Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador launch regional assessment to support future decisions on offshore wind projects in the province

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have initiated a regional environmental assessment to help inform future decisions on offshore wind projects in the province.

The assessment, which was jointly announced Wednesday, will cover the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and involve extensive research and consultation with stakeholders and Indigenous groups to determine the potential impacts of any proposed projects.

“This assessment is an important step towards unlocking Newfoundland and Labrador’s tremendous potential for offshore wind energy, while ensuring that any potential projects are developed in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources.

The assessment, which is being conducted by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is expected to take about three years to complete. During that time, the governments will work with local communities, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders to ensure their input is taken into account.

The objective of the assessment is to identify areas of environmental sensitivity and potential cumulative effects, and to provide scientific information to facilitate informed decision-making.

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have launched a regional environmental assessment to support future decisions on offshore wind projects in the province. The assessment, which was jointly declared on Wednesday, will evaluate the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and necessitate extensive exploration and dialogue with stakeholders and Indigenous communities to evaluate the probable effects of any proposed initiatives. Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan commented that “this assessment is an essential measure towards unlocking Newfoundland and Labrador’s extensive capacity for offshore wind energy, while confirming that any potential projects are developed in a conscientious and sustainable manner.” To be completed in approximately three years, the assessment will involve local communities, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders to guarantee their input is considered. The objective of the assessment is to pinpoint areas of environmental fragility and potential cumulative effects, and to provide scientific information to enable informed decision-making.