Nova Scotia to foster local expertise for tidal energy

The Government of Nova Scotia released a plan this week that outlines how it intends to develop its fledgling tidal energy industry, which in the Bay of Fundy, for example, has the potential for delivering 2,400 MW of power.

The Marine Renewable Energy Strategy report contains policy, economic and legal conditions for renewable energy projects and technologies for commercial development. Energy Minister Charlie Parker said: “The strategy will guide work related to in-stream tidal development. We have tapped into the expertise and knowledge of local experts to ensure it is implemented in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.”

In the chapter, “How Will We Get there? Our Strategic Plans,” the report says: “Significant technical expertise and capacity will be required to advance the MRE agenda. The Department of Energy is working with academic institutions and industry to build engineering capacity and to focus efforts on common issues, including foundation and structural engineering and structural environment monitoring.”

The province is supporting the Fundy Energy Research Network in a study to define the scope and scale of opportunities and socio-economic issues involved in developing in-stream tidal power.

The strategy also incorporates feedback from the Mi’kmaq and acts on recommendations by Dalhousie University oceanographer Bob Fournier.

To see the report, click here.