Major tidal energy project given go-ahead

Nova Innovation has received a permit to develop a 1.5MW tidal array in Petit Passage, in the Bay of Fundy area of Nova Scotia.

A phased approach starting with a single turbine in 2020, then three phases of 0.5MW will eventually see 15 new tidal stream turbines installed by 2023 on the seabed to generate clean electricity from the natural ebb and flow of the tide – enough to power 1,000 homes.

Simon Forrest, chief executive of Nova Innovation, said: “At five times the size of our array in Shetland, which is the first of its kind in the world, this project is a massive step forward for Nova Innovation and the sector – propelling Nova Scotia to a leading position in tidal energy.”

Powerful backing

The Nova Scotian government is putting its weight behind tidal power, pledging to pay Nova Innovation 50 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity from the 15 new turbines, recognizing the costs of developing a ground-breaking new energy technology.

This long-term approach will enable Canada to become the global hub of the sector, establish a highly skilled supply chain, help regenerate coastal communities and capitalise on the high-quality jobs being created by the industry.

Mr Forrest added: “The momentum building behind tidal energy is demonstrated by the astonishing response to Nova Innovation’s ongoing crowdfunding campaign, which has so far seen more than 1,000 people invest to join our mission.”

By Rebecca Jeffrey