Province Inviting Further Tidal Energy Testing

As part of its commitment to be a world leader in tidal power development, the province is seeking proposals from developers to join the tidal test program in the Minas Channel.

"We expect tidal energy will play an important role in our renewable energy future, while creating good jobs and growing the economy," said Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks. "We are committed to testing and showcasing tidal technologies and being leaders in its development. We're seeing if this tremendous natural resource can be harnessed to provide clean, reliable electricity."

There were a number of responses to an expression of interest to test tidal technology in Nova Scotia that government issued in March. As a result, a fourth test site was added to the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) project, which is the first of its kind in the world.

"The request for proposals will attract the resources and expertise of a fourth leading-edge developer of tidal energy technology to Nova Scotia," said Mr. Estabrooks. "As part of its submission, the developer must demonstrate financial ability, that the technology can withstand the harsh environment of the Bay of Fundy, and that it has a plan to monitor the effect on the environment, including fish."

The successful proponent will join Nova Scotia Power, ALSTOM and Minas Basin Pulp and Paper in the FORCE project. Sub-sea cables will transmit power from the four test sites to the province's electricity grid. The sub-sea cables are scheduled to be installed by next summer.

"The more experience we get with different devices in the water, the more we learn -- what makes sense, what is safe, and what is possible," said FORCE executive director Doug Keefe. "A fourth bertholder offers everyone another opportunity to see in-stream tidal energy technology at work in the Bay of Fundy."

FORCE is a public/private partnership that allows developers, regulators, scientists and academics to study the performance and interaction of tidal energy turbines with the Bay of Fundy's environment. It is funded by the governments of Nova Scotia and Canada, Encana Corporation and developers.

The request for proposals can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/tenders. The deadline is Oct. 20 and more information on the tidal project can be found at www.fundyforce.ca .

The province released its Renewable Electricity Plan in April, committing to 25 per cent renewable energy by 2015 and 40 per cent by 2020.