Project description

21FSP was engaged by the Provincial/Federal Committee for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia to undertake a socio-economic impact assessment of potential scenarios for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia. The purpose of the project was to provide the Committee with evidence to inform decisions related to the path forward for offshore development as the province pursues its target of 5GW of offshore wind by 2030.

Our methodology for this impact assessment included an input/output analysis of five potential scenarios for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia to understand the potential capital (CAPEX) and operational (OPEX) expenditures, as well as economic benefits in terms of total and direct GDP, employment, labour income, and provincial revenues for each. The project also included an input/output analysis of expenditures and economic benefits of port development required to support offshore wind in Nova Scotia, with data provided through a separate ports-focused project completed for the Committee. Offshore wind requirements for the grid were also examined at a high-level based on engagement with a subject matter advisor to the committee.

The project also included qualitative analysis and insights related to reviewing offshore wind experiences in other jurisdictions in Europe and the US to glean best practices, lessons learned and pitfalls to avoid. Qualitative research included an extensive literature review of socio-economic impact studies of existing offshore wind developments (planned and operational), industry reports, government reports, and other sources to benchmark CAPEX and OPEX costs and socio-economic impacts experienced on a per GW basis.

Our analysis included insights on supply chain requirements – including an assessment of Nova Scotia’s current capacity to support 5GW of offshore wind and pathways to build domestic manufacturing and servicing capabilities and address gaps while building critical mass.

Labour requirements against existing labour supply was also analyzed, with an examination of transferrable skills within the province in relevant sectors (i.e., construction) as well as labour development pathways with a focus on training and educational gaps and opportunities.

Policy considerations and recommendations on the path forward were developed based on the benchmarking exercise and lessons learned through other jurisdictions experiences in various legislative, regulatory and policy supports to jump start the sector and support its development long-term.

Our study also examined potential impacts on Indigenous and other equity deserving groups, rural vs urban impacts, and the commercial fishing sector. Research and Development opportunities for Nova Scotia’s oceans innovation sector were also explored.

This report is now guiding recommendations related to federal and provincial decisions related to supporting development of the offshore wind sector in Nova Scotia.