Floating Offshore Wind Farms in Canada: Current Status and Future Prospects
By Denis Koshelev
Floating offshore wind farms (FOWFs) are poised to revolutionize renewable energy by enabling the deployment of wind turbines in deep ocean waters, where conventional fixed-bottom structures are impractical. Given its vast coastlines and significant deep-water resources, Canada is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this immense clean energy potential. Although no FOWFs are yet operational within its borders, Canada is actively advancing this sector through the development of robust policy frameworks and ambitious provincial goals, especially across the Atlantic regions.
According to North American Renewable Integration Study, to achieve carbon neutrality, Canada must drastically expand its wind power infrastructure — from about 15 GW in 2024 to between 78 GW and 150 GW, depending on the scenario. [25] This presents a considerable challenge that necessitates exploring diverse solutions, including offshore wind technology, which many nations worldwide have successfully implemented.
While the broader offshore wind industry is mature in Europe and East Asia thanks to decades of fixed-bottom development, the floating-specific sector is an emerging technology now poised for rapid expansion. [15]
FOWF offers a compelling environmental solution for Canada, not only through significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions but also by potentially fostering marine biodiversity. But why are there still no operational floating offshore wind farms in Canada, despite possessing some of the world’s most extensive coastlines and strongest wind resources?
What are Floating Offshore Wind Farms?
Floating offshore wind farms are renewable energy installations where wind turbines are mounted on floating platforms anchored to the seabed, rather than fixed directly to the ocean floor. [1] This design allows turbines to be deployed in deeper waters, where traditional fixed-foundation turbines are not economically or technically feasible. [2] The floating platforms are typically made of concrete, steel, or hybrid materials, stabilized using moorings, anchors, and careful distribution of weight and buoyancy. [3] Electricity generated by the turbines is transmitted via underwater cables to substations and then to the onshore grid. [3]
Advantages of Floating Offshore Wind Technology
Floating offshore wind technology offers several key advantages. It enables access to stronger and more consistent wind resources located farther from shore and in deeper waters, which significantly increases energy production potential and capacity factors compared to fixed-bottom turbines. Because these floating platforms do not require deep seabed foundations, they can be deployed in locations previously inaccessible, such as regions with rapidly dropping continental shelves or complex seabed conditions. [7]
The technology also brings environmental benefits. Floating wind farms minimize seabed disturbance during installation and decommissioning, reducing impacts on marine habitats compared to fixed-bottom structures. [8] The reduced reliance on pile-driving and the smaller seabed footprint help protect sensitive ecosystems and aquatic life. [7] The foundational structures of floating wind turbines offer an unexpected ecological benefit: they function as artificial reefs. These structures readily draw marine organisms and promote the proliferation of algae and various other life forms. This natural colonization cultivates new underwater environments, providing sanctuary for fish and diverse marine species, thereby enriching biodiversity, particularly in seabed regions that would otherwise lack such vibrancy. [8] Floating turbines offer significant environmental advantages, allowing for quieter installation with smaller vessels while also being sited further from sensitive bird migration paths. [4] [5] FOWF also have minimal visual impact since they are situated far from shore, addressing concerns often raised with nearshore or onshore wind projects. [3]
This technology opens up vast new areas for wind energy development, overcoming limitations posed by deep or complex seabeds, and is seen as a promising solution for expanding clean energy capacity and supporting global decarbonization goals. Deploying floating offshore wind technology has the potential to reduce emissions from oil fields by over 200,000 tonnes annually. [36] Instead of relying on traditional fossil fuel-powered generators (like gas turbines) to supply the energy needed for drilling, pumping, and processing, these operations can use electricity generated by wind turbines. [37]
For nations like Canada, characterized by extensive coastlines and significant deep-water areas, this technological advancement provides the means to fully leverage vast wind potential, moving beyond the inherent limitations of fixed-bottom installations and opening up entirely new frontiers for clean energy development.
