The Nova Scotia government has proposed legislation establishing bid fees and levies for offshore wind developers, aiming to boost the Canadian province’s offshore wind licensing framework.
On February 24, Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, introduced the Powering the Economy Act, which includes the Offshore Renewable Energy Revenue Act. This new law sets a refundable CAD 250,000 (around EUR 155,000) bid fee, a non-refundable CAD 750,000 (approx. EUR 466,000) license fee, and an annual capacity levy of CAD 7,000/MW (approx. EUR 4,300/MW) for the first decade of operations. Afterward, developers may switch to a percentage-based levy linked to gross revenues.
The legislation mandates one levy, while another will adjust based on market conditions. Bid fees will be detailed in regulations, per the Nova Scotia government.
The bill also revises timelines for transferring grid operations from Nova Scotia Power to the Independent Energy System Operator (IESO) and updates the Electricity Act concerning renewable energy targets.
Nova Scotia has launched Canada’s inaugural offshore wind tender via the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER).
In October 2025, the CNSOER initiated the Offshore Wind Call for Information and Prequalification, commencing the competitive process preceding the first Call for Bids for seabed licenses in Canadian waters off Nova Scotia. The window for this process was open until mid-January 2026.
The legislation, beyond offshore wind, introduces new rules for other sectors by replacing the Petroleum Resources Act with the Subsurface Energy Resource Extraction Act. This new act covers geothermal, natural hydrogen, helium, and carbon storage projects.
“This legislation ensures Nova Scotians benefit fully from offshore wind and onshore natural resources, and that our electricity system serves us well now and in the future,” stated Tim Houston. “Offshore wind is transformational, helping fund services Nova Scotians deserve. We also see significant potential in emerging sectors like natural hydrogen and carbon storage and are prepared to regulate them.”
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz