Nova Scotia Welcomes Growing Interest in Tidal Energy

The Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides, will get some extra attention this year.

New Brunswick is joining forces with Nova Scotia's tidal energy program to assess the potential impacts of the new technology on the Bay of Fundy.

"We welcome New Brunswick's involvement in tidal energy development," said Energy Minister Bill Dooks. "A lot of work needs to be done before demonstration turbines can be put in the water, and New Brunswick is helping us move that work forward."

"This is an initiative we are very pleased to take part in," said New Brunswick Energy Minister Jack Keir. "This is an important step forward in developing future tidal projects which could benefit both of our provinces."

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have committed to complete strategic environmental assessments of the Bay of Fundy. The assessments consist of two main parts; an environmental and socio-economic impact assessment report and extensive feedback and consultation with interested parties.

Each province is investing up to $75,000 to complete the environmental and socio-economic report, which will look at issues such as marine-life impacts, energy security, energy cost, greenhouse gas levels, compatibility with other marine activities, and economic development.

This work is being done through Nova Scotia's Offshore Energy and Environmental Research association, and is part of Nova Scotia's $250,000 commitment to complete the strategic environmental assessment.

Research from the U.S.-based Electric Power Research Institute identifies the Bay of Fundy as, potentially, the best site in North America for large-scale, grid-connected tidal-energy generation.