Current State of Offshore Wind in Canada
In February 2025, Canada’s federal government joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA). Concurrently, two Canadian provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Nova Scotia, also became GOWA members, participating as subnational entities. [18]
Canada’s burgeoning offshore wind sector is largely centred on Atlantic Canada, a region exceptionally well-suited to lead this development. Its competitive advantages stem from the world’s longest coastlines, abundant and high-quality offshore wind resources, and a highly skilled labour pool, many of whom possess transferable skills from the established offshore oil and gas industry. Canadian companies, including those from Quebec, are already actively involved in the offshore sector (maritime services, manufacturing, engineering). This existing involvement reinforces Canada’s international presence and offers growth potential in offshore wind.
This lag in harnessing its immense offshore wind potential means that Canada currently has no operational projects. As of 2024, nearly 30 other countries had developed offshore wind capacity, placing Canada behind nations with far less than its 243,000 kilometres of suitable coastline. [10] The country’s wind energy sector has instead primarily focused on onshore development, where it has installed over 18 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, making it the 9th largest in the world for wind energy. [11] [12]
The Nova East Wind project represents Canada’s first major step into offshore wind development and is expected to be the country’s first operational offshore wind farm. This 300-400 MW floating offshore wind project is being developed by DP Energy Ireland and SBM Offshore, with each company holding a 50% stake. The project will consist of 20 turbines, each with 15 MW nameplate capacity, mounted on floating foundations. [13] [14]
Construction is expected to commence in 2027, with commercial operations beginning by 2030. Located off the coast of Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Ocean, the project will utilize floating turbine technology to access deeper waters where traditional fixed-bottom foundations are impractical. The project is viewed as a pioneer for Canadian offshore wind, setting a precedent for future developments in the sector.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, legislation enabling offshore renewable energy development officially came into force on June 2, 2025, following the passage of federal Bill C-49. The province possesses significant potential for offshore wind development. [20]
Challenges
Regulatory and Legislative Framework
Despite the immense potential, Canada’s floating offshore wind sector faces several significant challenges that require strategic and coordinated efforts to overcome. The regulatory framework maturation is a key area. While considerable progress has been made with new legislation and initiatives, the framework is still evolving.
Recent legislative changes, such as Bill C-49, aim to streamline the approval process in Atlantic Canada by establishing joint management and clearer regulatory authority, particularly in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. However, outside these provinces, developers still encounter a patchwork of regulations and a need for multiple approvals. [23] [24]
Technical and Climate-Specific Hurdles
Canada’s cold climate, particularly its Arctic-influenced northern regions, presents unique challenges for infrastructure. Two prominent phenomena in such environments are icing and sea ice. While icing can occur at lower latitudes, its frequency significantly increases closer to the poles. Sea ice, particularly when drifting, can exert substantial forces on structures, necessitating costly reinforcement. Notably, while no commercial FOWFs operate in routine sea ice, the success of Finland’s fixed-bottom Tahkoluoto installation demonstrates that turbines themselves can be engineered to withstand winter icing. [26].
Transmission of offshore wind power presents technical difficulties, particularly in routing export cables from offshore sites to the onshore grid. Developers must navigate marine-protected areas, underwater canyons, and high-traffic shipping routes, while also considering the limitations of onshore electrical transmission systems, which are often not equipped to handle the large influx of power from offshore sources. This necessitates additional transmission upgrades and careful coordination with utilities and local authorities. [29]
This technology remains in a developmental phase. The system is vulnerable to wave-induced motion, particularly pitching, which diminishes turbine output and risks damage to internal mechanical components within the nacelle. Furthermore, the design of transmission cables is more intricate due to fatigue from platform movement, waves, and currents [32].
