Governor Maura Healey and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced a joint request for information (RFI) aimed at bringing offshore wind power from Nova Scotia to New England. The RFI, issued by the Healey‑Driscoll administration and Nova Scotia’s Department of Energy, invites developers, utilities, port operators, labor groups, universities and other interested parties to submit comments by 5 p.m. Eastern time on Dec. 31.
Why the RFI matters for Massachusetts families
Healey emphasized the need for “more affordable, reliable energy” and framed the collaboration as a way to protect family budgets while strengthening the regional economy. By working with a neighboring jurisdiction that boasts some of the strongest offshore wind resources in the world, the Commonwealth hopes to lower electricity costs for households and create good‑paying jobs in construction, operations and supply‑chain sectors.
Key components of the proposed partnership
The RFI builds on a memorandum of understanding signed by Healey and Houston in February, which commits the two governments to cooperate on transmission planning, workforce development, port investments and supply‑chain coordination. Respondents will address 54 questions, half of which focus on the logistics of delivering power to New England. The remaining questions explore wind generation, port facilities, workforce training and shared regulatory issues.
Two primary delivery routes are outlined:
- A direct undersea high‑voltage cable from Nova Scotia to a connection point on the New England coast.
- A route that routes power through New Brunswick, Quebec or both, using existing transmission lines or new, upgraded infrastructure.
Commenters may also propose alternative approaches. The RFI cites a potential project scale of at least 1,200 megawatts per cable link, illustrating the magnitude of the opportunity.
Economic and workforce implications
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony called the partnership “poised to unlock real savings and economic development for the Atlantic Coast.” Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Acting Commissioner Chris Kearns added that the input will help clarify infrastructure costs and regulatory steps, ensuring that the project proceeds efficiently.
Port and supply‑chain businesses stand to benefit from increased activity, while labor organizations anticipate new apprenticeship and training programs to equip workers with the skills needed for offshore wind construction and maintenance.
Existing offshore wind foundation in the Commonwealth
Massachusetts already operates one offshore wind farm, Vineyard Wind 1, a 572‑megawatt project that began delivering power in January 2025. The new collaboration with Nova Scotia could expand the region’s renewable energy portfolio, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the state’s clean‑energy goals.
How to submit comments
Responses may be up to 15 pages, plus attachments, and must be emailed to the designated contacts in both Massachusetts and Nova Scotia. The RFI document provides specific formatting rules and email addresses for submission.
Stakeholders are encouraged to act promptly, as the deadline approaches quickly. The information gathered will inform future policy decisions, transmission planning and potential investment in the region’s offshore wind infrastructure.
Original reporting: This Week in Worcester — read the source article.
