Nova Scotia seeks bids for offshore gas exploration on 13 parcels, reviving the industry as part of its economic and energy transition strategy.
Offshore Bidding Resumes on Scotian Shelf
Nova Scotia is relaunching efforts to explore offshore petroleum resources. On Monday, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) issued a call for bids on 13 offshore parcels spanning over 3.3 million hectares near the Scotian Shelf and Scotian Slope. This marks the province’s most significant offshore exploration move since 2018, when its last natural gas project ended.
Provincial Push for Economic and Energy Growth
Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau confirmed that reviving offshore natural gas aligns with the Houston government’s economic development priorities. “What an opportunity for us to grow our economy, ensure energy security, and create opportunities for Nova Scotians,” Boudreau said. He emphasized that revisiting offshore gas made sense, given the province’s history with the sector.
Timeline and Exploration Zones
The parcels up for bidding lie offshore but avoid protected areas like Sable Island National Park Reserve and the Gully Marine Protected Area. The region holds known reserves of at least 3.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Companies have until April 28, 2026, to submit exploration licence bids. Public feedback is being accepted through the CNSOPB website until September 5, 2025.
Natural Gas as a Transitional Energy Source
Despite a provincial target of 80% renewable energy by 2030, Boudreau described natural gas as a “key” transition fuel. He argued it is cleaner than coal—still a major power source in the province—and necessary for meeting short- to medium-term energy needs. The province plans to end coal-fired electricity by 2030.
Renewable Energy Ambitions Continue
The offshore gas bid comes amid rising ambitions for offshore wind development. Nova Scotia is preparing a separate call for wind energy projects, with plans to generate at least five gigawatts by 2030. Premier Tim Houston has floated even higher targets, potentially up to 60 gigawatts, as part of a long-term green energy strategy.
Political Concerns About Industry Compatibility
Opposition voices have raised questions about how offshore gas and wind can coexist. NDP Leader Claudia Chender criticized the timing of the petroleum call, citing recent government focus on offshore wind. “It’s perplexing that these bids have been reopened,” she said, pointing to a lack of clarity on how both sectors would be managed.
Previous License Revoked Amid Conflict
In 2022, the offshore regulator issued a petroleum exploration licence to Inceptio Limited, but it was revoked within two months. The provincial and federal governments intervened, citing the need for more research on the overlap between fossil fuel and renewable energy projects.
Industry Interest and Public Consultation
Offshore natural gas activity in Nova Scotia began in the early 1990s and peaked with major projects like Sable Offshore Energy, which ended in 2018. Since then, no bids were received in two separate calls. However, Boudreau said early talks with industry representatives have been promising, noting a shift in attitude and appetite for exploration.
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