Tidal

Three candidates, representing technologies from Canada, USA, and Ireland, have cleared the first hurdle in their bid to demonstrate tidal devices in the Bay of Fundy (see news release).
Clean Current (using a Clean Current Mark III Turbine)   
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. Ltd. (using a UEK Hydrokinetic Turbine)    

Nova Scotia Power Inc. (using an OpenHydro Tubine)   
 

Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company proposes to construct the facility infrastructure. The facility would connect all tidal devices from the Bay of Fundy to the Nova Scotia electric grid. The facility will be funded by a $4.7-million grant from the province's Ecotrust for Clean Air and Climate Change program, a $3-million zero-interest loan from EnCana Corporation's Environmental Innovation Fund, and significant contributions from each of the successful developers. The province will also make $300,000 available for environmental and permitting work.

POTENTIAL
Cape Split, Nova Scotia
100 billion tons of seawater flows in and out of the Bay of Fundy each day - more than the combined flow of the world’s freshwater rivers.

Research from US-based Electric Power Research Institute (more) 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:

1) 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. (more)

2) creating a streamlined policy framework for developers (more)

3) 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 innovative facility will allow pioneering developers to share costs, limit any potential impacts, and test under similar conditions.

No final decision on either the facility or the devices will be made until the strategic environmental assessment is completed.

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

The devices are expected to go in the water in 2009/2010.

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.

Questions related to policy and permitting may be directed to Sandra Farwell at FARWELSE@gov.ns.ca or (902) 424-1700.POTENTIAL

If you have additional information relevant to this page please send it to info@energyconsultant.ca noting that it will be reviewed for content prior to any posting, thank you!

We acknowledge the NS Department of Energy for contributing information to this page.
Their website is www.gov.ns.ca/energy/AbsPage.aspx.