Press Release  Massachusetts and Nova Scotia Take Next Step to Advance Atlantic Offshore Wind and Transmission Partnership

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a major step in strengthening Massachusetts’ relationship with Canada to expand access to affordable, reliable clean energy across New England. Massachusetts and Nova Scotia have issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input and explore opportunities to develop offshore wind projects in Nova Scotia that would deliver energy to New England through existing and new transmission infrastructure.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper will speak at the New England-Canadian Business Council’s annual energy conference in Boston today to announce the partnership, building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Governor Maura Healey and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston in February to strengthen regional cooperation on offshore wind development, transmission planning, workforce development and economic growth.

“We need more affordable, reliable energy, and that's going to take working with our neighbors,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts and Nova Scotia have a strong partnership, and we're building on that relationship to explore new opportunities to bring offshore wind power to New England. This work has the potential to lower energy costs, strengthen our energy supply and create good-paying jobs in our port communities. We're excited to take this next step together.”

“Nova Scotia has some of the strongest offshore wind resources in the world and a long history of supplying energy beyond our borders,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Through our partnership with Massachusetts, we are exploring opportunities that could create jobs, attract investment, and help establish Nova Scotia as a clean energy leader. This request for information is an important step in understanding how we can work together to realize that potential.”

The RFI is an early, concrete step under the Memorandum of Understanding executed between Governor Healey and Premier Houston. The RFI, issued with participation from Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont, recognizes the increasingly regional and interconnected nature of New England and Eastern Canada.

A wide range of stakeholders are invited to provide input, including developers, supply chain and port entities, utilities and system operators, labor organizations, academic and research institutions, environmental and fisheries stakeholders, and tribal and first nations groups. The RFI will help the region understand the market’s interest and capacity to develop offshore wind in Nova Scotia and the technical and commercial feasibility of transmission pathways to New England. In addition, the RFI will explore opportunities to strengthen the regional offshore wind economy through continued collaboration on supply chains, ports, and workforce development.

Statements of Support:

Frank Callahan, President, Massachusetts Building Trades Unions:

“We’ve worked hard to make sure clean energy is a union industry. We saw Vineyard Wind sustain thousands of good jobs along the South Coast. We need to continue to push this industry forward to support good union careers now and into the future. We look forward to continued partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Nova Scotia.” 

Celina Cunningham, Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources:

“Maine recognizes the value of regional coordination with our partners across New England and Canada. This RFI provides an opportunity to further explore the potential for responsible offshore wind in the region that supports energy affordability and economic growth. Maine’s leadership in offshore wind research combined with our marine-focused industries positions us well to advance the state’s interests as the region considers these opportunities.” 

Emma Cimino, Acting Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

“Connecticut is committed to working with our regional and Canadian partners to explore innovative approaches to advancing offshore wind and strengthening New England’s energy future. This RFI will help inform our continued, collective efforts to secure a more affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean power grid for our state and region.” 

Chris Kearns, Acting Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources:

“Rhode Island continues to work with our regional partners to explore opportunities that can strengthen and diversify New England’s energy supply and support our respective long-term energy goals. This request for information will help us better understand the potential for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia, including the infrastructure, costs and regulatory considerations associated with delivering that energy into New England. Regional energy coordination and collaboration are critical as we evaluate possible options to meet our future energy needs while maintaining reliability and affordability.”

Kerrick Johnson, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service, which serves as the state’s ratepayer advocate:

“Vermont must develop new options for clean, affordable power at scale to meet growing energy needs driven by our ongoing shift to electricity and away from fossil fuels.  This RFI reflects a shared commitment of all involved to work together to tackle the toughest electric energy challenges our region faces. Vermont is grateful to our partners for initiating this next step and proud to have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nova Scotia to explore offshore wind development and delivery through Vermont. Collaboration with our New England partners and Nova Scotia isn’t just beneficial – it is an essential path forward for our region’s energy future.”

Elizabeth Mahony, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources: 

“Massachusetts has the ports, skilled workers, and policy know-how to get offshore wind built. Our partnership with Nova Scotia is poised to unlock real savings and economic development for the Atlantic Coast. We’re looking forward to digging in to the ideas and information that come from this RFI as we seek out the next major offshore wind and transmission opportunity.”

Ben Downing, CEO of the Mass Clean Energy Center:

“Massachusetts and Nova Scotia share deep ties across local communities and industries. Offshore wind offers our two regions an exciting opportunity to work together to lower costs, create good jobs, and generate cleaner, more reliable energy.”

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