Nova Scotia Power Takes Another Step Towards Tidal Power Pilot Project
January 12 , 2007
Halifax , NS - Nova Scotia Power is taking another step towards
establishing a tidal demonstration project in the Bay of Fundy with
the selection of OpenHydro as the provider of new, in-stream tidal
technology. Nova Scotia Power selected OpenHydro, of Ireland ,
after a recent Request for Proposals.
“The in-stream, tidal project we are developing will demonstrate
this emerging technology with a machine that can be deployed in
large farms," said James Taylor, Nova Scotia Power's General Manager of Environmental
Planning and Monitoring. “ By selecting OpenHydro, Nova Scotia Power has chosen a
company who has been most successful in demonstrating their design in ever increasing
sizes. They offer a simple and environmentally friendly unit which we believe will allow
our demonstration project to be successful. When completed, this will be the largest in-
stream tidal generating unit integrated into an electricity grid in the world.”
The major advantages OpenHydro brought to the selection process include:
• Proven experience designing, constructing, installing and operating tidal turbines,
• A simple, robust design for harsh ocean marine environments ,
• Low impact on the environment.
“Nova Scotia Power's customers want more electricity from renewables. That's why we're adding more energy from cleaner, greener sources. Our company is again demonstrating its commitment to new kinds of renewable energy, including tidal power,” said Mr. Taylor. “We have selected OpenHydro as our provider and now our focus is on obtaining federal funding to support the project.”
Last fall, Nova Scotia Power submitted an application for funding for the tidal power demonstration project to Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The company is working to accomplish o ther milestones including successfully following through on an environmental assessment of the project.
James Ives, OpenHydro CEO , said , “ OpenHydro is delighted to have been selected by
NSPI for the deployment of a demonstration tidal installation in the Bay of Fundy , one of the world's best tidal sites. This project further validates OpenHydro's vision of farms of tidal turbines, silently and invisibly generating renewable energy under the world's oceans.”
More information can be obtained from the company's website, www.openhydro.com .
Nova Scotia Power operates one of only three tidal power facilities in the world at
Annapolis Royal . Nova Scotia Power provides more than 97 percent of the electricity generation, transmission, and distribution to more than 460,000 customers across Nova
Scotia .