Transatlantic collaboration: Building a global coalition for Atlantic Canada's offshore wind readiness

Atlantic Canada is preparing for offshore wind development. To support this work, Net Zero Atlantic is collaborating with leading organisations from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to exchange knowledge and expertise in market development, research, innovation, engagement, and coordination.

25 September 2026
Jan Matthiesen - MoU

 

Bringing global offshore wind expertise to Atlantic Canada's emerging market

The Carbon Trust (United Kingdom), France Energies Marines (France), Stiftung OFFSHORE-WINDENERGIE (Germany), and Net Zero Atlantic (Canada) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during WindEnergy Hamburg 2026. The agreement formalises collaboration between the organisations to support Atlantic Canada's offshore wind readiness through knowledge exchange, international partnerships, and lessons learned from established offshore wind markets.

Each organisation brings complementary strengths to the partnership. The Carbon Trust contributes expertise in offshore wind market development, policy, commercial readiness, and procurement processes. France Energies Marines contributes expertise in offshore wind science, technical analysis, innovation, and the development of industry tools and methodologies. Stiftung OFFSHORE-WINDENERGIE contributes experience in industry development, supply chains, stakeholder coordination, and offshore wind ecosystem growth. Net Zero Atlantic brings regional leadership, applied research experience, and experience coordinating offshore wind readiness activities in Atlantic Canada.

The partnership creates opportunities for two-way knowledge exchange between established European offshore wind markets and Atlantic Canada's emerging offshore wind sector. By connecting expertise across jurisdictions, the organisations aim to support informed decision-making and contribute to the conditions needed for a credible and investable offshore wind industry in Atlantic Canada.


Why now?

Atlantic Canada is entering an important phase of offshore wind readiness. Governments, regulators, researchers, Indigenous organisations, industry, and communities are contributing to the science, policy, infrastructure planning, environmental research, and engagement needed to support future offshore wind development.

Initiatives such as Wind West and the Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Readiness Program are helping to identify the information, transmission planning, regulatory pathways, and investment considerations required to support a future offshore wind industry in the region. As offshore wind activity continues to advance globally, lessons learned from established markets can help Atlantic Canada prepare for future opportunities and avoid challenges experienced elsewhere.


Potential areas of collaboration

The Memorandum of Understanding identifies areas in which the organisations may explore collaboration, including:

  • Offshore wind resource assessment;
  • Environmental, permitting, and engagement support;
  • Transmission, interconnection, and cabling analysis;
  • Energy-system modelling and interregional planning;
  • Marine surveys; and
  • Capacity building and knowledge exchange.

The organisations expect the collaboration to evolve over time as new opportunities emerge and offshore wind readiness activities continue to mature in Atlantic Canada.


Partner perspectives

"Atlantic Canada has an opportunity to develop a strong and globally competitive offshore wind industry, supported by world-class wind resources and growing demand for clean energy. By partnering with organisations that have deep experience in established offshore wind markets, we can share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and accelerate offshore wind readiness. Together, we are helping create the conditions for a credible and investable industry in Atlantic Canada."

Alisdair McLean, Chief Executive Officer, Net Zero Atlantic

“Germany and Atlantic Canada are at different stages of offshore wind development, but both are working towards the same goal: turning strong wind resources into reliable energy, lasting economic value and good jobs. In a changing geopolitical environment, cooperation across the Atlantic is more important than ever. Our partnership with Net Zero Atlantic allows us to share practical experience, learn from regional perspectives and develop solutions that reflect the realities on both sides of the Atlantic. This exchange benefits Canada and its European partners and strengthens the offshore wind sector as a whole.”

Karina Würtz, Managing Director, Stiftung OFFSHORE-WINDENERGIE

"This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing offshore wind through science, innovation, and knowledge exchange. By bringing together expertise from Europe and Atlantic Canada, this collaboration will strengthen the foundations of a competitive, sustainable, and resilient offshore wind sector."

Herveline Gaborieau, Executive Director, France Energies Marines

"Successful offshore wind markets around the world have been built on strong collaboration and the exchange of experience across regions. By extending the Carbon Trust’s collaboration with Net Zero Atlantic to include Stiftung OFFSHORE-WINDENERGIE and France Énergies Marines, we are creating an international platform for knowledge exchange - helping Nova Scotia draw on global best practice while building an offshore wind industry that reflects its own strengths, opportunities and ambitions."

Jan Matthiesen, Director, the Carbon Trust


Looking ahead

Through this collaboration, the organisations aim to strengthen connections between Atlantic Canada and established European offshore wind jurisdictions. These relationships will support ongoing knowledge exchange and help create the conditions for a credible and investable offshore wind industry in Atlantic Canada.