NetZero Atlantic Webinar Series - Assessing the Socioeconomic Impacts of a Subsea Transmission Cable in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s offshore wind resource positions the province to generate clean electricity for domestic use and potential export markets. A subsea transmission cable connecting Nova Scotia’s offshore wind developments to the northeastern United States could enable larger-scale deployment and export of this clean energy.

WSP and Power Advisory, in partnership with Net Zero Atlantic, conducted a study assessing the socioeconomic impacts of developing such a cable.

This webinar will present the study’s findings, including project design considerations, offshore wind export market assessments, the additional offshore wind development enabled in Nova Scotia, and the potential economic, trade, skills, and social impacts.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the potential scale and design considerations of a subsea transmission cable for offshore wind export
• Explore offshore wind export opportunities for Nova Scotia
• Examine the economic, trade, skills, and social implications of developing the project
• Provide context on the broader offshore wind buildout that could be enabled by the cable

Why Attend?

Offshore wind development is a growing, interdisciplinary sector with impacts across energy, trade, and local communities. This webinar provides foundational insights for stakeholders seeking to understand opportunities and considerations related to Nova Scotia’s offshore wind export potential.

Who Should Attend?

• Energy sector professionals involved in offshore wind, transmission planning, or renewable energy development
• Government and regulatory staff working in energy policy, permitting, or interregional infrastructure
• Researchers and academics studying offshore wind, energy systems, or socioeconomic modelling
• Industry consultants and project developers focused on offshore wind markets and export pathways

About the presenters

Maya Watson, Social Scientist - WSP

Maya Watson is a bilingual socio-economic and policy consultant with 5+ years of experience in socio-economic research. At WSP, she leads complex research and engagement projects across energy, mining, and technology, providing strategic direction on regulatory compliance, public engagement, and environmental policy. She holds a master’s from Toronto Metropolitan University and an Honours Bachelor’s in Contemporary Studies from the University of King’s College.

Peter Shattuck, Director - Power Advisory

Peter is an electricity sector professional based in Boston with over 15 years of experience. He specializes in project development, risk assessment, market and regulatory analysis, and commercial viability. Peter has led offshore wind, interregional transmission, and energy storage projects, and previously led renewable energy policy work at the Acadia Center. He holds a BA in History from Yale University and a Master of Environmental Science from Trinity College, Dublin.

Michael Drunsic, Vice President, Offshore Wind Market Lead - WSP

Michael Drunsic has 20 years of experience in the electric power and wind industries, including 15+ years in offshore wind. He leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex projects, with expertise across engineering, environmental, and commercial requirements. Michael currently serves as Offshore Wind Market Lead at WSP USA and has supported projects from concept development through decommissioning.

Nathan Koshka, Senior Consultant, Energy Transition Advisory - WSP

Nathan is a Senior Consultant in Energy Transition Advisory at WSP Canada with over 8 years of experience in traditional and renewable energy, energy transition, and hydrogen. He has led technoeconomic evaluations, business cases, and market studies across energy transition projects. Nathan holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calgary.

Sagar Kancharla, Director, Energy Transition Advisory - WSP

Sagar is Director of Energy Transition Advisory at WSP, advising organizations on strategy, opportunity evaluation, and project execution. With ~25 years of experience across energy companies, regulators, and consultancies, he has led projects in hydrogen, carbon capture, renewable power, energy storage, and other energy transition technologies across Canada, the US, and Europe.