MARINE WAVE


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In early November, Cape Sharp Tidal, a joint venture between Emera Inc. and OpenHydro, a DCNS company, successfully deployed a 1000-tonne tidal turbine off the coast of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, in the Bay of Fundy’s powerful underwater current. It was later connected to the power grid, providing power to 500 homes in Nova Scotia. Atlantic Towing was chosen as the lead marine services provider for the project, putting it at the forefront of this relatively untapped source of clean, renewable and reliable energy. This successful deployment marked the first of its kind in Canada.


Because the Bay of Fundy has some of the most powerful tides in the planet, the possibilities are only beginning in terms of clean, renewable energy. Placing turbines underwater, right in the tidal current, can generate power without the need for big dams.


“Climate change is here,” said Jeremy Poste, OpenHydro Canada Country Manager, and Cape Sharp Tidal Director. “Tidal energy gives this region a local source of clean, renewable power. We can achieve that while also investing in the economic potential of local communities to build a new tidal energy sector. We’re already proud of the level of success we’ve achieved: hundreds of local companies are on board, hundreds of people are employed, and tens of millions have been invested.”


The Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) near Parrsboro was established as a research and test centre for in-stream turbines in one of the most powerful currents in the world. FORCE works with developers, regulators, and researchers to study the potential for tidal turbines to operate within the Bay of Fundy environment, ensuring that Canada gets a place in the global development of this technology. Today, there are four berths in place for developers to test their in-stream tidal technology at the FORCE site.


“In this first phase of the Cape Sharp Tidal project, we aim to demonstration that this is a safe, reliable and sustainable way to generate power,” added Poste. “Ours is the first technology to be tested at FORCE and there are others coming behind us shortly. It’s an exciting time to be at the forefront of this emerging industry.”


“Atlantic Towing began working with Cape Sharp Tidal on this project three years ago,” said Peter Huttges, Coastal Business Manager with Atlantic Towing. “It has been a lot of work and a lot of collaboration the expertise of several companies to make this project a success.”


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