NetZero Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Readiness Forum 2026

The next chapter in Atlantic Canada’s offshore wind journey is taking shape. Join researchers, developers, policymakers, and industry leaders as we move from identifying priorities to enabling action.

Atlantic Canada is at an inflection point. Much of the foundational work is now in place: research priorities have been identified, knowledge gaps have been mapped, and early engagement has positioned us well to move forward. The Forum builds on past efforts to connect regional stakeholders, track priorities, and prepare the region for offshore wind development.

The 2026 Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Readiness Forum is designed to enable the early-stage research and actions that will reduce development risk, support permitting certainty, and accelerate timelines for offshore wind across the region. This is where industry, governments, researchers, and international partners align on the next steps for offshore wind development in Atlantic Canada.

Why This Forum, Why Now

The sector is entering a development readiness phase. Decisions made in the near term, on grid integration, environmental permitting, supply chain capacity, and regulatory frameworks, will shape outcomes for a generation. Global offshore wind markets have already navigated many of these challenges. Atlantic Canada has the opportunity to learn from their experience and build smarter.

The 2026 Forum will bring together local and international expertise to inform Atlantic Canada’s offshore wind development, enabling stakeholders to coordinate, prioritize, and take decisive action.

What to Expect

• Plenary sessions and expert panels presenting data-driven insights and lessons learned from international offshore wind projects
• Applied research and technical discussions on Atlantic Canada-specific knowledge gaps and development readiness challenges
• Networking and collaboration opportunities across sectors, disciplines, and jurisdictions

Who Should Attend

• Researchers and academics working on offshore wind and related energy systems
• Provincial and federal government representatives involved in energy, environment, and marine policy
• Offshore wind developers, project proponents, marine industry, and infrastructure partners
• Communities, Indigenous organizations, and associations interested in offshore wind planning 

NetZero welcomes abstracts on topics that advance offshore wind development readiness in Atlantic Canada, including but not limited to:

• Grid integration, transmission systems, inter-array cabling, and energy system modelling
• Supply chain development, marine logistics, workforce planning, and operations readiness
• Environmental assessment, monitoring, and permitting
• Geotechnical, oceanographic, and meteorological data collection and analysis
• Indigenous engagement, community involvement, and social licence
• Technology innovation for Atlantic Canadian conditions
• Policy, regulatory frameworks, and investment readiness, including project economics and domestic/export markets
• International case studies, lessons learned, and best practices

Presentations should be grounded in evidence and oriented toward practical relevance. NetZero particularly encourages submissions that draw on global experience to address Atlantic Canadian challenges.