Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) congratulates Eauclaire Tidal Limited Partnership and Orbital Marine Power on their selection by the Province of Nova Scotia to develop two additional tidal energy berths at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE).
The selection marks a major step forward in harnessing the Bay of Fundy's immense tidal energy potential and advancing Canada's leadership in marine renewables.
This milestone follows the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Power Advisory's tidal energy procurement process, launched earlier this year. The process invited projects between 5 and 8 MW to compete for FORCE berths B and E - with a combined capacity of up to 13 MW - to deliver predictable, emissions-free electricity from one of the world's most powerful tidal sites.
"This is a truly exciting moment for Nova Scotia and Canada's marine renewable energy sector," said Elisa Obermann, Executive Director of Marine Renewables Canada. "The selection of Eauclaire Tidal and Orbital Marine Power to develop additional projects at FORCE demonstrates Nova Scotia's continued global leadership in tidal innovation. These projects will help advance tidal power to a commercial scale while generating local jobs, research partnerships, and lasting economic benefits for coastal communities."
"This announcement signals growing confidence in our tidal energy industry," added Jonathan Robinson, Senior Policy Advisor at MRC. "Nova Scotia is leveraging its natural resources, research expertise and maritime experience to position Canada as a leader in tidal energy development."
Located in the Minas Passage, FORCE provides world-class subsea cables, grid connection and environmental monitoring infrastructure. These new developments will add to a decade of Canadian innovation and research - including collaboration with partners such as Acadia University - helping build the foundation for a sustainable tidal energy industry that contributes to Canada's emission reduction goals and energy security.
More Information
- New Tidal Energy Projects Coming to Nova Scotia
- Marine Renewables Canada Applauds $10 Million Federal Investment to Advance Tidal Energy Monitoring in the Bay of Fundy
Quick Facts
- Tides are created by the gravitational pull of the sun, moon and the rotation of the earth. Unlike other renewables, tidal energy provides four consistent generation cycles per day that can be predicted hundreds of years in advance.
- The Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy is home to an estimated 7,000 megawatts of energy potential, roughly equal to the power needs of 2 million homes - or all of Atlantic Canada.
- Overall, Canada has an estimated tidal energy potential of 35,700 megawatts (MW). That's enough clean power to displace over 113 million tonnes of CO2 - equal to removing over 24 million cars off the road. More information here.
About Marine Renewables Canada
Marine Renewables Canada is the national association for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy, representing technology and project developers, suppliers, utilities, Indigenous organizations, researchers, and communities. We strive to champion Canada's growing marine renewable energy sector through advocacy, engagement, and education and expand market opportunities across the country and globally. Learn more at www.marinerenewables.ca.
