The Government of Nova Scotia’s Department of Energy was especially busy in September and October. The Department and Government made several important announcements and launched new campaigns aimed at developing several types of energy including offshore wind, natural gas and small modular reactors (SMRs).

Importantly, the Premier of Nova Scotia announced himself as the new Minister of Energy.

Minister of Energy:

On October 21, 2025, Premier Tim Houston formally took over as the Minister of Energy, in addition to his ongoing roles as Premier, President of the Executive Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Trade. Premier Houston replaced Trevor Boudreau in the role, who will continue to sit as an MLA. Marco MacLeod will continue as the Ministerial Assistant.

“The Atlantica Centre for Energy would like to thank Trevor Boudreau for his support during his time as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy. Mr. Boudreau was responsible and collaborative in his role and the Centre looks forward to continuing this strong working relationship with the Department and Premier.”

– Michelle Robichaud, President

Natural gas:

On October 14, 2025, Premier Houston launched an awareness campaign on Nova Natural Gas, aimed at redeveloping natural gas in the province, both offshore and onshore. He was also featured on the Insights podcast with Don Mills and David Campbell on October 23, 2025, to discuss natural gas and the Wind West project.

In mid-October, Premier Houston travelled to Europe as part of a trade mission to promote the province’s energy sector and opportunities for offshore natural gas exploration and development. The CNSOER issued petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P on July 7, 2025.

 Nova Oil & Natural Gas: making Nova Scotia & Canada an energy superpower

Offshore wind: 

Premier Houston met with the Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, in early October to discuss energy security and the economic benefits of the Wind West project. 

On September 26, 2025, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy introduced Bill 149: Powering the Offshore Act, which received Royal Assent on October 3.  

The Act changes three pieces of legislation related to energy: 

  • Changes to the Electricity Act to allow power purchase agreements (PPAs) to keep options open to use offshore wind, including for domestic use;  
  • Changes to the Electricity Act, to designate clean energy projects outside of government procurements at 1,140 megawatts to help protect ratepayers; 
  • Changes to the Marine Renewable-energy Act to allow licenses to merge for tidal energy projects (based on industry feedback); and,
  • Changes to the Public Utilities Act to clarify Nova Scotia Power is exempt from municipal taxation and building code requirements for its capital assets including the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick intertie.  

Small modular reactors:

On October 23, Premier Houston signed an MOU with Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, to gain experience about small modular reactor technology, and associated regulatory processes and community engagement.  

The Government of Nova Scotia has been clear that small modular reactor technology will not be established in the province in the near future, but is exploring “the full range of clean energy options that can help meet [Nova Scotia’s] future energy needs.”