Canada has moved a step closer to building its offshore wind sector, opening its first prequalification process along with a Call for Information for communities and industry partners. The two initiatives, part of preparations for the country’s first offshore wind auction off Nova Scotia, mark an important moment in Canada’s clean energy drive.
The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER), an independent joint agency established by the federal and provincial governments, introduced the initiatives on October 16. The prequalification round and Call for Information will remain open for 90 days. This announcement follows a Strategic Direction issued in September and the earlier designation of four Wind Energy Areas in July. Three of these designated zones are located south of Nova Scotia’s eastern mainland, while the fourth lies to the east of Cape Breton Island.
In their joint statement, the governments described the latest actions as a “pivotal moment” for advancing Canada’s clean energy future. They highlighted the prequalification process as a landmark achievement for both the federal and Nova Scotia administrations. The strategy sets an initial goal of 3,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity, with the potential to scale up to 5,000 MW in the near term. The CNSOER has been directed to evaluate the feasibility of these targets based on the outcomes of the prequalification and consultation stages. “There is enormous potential for offshore wind in Canada,” the governments said, noting they would consider “an even more ambitious call for bids” depending on early findings.
The prequalification stage is designed to identify developers with the technical expertise and financial strength required for large-scale offshore wind projects. Regulators have been instructed to maintain broad eligibility criteria, reserving more detailed assessments for the formal bidding phase. At the same time, CNSOER is collecting input from Indigenous groups, rights holders, the fishing industry, local communities, government bodies, and the public on evaluation criteria and proposed terms for future offshore wind licenses.
Once prequalification concludes, approved participants will move forward to the first Call for Bids for offshore wind development. Although the offshore wind auction date has yet to be announced, submissions for this stage are due by January 13, 2026. The move is seen as an important step in Canada’s shift toward renewable energy and may help shape how offshore wind projects develop along the nation’s coasts.