Nova Scotia Renewables Public Education in Tidal Energy
Potential
Each day, 100 billion tonnes of seawater flows in and out of the Bay of Fundy - more than the combined flow of the world's freshwater rivers.
Research from US-based Electric Power Research Institute (research) identifies the Bay of Fundy as perhaps the most potent site for tidal power generation in North America.
When fully developed, new in-stream tidal technology has the potential to generate 300 megawatts of green, emission free energy from only two locations in the Bay of Fundy - enough energy to power close to 100,000 homes.
Frontier
Unlike a barrage or dam system, in-stream tidal devices are placed in the flowing tidal stream to harness its kinetic energy.
The technology is brand new - many devices exist only as a concept. It will take time to test and refine these devices to create a commercially viable technology appropriate to the Fundy environment.
The Nova Scotia government has moved forward on two fronts by:
- sponsoring a $250,000 Strategic Environmental Assessment - helping identify the potential impact of these devices on marine life, fisheries and many other factors. This will help decide how to develop this resource. (Strategic Enviro Assessment)
- creating a streamlined policy framework for developers (policy framework)
- inviting developers from around the world to demonstrate in-stream tidal devices through a common demonstration facility in the Minas Channel area of the Bay of Fundy.
The three candidates in negotiations for first occupancy in the proposed facility are:
History
Harnessing the power of the tides is not a new idea. As early as the 12th century, tidal mills were built in Britain, France and Spain.
In 1607, a mill powered partially by tidal energy was built in Port Royal, Nova Scotia.
These early mills converted roughly 25 to 75 kilowatts of energy from tidal power - enough to power about 10 modern homes.
There are currently three tidal power plants in the world - one in France, one in Russia, and one in Nova Scotia.
These are all barrage plants that use dams to hold the water before releasing it through a generator - similar to conventional hydroelectric plants.
Nova Scotia's Tidal Generating Station has been operating since 1984. It uses Bay of Fundy tides to produce 20 megawatts of energy - enough to power about 6,000 homes.
Links
Guidelines For Developers: An overview for in-stream tidal energy developers.
Hot Spots: A map of potential tidal energy sites identified by EPRI.
Policy: An outline of Nova Scotia's new policy framework for offshore renewable energy.
EPRI: An in-stream tidal energy systems study conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute.
OEER: The Offshore Energy Environmental Research association website.
OREG: The Ocean Renewable Energy Group website.
Nova Scotia Power Inc.: NSPI's activity in tidal energy.
Developers with technical questions may contact:
Nancy Rondeaux
E-mail: rondeana@gov.ns.ca
Tel: (902) 424-4458
Questions related to policy and permitting may be directed to:
Sandra Farwell
E-mail: farwelse@gov.ns.ca
Tel: (902) 424-1700