The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER) recently released the names of companies pre-qualified to bid on offshore wind seabed leases.
The review of potential bidders was carried out between October 2025 and January 2026.
The five approved companies and two consortia that agreed to be named are:
- DEME Concessions Wind N.V. (Belgium)
- Jan De Nul nv (Luxembourg/Belgium)
- Ming Yang Smart Energy Group Limited (China)
- Northland Power Inc. (Canada)
- Simply Blue Energy (OSW) Ltd. (Ireland)
- Consortium 1: DP Energy Canada, Enterprize Energy Atlantic, Nova East Wind and SBM Renewables
- Consortium 2: Hanwha Ocean and Q Energy
According to CNSOER, some companies elected to not be named at this juncture.
Under the current government, the Province of Nova Scotia is actively seeking 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. It would need to export some of the wind power — if transmission is built, either to Québec or to New England in the U.S. Nova Scotia’s peak demand is currently two to 2.5GW.
Premier Tim Houston stated the province’s world-class offshore wind resource has captured the attention of international wind energy companies.
“By attracting companies with the experience and know-how to deliver large energy projects, we are setting the stage for a successful offshore wind industry here at home. Our Wind West plan represents a generational opportunity — one that will create good-paying local jobs, attract billions of dollars in new investment, generate new export revenues and drive significant economic growth across the region for decades. This kind of growth will move us from a have not to a have province and create many new opportunities for our young people, small businesses and communities,” Houston noted.
So, how does this plan compare to regions that have developed and currently avail of offshore wind power?
Across The Pond, Europe has a cumulative total of roughly 39 GW of offshore wind capacity spanning 12 primary nations, led by the United Kingdom and Germany. Across the continent, thousands of grid-connected offshore wind turbines operate in regional waters.
The United Kingdom holds the largest share (roughly 42 per cent of European capacity) with over 50 major offshore projects including massive sites like Hornsea and Seagreen, operating well over 2,000 individual offshore turbines.
Germany is the second-largest market in Europe, operating a total of 1,680 offshore wind turbines in the North Sea and Baltic Sea with a combined capacity of 9.7 GW.
The Netherlands operates extensive mega-farms in the North Sea (such as Hollandse Kust and Borssele) utilizing close to 700 high-capacity offshore turbines.
Belgium maintains a dense and highly productive cluster of North Sea projects running roughly 400 individual turbines.
Denmark, the historical pioneer of offshore wind, features major arrays like Kriegers Flak and Horns Rev with over 600 total offshore turbines.
France is rapidly expanding its maritime footprint with operational commercial farms at Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Brieuc, totaling over 150 offshore turbines.
Smaller offshore fleets or grid-connected pilot/floating arrays operate in Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal and Spain.
It is obvious offshore wind farms have become an important part of Europe’s transition to renewable energy. While these developments provide significant environmental and economic benefits, they have also created challenges for other traditional industries, most notably Europe’s commercial fishing industry.
The expansion of offshore wind farms has negatively impacted fishing grounds, fish populations, fishing operations and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Although some opportunities have emerged, the overall relationship between offshore wind development and commercial fishing remains strained and complex.
One of the most significant impacts of offshore wind farms is the loss of access to traditional fishing grounds. This concern has been raised in Nova Scotia as well.
Commercial fishermen have relied on certain fishing areas for generations because of their rich marine resources. When offshore wind farms are constructed, safety zones and navigation restrictions often prevent fishing vessels from entering these areas. Even where access is legally permitted, many fishermen avoid operating near wind turbines because of concerns about underwater cables, collision risks and limited maneuvering space. As a result, fishing fleets are forced to relocate to other areas, increasing competition and placing additional pressure on marine ecosystems elsewhere.
The construction of offshore wind farms also disrupts marine habitats in the short term. Building turbine foundations requires pile driving, dredging and increased vessel traffic, all of which generate underwater noise and disturb seabed habitats.
According to studies, the economic impacts of wind turbines on European commercial fishing communities have been considerable.
For example, reduced fishing opportunities have lowered income for fishermen, especially those operating small vessels with limited ability to travel longer distances. Additional fuel costs, longer travel times and increased competition in remaining fishing areas have reduced profitability. Independent harvesters are often the most vulnerable because they lack the financial resources to adapt to changing conditions.
European fishermen frequently argue that they are not sufficiently consulted during the planning stages of wind farm projects. Although governments and developers increasingly involve fishing organizations in discussions, many stakeholders believe their concerns receive less attention than the benefits associated with renewable energy development.
With the lessons observed and learned from the European fishing industry, what will happen off Nova Scotia’s shores if the Wind West plan comes to fruition? How will fishermen be consulted when it comes to the development of this mega-project? What compensation, if any, will be forthcoming for harvesters?
There is a lot to consider and let’s hope both federal and provincial politicians have the foresight to factor in the concerns of a fishing industry that is already contributing positively to the province’s economy.
