Jurisdictional scan of suitable area definition for offshore wind development

Summary

Offshore wind is a rapidly developing industry around the world. Many countries are leveraging the high wind speeds and open spaces in marine settings to generate large amounts of low-carbon electricity. The planning process for offshore wind infrastructure is complex and involves many factors that must be considered when determining where and how to develop projects. These factors include other ocean area uses, existing infrastructure, environmental impacts, and technical constraints.

The Jurisdictional Scan of Suitable Area Definition for Offshore Wind Development presents an overview of offshore wind development approaches taken in the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. It discusses the decision-making and regulatory frameworks applied in each jurisdiction to determine suitable areas for developing offshore wind infrastructure. The research findings show that jurisdictions typically apply a series of exclusions and restrictions based on various factors, thereby eliminating or constraining potential offshore wind development in certain regions. Following this, lease areas are designated and the rights to construct and operate wind farms in these areas can be purchased by developers.

This report provides a reference summary of practices in relevant jurisdictions, should planning activities related to potential offshore wind occur in Canada in the future.

Download Jurisdictional Scan of Suitable Area Definition for Offshore Wind Development on GEOSCAN.