Canada invests in Nova Scotia tidal energy
Published by Bella Weetch,
Editorial Assistant
Energy Global,
Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, has announced one of Canada’s largest ever investments in tidal energy: CAN$28.5 million to Sustainable Marine in Nova Scotia, Canada, to deliver the country’s first floating tidal energy array.
Canada has an abundance of renewable energy sources that are helping power the country’s clean growth future and the Canadian government is investing in renewables to reduce emissions, create jobs and invigorate local economies in a post COVID-19 pandemic world.
Sustainable Marine developed an innovative floating tidal energy platform called PLAT-I that has undergone rigorous testing on the waters of Grand Passage, Nova Scotia, for nearly two years. A second platform is currently being assembled in Meteghan, Nova Scotia, and will be launched in Grand Passage later this year for testing before relocation to the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy in 2021. These platforms will make up the tidal energy array.
The objective of the project is to provide up to 9 MW of predictable and clean renewable electricity to Nova Scotia’s electrical grid. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 000 tpy of CO2 while creating new jobs in the province. The project will also demonstrate the ability to harness tides as a reliable source of renewable electricity to power homes, vehicles and businesses.
Tidal energy - a clean, renewable energy source generated by ocean tides and currents - has the potential to significantly reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality by displacing electricity generated from fossil fuels.
O’Regan made the announcement at the Marine Renewables Canada 2020 Fall Forum, which brings together its members and industry to identify opportunities and strategise a path forward for marine renewable energy sources.
Funding for the project comes from Natural Resources Canada’s Emerging Renewables power programme, part of Canada’s more than CAN$180 billion ‘Investing in Canada’ infrastructure plan for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/other-renewables/10112020/canada-invests-in-nova-scotia-tidal-energy/
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