast of Maine”

Environmental Sessions

10:50 AM – 12:00 PM (Harbour Suites) 

Navigating Offshore Wind Development and Sustainable Fisheries 

This session examines the intersection of offshore wind development and fisheries, with a focus on understanding ecological impacts, data gaps, and strategies for coexistence.

• Steve Bonnell, Department of Geography, Memorial University - Moderator
• Jessica Sameoto, Bedford Institute of Oceanography – “Sustaining Fisheries in a Changing Ocean: The Impact of Offshore Wind Development on DFO Scientific Surveys”
• Kris Vascotto, Nova Scotia Fisheries Alliance for Energy Engagement (NSFAEE) – “The Importance of Industry Engagement:  Understanding Fishing to Inform Location, Mitigation and Compensation” (presentation)
• Gregor Reid, Centre for Marine Applied Research – “Preliminary Survey Results: Visual Perception and Co-Location of Nova Scotia Offshore Wind Development” 

2:05 PM – 3:15 PM (Harbour Suites) 

Cumulative Environmental Effects: Frameworks and Approaches 

This session investigates how offshore wind interacts with other environmental and human pressures, exploring frameworks that assess cumulative effects across ecosystems and communities.

• Carys Burgess, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada - Moderator
• Stephanie Avery-Gomm, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada - “Demonstrating a Flexible Framework to Assess the Cumulative Effects of Offshore Wind Energy Development and Other Pressures on a Migratory Bird: A Case Study on Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) in Eastern Canada” 
• Ian Stewart, University of King’s College - “Applying a Social-Ecological Systems Approach to Cumulative Effects Assessment for Offshore Wind In Nova Scotia” (presentation)
• Celesa L.Horvath, Ventus Development Services Inc. - “From the Working Face: Consulting Practitioners’ Insights for Improving the Efficiency and Quality of Impact Assessment in Canada” (presentation)

3:30 PM – 4:40 PM (Harbour Suites) 

Tracking Change: Assessing Ecological Effects of Offshore Wind Development 

This panel focuses on tools and techniques for monitoring how offshore wind development affects marine ecosystems, from baseline data collection to long-term ecological tracking.

• Dan Hasselman, AquaVeritas Research - Moderator
• Hilary Moors-Murphy, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography - “Passive Acoustic and Oceanographic Moorings to Support Baseline Data Collection and Modelling Efforts in Proposed Wind Energy Areas Off Nova Scotia” (presentation)
• Robert Lennox, Ocean Tracking Network - “The Ocean Tracking Network’s Capabilities for Offshore Wind Environmental Monitoring” (presentation)
• Kaustubha Raghukumar, Integral Consulting Inc. - “From Wind to Whales: Potential Hydrodynamic Impacts of Offshore Wind on Nantucket Shoals Region Ecosystems” (presentation)

Policy & Regulatory Sessions

10:50 AM – 12:00 PM (Trade Winds) 

Pathways to Sustainable and Inclusive Offshore Wind: Economy, Equity, and Indigenous Knowledge 

This session explores how offshore wind can support equitable development by integrating Indigenous knowledge, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting social and economic resilience.

• Mohammad Ali Raza, Cox & Palmer - Moderator
• Michelle Adams School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University & Ian Stewart, University of King’s College - “The Importance of Non-Price Based Assessment Criteria: Ensuring Changing Tides DO Lift All Boats” (presentation)
• M.N. (Nasir) Tighsazzadeh, Simon Fraser University - “Is an Equitable Energy Transition Possible in an Unequal Community? A Spatial Equity Analysis of Nova Scotia” (presentation)
• Amy MacKenzie & Rebekah Hutten, 21FSP Advisory Inc. - “The Economic Case for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Offshore Wind: Lessons for Nova Scotia”
• Alanna Syliboy, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq - "Apoqnmatulti’k: Understanding Etuaptmumk" (presentation)

2:05 PM – 3:15 PM (Trade Winds) 

Indigenous and Community Engagement in Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Future 

This panel highlights Indigenous-led approaches to community engagement and evaluations of community perspectives that are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable offshore wind future for Nova Scotia.

• Shannon Wood, Net Zero Atlantic - Moderator
• Zach Sabean, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq - “From Presence to Progress: Indigenous-Led Engagement in Offshore Wind”
• Lisa McMinn, Acadia University - “Public Perceptions of Offshore Wind Energy in Nova Scotia: A Research Study in Development” (presentation)
• Brenden Sommerhalder, MQO Research - "Skeptics, Convertibles, and The Choir: How Nova Scotians Think About Renewable Energy Sources" (presentation)   

3:30 PM – 4:40 PM (Trade Winds) 

National and International Perspectives on Fisheries Coexistence with Offshore Wind

This panel brings together global and regional insights on how offshore wind and fisheries can coexist, with lessons from early engagement and multi-use ocean planning efforts.

• Russell Dymtriw - Moderator
• Steve Parsons, Eskasoni Development Corp. - “Collaborating Across Oceans: Building Offshore Wind Understanding in Aberdeen, Scotland” (presentation)
• Melissa Nevin, Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat - “Atlantic First Nations Perspective on Fisheries and Offshore Wind” (presentation)
• Hannah MacDonald, Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) - “Lessons from U.S. Fisheries Engagement in Offshore Wind: Building Pathways for Coexistence” (presentation)

Madhulika Bhati
Dalhousie University 
Digital Twin Modelling for Offshore Wind Farms

Tyler Byrne
Ocean Tracking Network
Glider-Based Ocean Sampling in Atlantic Canada

Grace Chang
Integral Consulting Inc
SEABIRD: System for Environmental Assessment of Bird/Bat Interactions with Real-Time Detection

Emma Korein
University of Delaware/School of Marine Science and Policy
Madness or Fairness: Community Perspectives on Offshore Wind Power in the Mid-Atlantic, United States

Kory Melchior
Dalhousie University/Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Voltage Stability Enhancement Using Data Driven Machine Learning Approach

Nasrin Sabet
Dalhousie University, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Optimizing Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles Powered by Offshore Wind: A GPS-AI Based Framework for Coastal Energy Systems

Jacob Thompson
Acadia University/School of Engineering
Machine Learning Optimization Trials: NS Grid Demand And Firm, Dispatchable Offshore/Onshore Wind and the Chaos of Weather Patterns

Tim Webster 
Nova Scotia Community College's Applied Geomatics Research Group
Topo-Bathymetric Lidar and Other Technologies to Map, Monitor and Model Processes in the Nearshore Coastal Zone to Support Offshore Wind Energy