Fundy Tidal Project Wins Major Funding, Orders Subsea Cable

Nova Scotia is another step closer to cementing its reputation as the leading tidal energy site in the world.

The government of Canada is contributing $20 million for the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) tidal project in the Bay of Fundy, home of the highest tides in the world. It is the largest single grant available under the renewable and clean energy portion of Canada's Clean Energy Fund.

FORCE has also signed an $11-million contract for the production and installation of four subsea cables in the Minas Passage test site, with work shared between Nova Scotia and Italy. Scheduled for installation in 2011, the cables will give FORCE the largest offshore transmission capacity of any in-stream tidal energy site in the world.

"With this announcement, we are creating good jobs, growing the economy and taking another step toward a cleaner environment and more stable electricity prices for Nova Scotians," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "We are establishing ourselves as a leader in tidal energy.

"Nova Scotia has aggressive renewable energy targets, feed-in tariffs, clear regulations and an incredible natural resource with the largest transmission capacity for in-stream tidal energy in the world. All of this combined is helping to establish Nova Scotia as a world leader."

The cables will connect tidal devices to the grid, allowing Nova Scotians to receive clean electricity directly from the Bay of Fundy. It will also enable real-time data collection, and more opportunity for learning and research.

"Investments in clean energy projects like this one will help ensure Nova Scotia plays a key role in securing Canada's position as a clean energy superpower," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "Government is supporting this tidal project, and others like it, to encourage clean energy innovation and help create high-quality jobs for Nova Scotians."

Each of the four subsea cables for the test site has the capacity for 16 megawatts, for a total of up to 64 megawatts. Each 34.5-kilovolt cable is designed to allow adding more tidal devices in the future. With a combined length of 11 kilometres, the total capacity of all four cables will be about 64 devices, enough power for more than 20,000 homes.

The province will create new marine renewable legislation before looking at larger developments and a consultation process has started.

"FORCE applauds the vision and commitment of both governments to an energy future where clean technology can play a bigger role," said FORCE chairman John Woods. "By 2011, any tidal device installed at FORCE will be able to deliver power directly to the grid. The size of the cable also gives us room for significant growth, if tidal technology proves to be both safe and viable in the Bay of Fundy."

IT International Telecom Inc. will complete work for nearly half of the cable contract, $5.3 million, out of its Marine Terminal in the Halifax Harbour, providing local jobs for up to 100 people.

"Our team works all over the world installing high-tech cable -- from Alaska to Argentina to New York -- so it's great to put those skills and experience to work right here in our own backyard," said Paul Kravis, vice-president of International Telecom. "This is more than a local contract. This is a world-class project in a site that is as challenging as they come."

The company will manage the project to completion, overseeing cable testing and transportation to site, through to final installation of all four cables from the shore to their subsea berths.

The cables and accessories will be manufactured by Prysmian at their submarine cable facility in Arco Felice, Italy. Prysmian makes high-tech cables and systems for the energy and telecommunications sectors, and has supplied cable connections to offshore wind developments in Europe.

"When the cable is installed, FORCE will be the only tidal development centre in the world with pre-built capacity for growth," said Chris Campbell, executive director of Canada's Ocean Renewable Energy Group. "This is a smart investment that can help attract activity and new technology to the province."

The province is accepting submissions, until Nov. 22, from developers who want to occupy a berth at FORCE. The test site has one vacancy, but all applicants may be eligible to be considered if more berths become available. The tender is available at https://www.gov.ns.ca/tenders/search/search_notice_new.asp?XX=10-10-2512:01:16AM&msl=2&mtender_id=60140612&mdata=1 .

Successful applicants will also be eligible for Nova Scotia's new feed-in tariffs, or fixed price, for tidal energy at the transmission level. For more details visit www.nsrenewables.ca .

FORCE is Canada's leading centre for in-stream tidal technology research and development. Participants include Nova Scotia Power (with OpenHydro), ALSTOM (with Clean Current), and Minas Basin Pulp and Power (with Marine Current Turbines). Funding partners include the government of Canada, the province of Nova Scotia, and Encana Corporation. For more information, visit www.fundyforce.ca .