Nova Scotia, Massachusetts sign offshore wind cooperation agreement

Nova Scotia and Massachusetts have signed an agreement to boost clean energy development.

Nova Scotia is positioning itself as a future offshore wind exporter into the U.S.

Premier Tim Houston and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey were in Boston Wednesday to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that focuses on offshore wind development and energy in the North Atlantic and delivery across the border.

Healey recognizes the potential for Nova Scotia to become a world-class offshore wind developer, as the province has turned its attention to offshore wind development as a major export opportunity.

The government leaders say cooperation along the Atlantic coastline makes sense for the two sides, which would both see economic, environmental, and energy security benefits.

“We’re on the verge of our first call for bids to license the first offshore wind projects in Canada, and we’re advancing Wind West to build the transmission infrastructure to send that clean energy to markets,” said Houston in a news release.

“Our agreement with Massachusetts signals to developers that markets for their clean energy are solidifying, giving them even more confidence to invest in our new offshore wind industry,” he continued. “I look forward to sharing this clean energy with Massachusetts, powering economic opportunities for the New England region, and creating thousands of jobs and billions in investment in Nova Scotia.”

Houston says the MOU signals a shared commitment to cooperate and advance the development of clean, reliable, and affordable energy – but is also a clear call to industry players and developers that they are ready to do business.

The memorandum commits that both sides will work together to explore what’s needed to build the infrastructure necessary to connect the two regions, which have long shared trade and historic ties.

“Our relationship with Nova Scotia is special. More than a century ago, when the Halifax Explosion devastated the city and its port, Massachusetts was there to provide immediate aid and support,” said Healey. “That spirit of collaboration continues today as we work together to build a strong, resilient offshore wind sector that lowers energy costs and creates good-paying jobs along the Atlantic coast.”

Although the MOU doesn’t carry any financial commitments or construction timelines, it does signal a shared commitment to advancing offshore wind and energy development that would bring economic and employment opportunities to both sides of the border.

In 2024, Nova Scotia exported $1.2 billion worth of goods into New England states including, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, while imports from these U.S. states totalled more than $64 million.

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