The Government of Canada has made a major new investment in marine renewable energy at the G7 Summit in Halifax: $29.8 million for a nine megawatt tidal stream project in Nova Scotia, under development by Haligonia Tidal Energy Ltd.
The project, which will create approximately 120 jobs, will deploy a nine megawatt tidal energy system and combine both floating and submerged turbines, incorporating five Andritz Hydro Mk1 1.5MW sea-bed mounted tidal turbines, and a single Scotrenewables Tidal Power SR2-2000 floating turbine. Both these technologies have successfully generated power in Scotland.
"This support shows Canada really understands the enormous potential marine renewable energy has to contribute to our national electricity supply," said Paul McEachern, executive director of Marine Renewables Canada. "Showcasing that predictable and reliable energy can be responsibly extracted from the Bay of Fundy is another step toward developing Canada's huge marine energy potential."
The funding comes from Natural Resources Canada's Emerging Renewable Power Program, designed to expand the range of renewable energy sources available to provinces and territories as they work to reduce GHG emissions from their electricity sectors.
A first of its kind in Canada, the project will demonstrate tidal stream's capability to extract energy in both shallow and deep water. At full capacity, the project will generate energy to power more than 2,500 homes, and will provide valuable experience managing electricity generation from tidal resources - reducing barriers to entry for the tidal industry.
Added McEachern: "The continued and increasing effects of climate change require ambitious action, and Canada clearly gets that marine renewables can play a big role in building a cleaner energy future. Today's announcement is a great step in the right direction."
About Marine Renewables Canada
Marine Renewables Canada is the national industry association for wave, tidal, and river current energy, representing technology and project developers, utilities, researchers, and the energy and marine supply chain. Since 2004, the association has worked to identify and foster collaborative opportunities, provide information and education, and represent the best interests of the sector to advance the development of a marine renewable energy industry in Canada that can be globally competitive.
Contact:
Amanda White
Marine Renewables Canada
902-717-0716
amanda@marinerenewables.ca
May 3, 2024
