Offshore wind development will not be allowed on Georges Bank

Ottawa and Nova Scotia say they will not allow offshore wind developers to place turbines on Georges Bank, a lucrative fishing ground that is already protected from offshore petroleum development.

Nova Scotia Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau says Georges Bank will be protected with a moratorium on offshore wind that aligns with the moratorium on offshore oil and gas. The latter, in place since the 1980s, was most recently renewed in 2022 and expires in 2032. Both can be renewed at the end of the term if supported by the two governments.

"It's a very lucrative fishing bank, has an incredible resource there that we're utilizing to its full potential, and this is about saying that's where we're focused on is that sector in that area," Boudreau told reporters at Province House.

Boudreau and Jonathan Wilkinson, the federal minister of energy and natural resources, announced Thursday that they have directed their joint offshore energy regulator to apply the moratorium.

"This decision is in keeping with the shared goals of both the federal and provincial governments to protect our oceans and our economy while continuing to work toward a clean energy future," Wilkinson said in a news release.

The move comes after months of uncertainty about whether Georges Bank would be included in offshore wind development areas. 

Nova Scotia and Ottawa have been bullish on offshore wind and commissioned a study that suggested large swaths of ocean off the Atlantic coast could be suitable for wind energy projects.

Fisheries representatives have been asking for formal protection for Georges Bank since last fall, and they raised their voices again this year after Premier Tim Houston mused about lifting all bans on natural resources.

Houston's PC government has since taken steps to lift a ban on fracking and to investigate lifting a ban on uranium development.

Boudreau said his department is in the process of choosing which areas to open up for the first round of bids for offshore wind licences. He said his department is reviewing the suggestions from the offshore wind regional assessment committee and consulting with stakeholders. 

The first call for offshore wind licences is expected this year.