Developing offshore wind energy and bringing forward cleaner technologies

Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Integration and Transmission Study

Aiming to analyze the impacts of integrating large-scale offshore wind generated electricity into the Atlantic grid, Net Zero Atlantic set out to evaluate the potential for offshore wind (OSW) development. Our job? To assist with a three-phase study—led by our team with significant contributions from E3, WindSim, and other partners—that focuses on different aspects of OSW integration.

The first phase, led by E3 with our support, involves assessing the path to market for OSW in the Atlantic provinces. This includes identifying OSW capacity targets to meet domestic electricity consumption, electricity exports, and hydrogen production. Key elements of this effort include policy and resource plan assessment and evaluating domestic market opportunities, energy export potential, and green hydrogen production. The second phase, led by us, focuses on characterizing the OSW resource potential and creating a public dataset to support research and development. Finally, the third phase involves evaluating the investment and operational efforts required to integrate OSW into the Atlantic Canada transmission system. It includes developing a transmission expansion plan, production cost modeling, and operational readiness assessments.

Ultimately, this study will result in comprehensive policy and resource assessments that provide a foundational understanding of the market and technical potential for offshore wind in the region. By addressing market opportunities, resource assessments, and transmission planning, Net Zero Atlantic aims to facilitate the integration of OSW into the regional energy system, supporting the transition to a sustainable and decarbonized energy future.