(Photo: CNW Group/Cape Sharp Tidal)
A tidal turbine is now active in the Bay of Fundy.
Two weeks ago Cape Sharp Tidal deployed its two-megawatt turbine at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy test site near Parrsboro.
VIDEO: timelapse of the Cape Sharp Tidal turbine getting wet in the Bay of Fundy @fundyforce #tidalenergy #madeinNS https://t.co/ZqoH1dPMAP
— Cape Sharp Tidal (@CapeSharpTidal) November 9, 2016
The company says it’s a milestone and a turning point for Canada’s renewable energy sector, as it’s the first time clean, renewable in-stream tidal power has been generated from the Bay of Fundy.
In a release today Energy Minister Michel Samson says it’s a proud and historic moment for Canada’s renewable energy sector, and for the province as they usher in a new era in marine renewable energy across the globe.
But not everyone is sharing that enthusiasm.
The Bay of Fundy Inshore Fishermen’s Association are disappointed, as they feel not enough accurate science has been gathered on environmental and marine effects of the turbines.
They lost a Nova Scotia Supreme Court case last month to have the turbine deployment delayed. Spokesperson Colin Sproul says they want to see an accurate baseline study of marine life in the Minas Passage.
“That science that had been collected at the FORCE site by Acadia scientists has been cited by chief DFO Marine Biologists as not based in fact and grossly inadequate. That’s firmly where the association’s fears have risen from.”
The company says monitoring at other tidal sites around the world has not observed a single collision between ocean life and turbines in a marine environment.
A second turbine is planned for installation next year.
Once fully operational, the test turbines are expected to generate renewable energy for up to 1,000 homes in Nova Scotia.
