Donald Trump’s disdain for wind energy could create windfall for Nova Scotia: experts – CBC

Report on Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Energy Initiative and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The opposition of former U.S. President Donald Trump to renewable energy has been identified as a potential “golden opportunity” for Nova Scotia’s emerging offshore wind energy industry. This insight was provided by Aegir Insights, a leading international consulting firm based in Denmark, during a recent webinar.

Nova Scotia’s Wind West Plan

Premier Tim Houston has introduced a 10-year strategy, known as the Wind West plan, aiming to license offshore turbines capable of producing 40 gigawatts (GW) of electricity. This ambitious target significantly exceeds the province’s requirement of 2.4 GW, with plans to export surplus power to other parts of Canada and potentially the United States.

• Projected construction of approximately 4,000 offshore turbines
• Electricity generation comparable to China’s offshore wind output in the previous year
• Focus on attracting large international investors to support the initiative

Global Industry Perspective and Market Fundamentals

Scott Urquhart, co-founder and CEO of Aegir Insights, emphasized that the Wind West plan has garnered significant attention within the global offshore wind sector. He described the project as both “grand and ambitious” yet grounded in rational market fundamentals and economics.

• Aegir Insights, established in 2020, provides analytics and models for offshore wind investments across 60 markets
• Despite recent challenges such as rising costs and supply chain disruptions, the offshore wind industry is poised for recovery with falling interest rates and increased supply chain competition

Impact of U.S. Policy on Offshore Wind Development

Signe Sorensen, Aegir’s regional lead in the Americas, highlighted the contrasting trajectory of the U.S. offshore wind sector due to policy decisions under Donald Trump’s administration:

1. Halt on leasing for new wind projects while accelerating oil and gas production
2. Layoffs and stalled construction in the wind energy sector, which accounts for 10% of U.S. electricity production
3. Potential four-year delay in offshore wind development in key regions such as New England and New York

This divergence presents a strategic opportunity for Canada, particularly Nova Scotia, to expand its offshore wind capacity and meet regional renewable energy demands.

Strategic Opportunities for Nova Scotia

• Large, feasible offshore areas identified near Sable Island and along Nova Scotia’s southern coast for wind turbine installation
• Competitive pricing potential relative to U.S. markets, especially New England and New York
• Possibility to supply renewable energy to U.S. states seeking alternatives amid domestic policy challenges

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Wind West initiative aligns strongly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By expanding offshore wind capacity, Nova Scotia aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix, promoting access to sustainable energy.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The project encourages investment in innovative offshore wind technologies and infrastructure development.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – Increasing renewable energy production contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The development of offshore wind farms is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The plan involves collaboration between government, investors, and international stakeholders to achieve sustainable energy objectives.

Conclusion

Nova Scotia’s Wind West plan represents a visionary and strategic approach to offshore wind energy development, leveraging global market dynamics and regional policy shifts. The initiative not only promises to enhance clean energy production but also supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals, positioning the province as a key player in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article focuses on offshore wind energy development in Nova Scotia, aiming to increase renewable energy production.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The development of offshore wind farms involves infrastructure expansion and innovation in renewable energy technology.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The promotion of renewable energy sources like wind power contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions international investors and cross-border energy sales, indicating partnerships and cooperation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. Under SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency (implied through rational market fundamentals and economics).
2. Under SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
3. Under SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (implied by the provincial plan and international interest).
4. Under SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Installed Capacity of Offshore Wind Energy (GW)
   • The article mentions the goal to license enough offshore turbines to produce 40 gigawatts of electricity, which can be used as an indicator of renewable energy capacity.
2. Share of Renewable Energy in Electricity Production (%)
   • Reference to wind turbines accounting for 10% of U.S. electricity production indicates the use of renewable energy share as an indicator.
3. Number of Offshore Wind Turbines Constructed
   • The article estimates about 4,000 offshore turbines would be needed, implying the number of turbines as a progress indicator.
4. Investment Levels and Market Participation
   • Interest from global investors and project developers can be an indicator of financial and market progress.
5. Electricity Export Volumes
   • Plans to sell excess power to other provinces and the U.S. imply measuring electricity export as an indicator.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cbc.ca