Nova Scotia Calls for Tidal Demonstration Projects

Premier Rodney MacDonald told his fellow Canadian premiers today, Aug. 9, that Nova Scotia is leading the search to attract the world's best technology to harness energy from the world's biggest tides.

The premier told his counterparts at the Council of Federation meeting in Moncton, N.B., that Nova Scotia has issued a request for proposals to find the most efficient, durable, non-invasive technology in existence that will allow the province to tap into the natural power coming through the tides and establish an industry center for technology.

"The Bay of Fundy provides a significant opportunity for Nova Scotia and Canada. We will champion the effort for world tidal power innovation," said Premier MacDonald. "We've invited developers from around the world to help us find the best technology, and we're excited by both the power generation possibilities as well as the potential technology innovation benefits for our province and country."

The request for proposals asks developers to demonstrate in-stream tidal devices through a common demonstration facility in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy. The innovative facility will allow pioneering developers to share costs, limit any potential impacts, and test under similar conditions.

"We want the best technology for the Bay of Fundy," said Energy Minister Bill Dooks, "And today we are calling on developers to show us the best. We need to know which machines can survive the enormous force of our tides, what kind of power they can deliver, and what impact, if any, they have on our environment."

No final decision on a demonstration facility will be made until the results of the strategic environmental assessment by the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association is completed. This will have input from developers, fisherman, and other interested parties around the Bay of Fundy. In addition a site specific environment assessment will be required by the Department of Environment and Labour.

The demonstration facility does not exclude the possibility of additional tidal energy projects in other locations in the future.

"I am pleased that environmental issues are being considered through the strategic environmental assessment process," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "Environmental protection and sustainability need to be carefully reviewed when exploring the future of tidal power in the Bay of Fundy."

All devices must meet the strict requirements of a project-specific environmental assessment.

Natural Resources Minister David Morse added "When all federal and provincial assessments are complete, we look forward to leasing Nova Scotia's submerged land for an in-stream tidal demonstration facility. We are pleased to be part of this joint effort to increase energy supply and conserve our natural resources."

The devices are expected to go in the water in the spring of 2009.

"We recognize these are early days in the tidal industry, and that's why we need to start now," said Mr. Dooks. "We need to find opportunities for research, business, and growth that move Nova Scotia towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy economy."

Research identifies the Bay of Fundy as potentially the best site for tidal power generation in North America, with a world-class resource in close proximity to an existing grid and potential consumers.

Nova Scotia's regulations demand nearly 20 per cent of the province's electricity supply come from renewable sources by 2013. Tidal energy represents an opportunity to meet that target and possibly surpass it.

The tender is available online at www.gov.ns.ca/tenders .

Developers with technical questions may contact Nancy Rondeaux by e-mail at RONDEANA@gov.ns.ca, or by phone at 902-424-4458, after Aug. 12.