High Costs and Infrastructure Gaps
The most significant hurdle is the high capital cost, as offshore wind projects typically require 2-3 times more investment than onshore wind due to the complexities of installation, the need for specialized equipment, and the robust engineering required to withstand harsh marine conditions. Infrastructure deficits are another major challenge. In eastern Canada, there is a notable lack of supporting infrastructure, such as upgraded ports and subsea transmission systems, to bring offshore wind energy to market. [28]
Compared to fixed foundations, current floating farms’ costs are two to three times higher. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for fixed-bottom offshore wind is estimated at $117/MWh, while floating offshore wind projects have a higher LCOE of $181/MWh. [34] The average residential electricity price in Canada is approximately 19.2 cents per kWh, or $192 per MWh, as of late 2023. [38]
As platforms become standardized and production scales up, alongside valuable insights gained from pilot projects, a reduction in associated costs is anticipated. This decade is expected to see the initiation of numerous large-scale commercial ventures, exemplified by a 1,320 MW project currently in development in South Korea. [35]
Environmental and Community Impact
While the benefits of offshore wind are significant, it is crucial to acknowledge its potential drawbacks, particularly its impact on marine ecosystems, fishing industries, and other human activities. Its development could lead to detrimental impacts on marine ecosystems and disrupt various marine activities, including shipping and fishing. This potential for harm directly conflicts with conservation objectives, particularly the commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Specifically, the construction of offshore wind infrastructure may result in the loss of vital fish populations and their habitats, while operational turbines pose a collision risk, causing mortality among birds and bats. [30]
Verdict
Floating offshore wind farms represent a monumental opportunity for Canada to harness its vast, untapped deep-water wind resources and cement its role as a global leader in clean energy. While Canada currently has no operational FOWF, recent legislative advancements and ambitious provincial targets signal a clear and accelerating commitment to this transformative technology. Europe’s extensive experience provides invaluable guidance, demonstrating the proven resilience of floating platforms in harsh environments.
Canada is uniquely positioned to become a leading force in the global offshore wind industry. This rapidly expanding sector offers a substantial economic opportunity for nations ready to embrace it. By actively engaging, Canada can deliver significant economic benefits to its coastal communities, expand its renewable energy infrastructure, and accelerate its progress toward carbon neutrality.
The considerable experience Quebec and Canada have already amassed in onshore wind development provides a distinct competitive advantage for advancing the offshore sector. Furthermore, our accumulated knowledge and expertise are exportable, which would elevate our standing on the international renewable energy stage.
With a concerted and collaborative national effort, Canada stands poised to unlock the immense potential of its offshore winds, contributing substantially to global decarbonization efforts.
References
-
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2023-0208/
-
https://www.renewableuk.com/media/scccdrxe/floating-offshore-wind-2050-vision-final.pdf
-
https://orsted.com/en/what-we-do/renewable-energy-solutions/floating-offshore-wind-energy
-
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-sources/renewable-energy/wind-energy
-
https://www.power-technology.com/data-insights/power-plant-profile-nova-east-wind-project-canada/
-
https://novaeastwind.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Nova-East-Wind-Fact-Sheet-Version-2-2.pdf
-
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-sources/renewable-energy/legislation
-
https://www.offshorewind.biz/2025/03/17/canada-pinpoints-five-offshore-wind-areas-in-nova-scotia/
-
https://nawindpower.com/oceanic-wind-energy-takes-lead-in-hecate-strait-offshore-development
-
https://oceanicwind.ca/oceanic-wind-investment-agreement-with-elemental-energy-inc/
-
https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/finlands-first-offshore-wind-farm-suited-to-ice
-
“Offshore Wind Power in Canada: Challenges and Opportunities.” Marc Defossez, PhD, Alexandra Gellé, PhD, Denis Lapalme, PhD, Amjad Maadeni, CEP, Ferial Amira Slim, MSc
-
https://www.blg.com/en/insights/2024/11/offshore-wind-canadas-future-as-a-clean-energy-superpower
-
“Offshore Wind Energy in Canada: Charting an Ecologically Sustainable Future from International Law and Policy Coordinates and State Practices.” Alikhani, M.
-
https://www.slrconsulting.com/ca/insights/offshore-wind-turbines-and-underwater-noise/
-
M. Sobhaniasl, F. Petrini, M. Karimirad, and F. Bontempi, “Fatigue Life Assessment for Power Cables in Floating Offshore Wind Turbines.”
-
S. Horwath, J. Hassrick, R. Grismala, and E. Diller, “Comparison of Environmental Effects from Different Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations,” U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Sterling (VA), OCS Study BOEM 2020-041, 2020. https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/environment/Wind-Turbine-Foundations-White%20Paper-Final-White-Paper.pdf
-
https://academic.oup.com/jwelb/article/17/1/35/7590330?login=false