Massachusetts, Nova Scotia Launch $100M Wind Data Initiative

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced a formal collaboration on Thursday to evaluate the feasibility of generating offshore wind power in Canadian waters and delivering that electricity to the New England grid. The initiative is led by Massachusetts Energy Secretary Rebecca Tepper, who is coordinating the effort on behalf of the region. Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine are also participating in the process by issuing a request for information to industry stakeholders.

The announcement coincides with a recent commitment by Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson to invest 100 million Canadian dollars in advancing offshore wind development in Nova Scotia. A portion of this funding, specifically 5 million Canadian dollars, is allocated for deploying buoys to collect data on wind speeds and ocean conditions. This data collection aims to support Canada’s first round of offshore wind power bids under the province’s Wind West initiative, which seeks to build multiple wind farms.

The partnership addresses the current grid needs of New England, which faces increased electricity demand and decarbonization mandates. Officials noted that winter peak periods are a particular area of concern. The request for information asks industry players to assess timing, permitting requirements, and industrial port capacity. It also seeks input on the commercial viability of two transmission options: a new undersea line versus an overland route through New Brunswick and Quebec.

Tepper framed the move as a response to federal resistance in the United States. Speaking at the New England-Canada Business Council’s annual energy conference at the Seaport Hotel, she stated, “In the face of deeply misguided federal opposition to offshore wind, Massachusetts has held strong.” She added, “We know that the offshore wind industry will bounce back. The opportunity is too big. The need for affordable clean electricity is too great. And that’s why our partnership with Nova Scotia is so important.”

The collaboration builds on work that began in September 2025, when Tepper met with Nova Scotia officials. It follows the recent completion of New England’s first two commercial-scale offshore wind farms in federal waters south of Martha’s Vineyard. The Revolution Wind project serves Rhode Island and Connecticut ratepayers, while the Vineyard Wind project serves Massachusetts. Together, these farms can provide enough power for nearly 800,000 homes. Both projects were well underway before the current federal administration took charge in 2025, which has since slowed permitting for newer projects.

The Healey administration views this partnership as a way to stimulate new energy resources in Canada. This approach mirrors the New England Clean Energy Connect project, which was completed last winter to bring hydropower from Quebec to Massachusetts. However, the current initiative focuses on creating a new wind energy source rather than importing existing hydropower. The governments are seeking to determine how to efficiently deliver this new capacity to meet regional demand.