Nova Scotia advances tidal industry
Nova Scotia is advancing its leadership position
in the tidal industry with two new international research grants.
The two projects, worth $1.43 million, will
help governments, industry and researchers better understand the effect
tidal technology has on the marine environment, and the impact of the marine
environment on that technology.
This is the first announcement under the
memorandum of understanding signed between the government, Offshore Energy
Research Association and the United Kingdom.
"Canada and the United Kingdom are
recognized leaders in marine renewable energy, and ongoing investments
in tidal research spur innovation and development in both countries,"
said Energy Minister Michel Samson. "These projects are an example
of how partners from around the world are coming together to better understand
the opportunity in our oceans and how to harness their power -- safely,
effectively and in an environmentally responsible way."
The projects have been selected for funding
through a partnership between the Offshore Energy Research Association,
a Nova Scotia based not-for-profit research group, and Innovate UK, a government-funded
business and innovation organization.
"Collaboration is a critical element
in fostering the growth and development of a global tidal energy industry,"
said Stephen Dempsey, executive director, Offshore Energy Research Association.
"The efforts of Innovate UK and the association in supporting these
two important research projects will not only have lasting commercial benefits,
but will also make important contributions in technical know-how, helping
build this industry on both sides of the Atlantic."
The first project is led by British Columbia-based
Rockland Scientific, in partnership with Dalhousie University and Black
Rock Tidal Power, along with United Kingdom-based FloWave TT, European
Marine Energy Centre and Ocean Array Systems.
Research partners will develop new sensor
systems to measure turbulence, which allows developers to design and deploy
technology that performs better in strong tides and currents.
The research will be carried out in both
Canadian and United Kingdom waters, including at the Fundy Ocean Research
Center for Energy in the Bay of Fundy. Testing will also be conducted at
the University of Edinburgh's FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility and
at the European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland's Orkney Islands.
This is the first EUREKA-designated research
project carried out in Nova Scotia.
"Innovate UK is pleased to be working
alongside Offshore Energy Research Association on this effort, as it sees
Nova Scotia as a growing and large potential market for tidal energy, making
this a good opportunity for United Kingdom companies to gain exposure to
that market," said Rob Saunders, head of energy, Innovate UK.
"We believe that faster progress will be made by combining the
expertise, knowledge and experience to tackle common problems."
The second project is led by Nova Scotia-based
Emera in partnership with OpenHydro Canada, Ocean Sonics, SMRU Consulting
Canada and Acadia University, along with United Kingdom-based Tritech and
Sea Mammal Research Unit. This project will improve the tracking of fish
and marine mammals in the Bay of Fundy.
The system will be used at the Cape Sharp
Tidal berth at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy, gathering information
to assess the impact of its turbine on marine life.
Offshore Energy Research Association's investment
of $500,000 represents Nova Scotia's contribution to these projects.
Innovate UK is contributing $331,000, with
remaining funding being provided by federal government agencies an