Nova Scotia Welcomes Tidal Project Activity
Energy
January 22, 2009 1:18 PM
Energy Minister Barry Barnet welcomed news that Nova Scotia's in-stream tidal energy project is moving closer to the water.
Today, Jan. 22, project partners announced a number of advances, including new tidal technology, a location for turbines in the Bay of Fundy, and an upcoming construction contract.
"We applaud these companies for working hard to move the tidal project ahead," said Mr. Barnet. "The more we can move away from imported, coal-based electricity towards a cleaner local supply, the better it is for our economy and environment."
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company announced its partnership with United Kingdom-based Marine Current Turbines, a leading developer of tidal technology. Marine Current Turbines recently installed the world's most powerful in-stream tidal turbine, now operating in Northern Ireland.
"This is an exciting partnership -- leading technology combined with our company's outstanding track record in green energy," said Scott Travers, president and chief operating officer of Minas Basin Pulp and Power. "Renewable power has been a part of our business since 1936, and we look forward to making Nova Scotia's energy future even greener."
After 12 months and more than $1 million in research, marine energy experts have identified what they believe to be an ideal site for Nova Scotia's first demonstration turbines.
The site is in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy near Black Rock, 10 kilometres west of Parrsboro. It includes:
-- water depths up to 45 metres at low tide
-- a sediment-free bedrock sea floor
-- straight flowing currents
-- water speeds up to 10 metres per second on ebb and flow
In addition, Nova Scotia Power announced that its technology partner, OpenHydro, has issued a call for bids to construct a subsea base to position their turbine on the ocean floor. The Irish technology developer will review all proposals, including those from potential fabricators in Nova Scotia.
Pending environmental approvals, the three initial technology candidates for the Fundy tidal project are:
-- Marine Current Turbines
-- OpenHydro
-- Clean Current Turbines, from Canada
"These companies still have a lot of work to do before anything can go in the water, including environmental approvals," said Mr. Barnet. "They face a lot of challenges -- new technology, tough environmental expectations, and an unbelievably powerful ocean resource. But from what I've seen, they've got what it takes."
Research identifies the Bay of Fundy as potentially the best site for tidal power generation in North America, with a world-class resource in close proximity to an existing grid and potential consumers.
Nova Scotia's 2009 Energy Strategy sets a new target of at least 25 per cent renewable electricity supply by 2020. In-stream tidal energy has the potential to help meet that target.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Nova Scotia's tidal demonstration project team announced a
number of advances today (January 22nd), including new
technology, a location for turbines in the Bay of Fundy, and an
upcoming construction contract.
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company announced its new
partnership with Marine Current Turbines, a world leader in
tidal technology.
As well, experts have identified what they believe to be an
ideal site in the Bay of Fundy for Nova Scotia's first turbine.
It is near Black Rock, 10 kilometers west of Parrsboro.
Nova Scotia Power announced that its technology
partner, OpenHydro, has issued a call for bids to construct a
subsea base to position their turbine on the ocean floor.
Energy Minister Barry Barnet says he applauds the
companies for working hard to move the tidal project ahead.
-30-
Media Contacts: Matt Lumley
Department of Energy
902-424-0794
Cell: 902-497-3414
E-mail: lumleymw@gov.ns.ca
Beth Caldwell
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company Limited
902-684-1700
E-mail: bcaldwell@minas.ns.ca
Paul Taylor
Marine Current Turbines
(011) 44 20 3170 8465
Cell: (011) 44 79 6678 2611
Email: paul@taylorkeogh.com
Margaret Murphy
Nova Scotia Power Inc.
902-428-6436
E-mail: margaret.murphy@emera.com
John Greiner
Clean Current Turbines
604-602-1222 ext 221
E-mail: john.greiner@cleancurrent.com
Energy Minister Barry Barnet welcomed news that Nova Scotia's in-stream tidal energy project is moving closer to the water.
Today, Jan. 22, project partners announced a number of advances, including new tidal technology, a location for turbines in the Bay of Fundy, and an upcoming construction contract.
"We applaud these companies for working hard to move the tidal project ahead," said Mr. Barnet. "The more we can move away from imported, coal-based electricity towards a cleaner local supply, the better it is for our economy and environment."
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company announced its partnership with United Kingdom-based Marine Current Turbines, a leading developer of tidal technology. Marine Current Turbines recently installed the world's most powerful in-stream tidal turbine, now operating in Northern Ireland.
"This is an exciting partnership -- leading technology combined with our company's outstanding track record in green energy," said Scott Travers, president and chief operating officer of Minas Basin Pulp and Power. "Renewable power has been a part of our business since 1936, and we look forward to making Nova Scotia's energy future even greener."
After 12 months and more than $1 million in research, marine energy experts have identified what they believe to be an ideal site for Nova Scotia's first demonstration turbines.
The site is in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy near Black Rock, 10 kilometres west of Parrsboro. It includes:
-- water depths up to 45 metres at low tide
-- a sediment-free bedrock sea floor
-- straight flowing currents
-- water speeds up to 10 metres per second on ebb and flow
In addition, Nova Scotia Power announced that its technology partner, OpenHydro, has issued a call for bids to construct a subsea base to position their turbine on the ocean floor. The Irish technology developer will review all proposals, including those from potential fabricators in Nova Scotia.
Pending environmental approvals, the three initial technology candidates for the Fundy tidal project are:
-- Marine Current Turbines
-- OpenHydro
-- Clean Current Turbines, from Canada
"These companies still have a lot of work to do before anything can go in the water, including environmental approvals," said Mr. Barnet. "They face a lot of challenges -- new technology, tough environmental expectations, and an unbelievably powerful ocean resource. But from what I've seen, they've got what it takes."
Research identifies the Bay of Fundy as potentially the best site for tidal power generation in North America, with a world-class resource in close proximity to an existing grid and potential consumers.
Nova Scotia's 2009 Energy Strategy sets a new target of at least 25 per cent renewable electricity supply by 2020. In-stream tidal energy has the potential to help meet that target.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Nova Scotia's tidal demonstration project team announced a
number of advances today (January 22nd), including new
technology, a location for turbines in the Bay of Fundy, and an
upcoming construction contract.
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company announced its new
partnership with Marine Current Turbines, a world leader in
tidal technology.
As well, experts have identified what they believe to be an
ideal site in the Bay of Fundy for Nova Scotia's first turbine.
It is near Black Rock, 10 kilometers west of Parrsboro.
Nova Scotia Power announced that its technology
partner, OpenHydro, has issued a call for bids to construct a
subsea base to position their turbine on the ocean floor.
Energy Minister Barry Barnet says he applauds the
companies for working hard to move the tidal project ahead.
-30-
Media Contacts: Matt Lumley
Department of Energy
902-424-0794
Cell: 902-497-3414
E-mail: lumleymw@gov.ns.ca
Beth Caldwell
Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company Limited
902-684-1700
E-mail: bcaldwell@minas.ns.ca
Paul Taylor
Marine Current Turbines
(011) 44 20 3170 8465
Cell: (011) 44 79 6678 2611
Email: paul@taylorkeogh.com
Margaret Murphy
Nova Scotia Power Inc.
902-428-6436
E-mail: margaret.murphy@emera.com
John Greiner
Clean Current Turbines
604-602-1222 ext 221
E-mail: john.greiner@cleancurrent.com