Two new N.S. tidal energy projects announced to advance clean energy

Equipment is transported to the FORCE site in the Minas Passage, N.S. (Source: Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy)

The Nova Scotia government announced on Monday Eauclaire Tidal Limited Partnership is adding projects in two more berths at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE).

The projects will help advance clean energy, jobs and investments, the province said in a release.

“We want tidal energy to be part of Nova Scotia’s clean energy future,” said Premier Tim Houston. “I’m pleased to see Eauclaire investing further in Nova Scotia and in the belief that we can harness the tremendous natural resource we have in the Bay of Fundy. The work of this company and others in the tidal sector is creating jobs and attracting investment to our province, and that benefits all Nova Scotians.”

Eauclaire and its technology partner, Orbital Marine Power, occupy one berth at FORCE in the Minas Passage already. This berth is for four megawatts of tidal energy.

The two additional berths will allow the companies to pursue a total of 16.5 megawatts of tidal energy. One berth will be for 7.5 megawatts and the other will be for five megawatts.

“Our partnership will deliver reliable, emissions-free electricity to the Nova Scotia power grid from the Bay of Fundy, which is known to be one of the best tidal energy resources in the world,” Jane Lowrie, Eauclaire Tidal Limited Partnership said. “We look forward to working with our First Nation partners and local communities to build a strong tidal power industrial base that will create specialized, permanent employment opportunities right here in Nova Scotia.”

Eauclaire will also receive tidal energy licences and power purchase agreements with Nova Scotia Power.

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