Marine Renewables Canada, the national association for wave, tidal, and river current energy, has added offshore wind energy to its mandate.
According to the association, the decision is a result of the growing global effort to develop climate change solutions and increase renewable electricity production, as well as Canada’s strengths in offshore and ocean sectors.
Marine Renewables Canada has recognized an overlap between offshore wind and wave and tidal energy regarding the supply chain, regulatory issues, and the operating environment. Therefore, the association plans to focus on similarities and synergies of the resources in order to advance the sector as a whole and ensure that clean electricity from waves, tides, rivers, and offshore wind plays a significant role in Canada’s low-carbon future.
“Many of our members working on tidal and wave energy projects also have expertise that can service offshore wind projects both domestically and internationally,” said Tim Brownlow , Chair of Marine Renewables Canada.
“For us, offshore wind is a natural fit and our involvement will help ensure that Canadian companies and researchers are gaining knowledge and opportunities in the offshore wind sector as it grows.”
Canada has the longest coastlines in the world, giving it the potential for offshore wind energy development, Marine Renewables Canada said, adding that the global offshore wind industry, which is estimated to grow by over 650% by 2030, presents new opportunities for Canadian business.
“The federal government’s recent inclusion of offshore renewables in legislation and support for emerging renewable energy technologies are important steps toward building this industry,” said Elisa Obermann , Executive Director of Marine Renewables Canada.
“There are still challenges to address before we’ll see offshore wind energy development in Canada, but we see a great opportunity to get more involved now, increase our experience, and help inform future development.”