Province Strengthens Tidal Program

Nova Scotia's in-stream tidal project is moving closer to the water -- and the province is watching carefully.

In a report released today, June 26, the province committed up to $2 million for research to ensure tidal devices face close scrutiny before going in the water, and to better understand the tidal resource in the Bay of Fundy.

The province also committed to create legislation covering benefits, royalties and other issues before considering commercial in-stream tidal projects. In-stream tidal devices work somewhat like wind turbines underwater.

"Nova Scotians want more green energy, and our tides offer a local source that can play a role in protecting the environment and growing the economy," said Energy Minister Richard Hurlburt. "But we need to move cautiously. This was a key point raised in the recent strategic environmental assessment."

The government report, titled Bay of Fundy Tidal Energy, responds to the assessment, endorsing the proposed demonstration facility and outlining many of the conditions tidal projects must meet before installation.

"Before anything goes in the water, these devices will undergo a site-specific environmental assessment to ensure that they can be operated without significant environmental impacts," said Environment Minister Mark Parent.

Natural Resources Minister David Morse said: "The Bay of Fundy is an important resource. Development must take place responsibly. But we also can't afford to ignore the unique opportunity presented by the highest tides in the world."

In the report, the province committed to:

• Providing up to $2 million to the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association for tidal energy research.
• Ensuring devices are removed if there are adverse environmental effects.
• Ensuring developers make agreements with fishermen to deal with any potential adverse economic effects.
• Encouraging local, aboriginal, provincial, federal and international collaboration.

The province is also planning a number of future actions, such as:

• Creating a marine renewable energy demonstration program before considering other in-stream projects.
• Creating marine renewable energy legislation, including potential socio-economic benefits, before considering commercial in-stream projects.
• Creating new opportunities for tidal research.

"Tidal energy is an exciting offshore resource, with all the potential benefits that come with it," said Mr. Hurlburt. "But we won't know what can safely be developed without more research, and more experience in the water."

Research suggests the Bay of Fundy may be North America's best site for tidal power generation, with an estimated in-stream potential of 300 megawatts of energy from two sites close to the exiting grid -- enough power for about 100,000 homes.

In 2007, the Department of Energy commissioned the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association to carry out a strategic environmental assessment focusing on tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy. It was completed in April and contains 29 recommendations.

Today's report responds to the recommendations with input from the departments of Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources. The full report is available at www.gov.ns.ca/energy .