Canada creates new tidal energy opportunity

Canada creates new tidal energy opportunity

Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy is the place to be to develop tidal energy technology. An independent and competitive process will be used to attract a new tidal project to fill the vacant berth at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE).

Government has hired a team from Power Advisory LLC led by John Dalton, an electricity policy consultant with more than 25 years of experience, to serve as procurement administrator for a call for proposals. The administrator will only consider proposals that include a private sector solution for the Cape Sharp turbine.

Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette said: 

“Around the world, companies recognize the value of proving their technologies in the Bay of Fundy and having a spot at Canada’s lead research facility for in-stream tidal technology. We have already seen significant interest in this berth and having a new developer in Nova Scotia will support new jobs, create opportunities for local businesses and build on our position as a leader in this clean energy industry.”

The procurement administrator will have the authority to issue a power purchase agreement and a licence, if there is a successful proposal. Project size will be limited to no more than four megawatts at a maximum rate of 53 cents per kilowatt hour. Companies will be required to have a minimum of $4.5 million in security to cover all costs associated with the Cape Sharp turbine and additional security will be required before any new device is deployed.

John Dalton, president, Power Advisory LLC, said:

"Renewable energy markets around the world are changing and growing at a rapid pace. Power Advisory has the expertise to navigate this evolving territory, and we’re excited to be working again with Nova Scotia to further its clean energy goals."

Tony Wright, general manager, FORCE, added:

"We’re glad to see the province taking action to both remove the existing turbine and make room for a new tidal device. This gets us closer to our goal of understanding if, and under what conditions, tidal stream energy can be successful in the Bay of Fundy."

Elisa Obermann, executive director, Marine Renewables Canada, commented:

"FORCE presents an optimal opportunity for in-stream tidal energy development. Attracting a new entrant supports industry’s strategy to demonstrate technology and project approaches that will drive costs down and advance the sector as a whole. It also creates new opportunities for the local supply chain to engage and benefit from tidal energy development."

Quick Facts:

  • the procurement process will begin soon and the results are expected by spring;
  • retrieval and disposal of the Cape Sharp turbine could happen in the second half of 2020;
  • the turbine continues to be monitored and does not present a risk to marine life or the environment.