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The Fournier Report on Marine Renewable Energy Legislation

Nova Scotia has been working to advance the sustainable development of marine renewable energy, and specifically tides, due to our advantages in resource potential and its potential to help us meet renewable electricity targets by providing clean, renewable electricity. The province is committed to advancing the marine renewable energy sector through an adaptive, environmentally sustainable, and economically competitive approach and has been working on policy and legislation to support marine renewable energy development.

Last fall, the Province commissioned Dalhousie Oceanographer, Dr. Robert Fournier, to lead a public consultation process regarding options for Marine Renewable Energy Legislation. The consultation involved two public forums in Halifax and Wolfville, 18 written submissions, and a series of smaller meetings.

As a result of the consultation process, Dr. Fournier has delivered a final report - the "Fournier Report" - to Government which includes 27 recommendations for the creation of future marine renewable energy policy and legislation. The report is organized under four main categories-planning, economic opportunities, research, and regulation.

The Government of Nova Scotia has accepted the report's 27 recommendations and is currently working on plans to implement them including the development of a Marine Renewable Energy Strategy and new legislation.

Please click on this link to read the report in English:
The Fournier Report on Marine Renewable Energy Legislation Nova Scotia (PDF)

Please click on this link to read the report in French:
The Fournier Report on Marine Renewable Energy Legislation Nova Scotia (PDF)


Marine Renewable Energy Public Consultation Process

Nova Scotians were invited to share their views on the province's marine renewable energy future through a consultation process that began Sept. 16, 2010 and ended November 15, 2010.

The province is working on legislation for development of its offshore wind, tidal and wave energy. Nova Scotia has set aggressive renewable electricity targets and believes these world-class marine renewable energy resources can play a significant role in achieving them.

It is an exciting new area for Nova Scotia and we want to stay at the forefront of developing these clean, renewable energy resources.

Before introducing legislation, we wanted to talk to experts, people who live by or make a living from the sea, and people interested in the overall health of the ocean.

Dalhousie Oceanographer Dr. Bob Fournier led the effort that collected the views of a broad spectrum of Nova Scotians.

A discussion paper titled Marine Renewable Energy Legislation for Nova Scotia is available. Please click on this link: Marine Renewable Energy Legislation for Nova Scotia (pdf).

We received submissions from the public and Dr. Fournier is using this information in addition to contacting key groups for their input.

All 18 submissions from the public are available for viewing by clicking on the links below.

All submissions in one 176-page PDF file
Marine Renewable Energy Legislation submissions

Or, you may choose to download submissions only from certain individuals or organizations.

East Coast Environmental Law (ECELAW)
Ecology Action Centre
Fundy Energy Research Network (FERN)
Fundy Environmental & Educational Consultants
Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE)
Guysborough County Regional Development Authority
GWave Maritime
Heavy Current Fishers Association
Len Perry
Marine Affairs Program Dalhousie University
Minas Basin Pulp and Paper
Ocean Renewable Energy Group (OREG)
Resource Management Inc.
Richard Karsten, Acadia
Tidal Electric
World Wildlife Fund
Deborah Stiles
Jonathan Brady, Natural Resources Canada

Dr. Fournier's report is expected to be published in spring 2011.

See also:

To learn more about Nova Scotia's new tidal feed-in tariffs, go to www.nsrenewables.ca.