The Nova Scotia government will establish a governing framework for tidal power development that protects fisheries and bars marine renewable energy development near aquaculture operations.
“The legislation identifies priority marine renewable areas within the Bay of Fundy and Bras d’Or Lake,” Clean Capital reports. “Marine Renewable Energy Areas (MREAs) will be established where development can take place after extensive identification of resource potential, environmental consideration, and public consultation.”
The legislation excludes four companies that already hold test berths at a tidal power site in the Minas Channel, and Ireland-based DP Energy may also be grandparented if its application is approved by the end of this year.
“By some estimates, over the next 25 years the tidal energy industry could contribute up to $1.7 billion to Nova Scotia’s gross domestic product and create up to 22,000 full-time jobs,” Noble writes. OpenHydro Technology Canada has tested rotor blades on the floor of Minas Passage over the last five years, and is planning new tests in the channel this fall with $6.35 million in federal funding.
