DP Energy JV Partners with Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs for Floating Offshore Wind Project

October 11, 2024, by Adnan Memija

Nova East Wind, a joint venture between DP Energy and SBM Offshore, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly) relating to the development, installation, and operation of its floating offshore wind project in Nova Scotia.

According to Nova East Wind, the joint venture and the Assembly are committed to cooperating in a mutually beneficial manner, ensuring the project’s progress while seeking to mitigate any potential impacts on the rights of the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq.

“This is an important first step for Nova East Wind as it seeks to establish meaningful Indigenous participation in the project, a key component of this MoU. We remain committed to developing this project in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner, respecting the views and rights of the Mi’kmaq”, said Simon De Pietro, CEO of DP Energy.

“The primary goal of the MoU is to embody the practices and values of the First Nations of Atlantic Canada and align with the need to protect onshore and offshore environments in Nova Scotia.”

During the term of the MoU, the parties will seek to develop a Mutual Benefits Agreement, building on the existing Mi’kmaw renewable energy capacities, to create meaningful and direct participation in the project.

Nova East Wind said it is committing to develop a Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) programme to support a greater understanding of the project respecting the traditional knowledge of First Nations.

“This is a very welcome relationship as it will help us plan for meaningful development of the supply and servicing chain of partners to bring the project to life. We look forward to working with the Assembly to identify the specific economic and community opportunities to enable greater Mi’kmaw participation in all aspects of the project”, said Gerry Sheehan, SBM Offshore.

Subject to regulatory approvals, Nova East Wind is a floating offshore wind energy development in Nova Scotia.

With a total capacity of between 300 MW and 400 MW, the project would be located approximately 20-30 kilometres off Goldboro, Nova Scotia.

Planned to be operational by the early 2030s, the wind farm could feature 20 to 25 floating turbines of 15 MW each.

DP Energy and SBM Offshore formed a joint venture to pursue floating offshore wind opportunities in Nova Scotia in July 2023.

The Canadian government recently passed new legislation to enable the development of offshore wind projects in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.