The Department of Energy has issued two marine renewable energy permits to Big Moon Power for a tidal electricity project in the Bay of Fundy.
"Nova Scotia is becoming well known for being at the forefront of tidal energy technology development," said Energy Minister Geoff MacLellan. "Demonstration projects like this will help drive innovation, competition and ultimately lower renewable energy prices."
The initial permit allows Big Moon Power to test a 100-kilowatt prototype that is not connected to the electricity grid for up to 14 months.
The second permit will allow the company to increase the size of its project in phases up to a maximum total of five-megawatts. This five-year permit is renewable if the company meets performance standards, environmental requirements and community engagement conditions.
The company must comply with all other relevant permits and approvals, and an environmental assessment is required before the five-megawatt project begins.
Mr. MacLellan also authorized a power purchase agreement that allows the company to sell the electricity it generates to Nova Scotia Power for 35 cents per kilowatt hour. If the project is successful, it will generate some of the lowest cost tidal electricity in the world.
The permit is available at https://energy.novascotia.ca/renewables/marine-renewable-energy/permits
