Supporting equitable energy transitions in inequitable communities: Offshore wind in Nova Scotia, Canada

Offshore wind (OSW) energy is emerging as a key part of the blue economy, yet its social dimensions remain underexplored. This study examines how existing social infrastructure conditions may influence the equity of future OSW development in Nova Scotia, Canada, where four potential project areas have recently been designated. Many communities across the province face persistent deficits in housing, healthcare, education, and other essential services, which may affect their capacity to participate in and benefit from energy transition initiatives. To assess these inequities, we conducted a multi-criteria spatial analysis of 23 demographic, economic, and infrastructure indicators at a fine local scale using census and geospatial datasets. A hybrid binary-fuzzy threshold method was applied to measure accessibility to social infrastructure, followed by hotspot analysis to identify statistically significant clusters of high and low deficits. The results reveal three recurring themes in high-gap areas: (1) economic and educational disadvantages, where low-income and high-unemployment communities face service deficits; (2) cultural and identity marginalization, where Mi'kmaq and other historically disadvantaged groups experience systemic underinvestment; and (3) demographic and household pressures, where young families, large households, and renters face added burdens from poor healthcare, emergency, and housing services. We argue that an equitable transition is possible only if these baseline conditions are addressed as a core planning priority. Doing so requires embedding equity assessment into project planning, negotiating community benefit agreements, strengthening capacity through education and workforce development, and sustaining meaningful engagement with Indigenous Nations and local partners.