Nova Scotia’s Tidal Power Push: Navigating Abandoned Infrastructure and Future Potential
The Bay of Fundy, famed for its dramatic tides, remains a focal point for renewable energy development in Nova Scotia. However, the path to harnessing this power is proving complex, marked by abandoned infrastructure and ongoing challenges. Ten months after the provincial government took the lead, a plan to recover a 1,300-tonne tidal turbine remains stalled, highlighting the difficulties of pioneering this technology.
The Weight of the Past: Abandoned Turbines and Railcars
The current predicament centers around a turbine originally deployed by Cape Sharp Tidal Venture, which went bankrupt over seven years ago. Attempts to leverage subsequent tidal ventures for removal – specifically Occurrent Power – also failed when that company declared bankruptcy. A $4.5-million bond posted by Occurrent remains available to offset recovery costs, but the logistical and financial hurdles are significant.
Adding to the challenges, four abandoned railcars, used as moorings for the Occurrent project, continue to pose a navigational hazard and an aesthetic concern. Transport Canada ordered their removal in September 2024, mandating the installation of buoys to warn boaters, but the actual removal process is still pending.
Renewed Procurement and a Focus on Sustainability
Despite these setbacks, Nova Scotia is actively pursuing latest tidal energy projects. The province is preparing to issue tenders for two berths at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) in Parrsboro. This move signals a renewed commitment to capitalizing on the Bay of Fundy’s unique tidal resources, aiming to generate clean electricity, create jobs, and attract investment.
The province is utilizing Power Advisory LLC to manage the procurement process, ensuring that only companies with the technical expertise and financial capacity to complete projects – including eventual decommissioning – will be considered. This reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable development and responsible environmental stewardship.
Collaboration and Regulatory Frameworks
Recognizing the need for a coordinated approach, the Canadian government, alongside the province of Nova Scotia, is investing in environmental monitoring to support tidal energy development. A Task Force on Sustainable Tidal Energy Development in the Bay of Fundy was established in June 2023 to clarify requirements for fish protection, improve risk assessment methodologies, and expedite regulatory decisions.
The Task Force is actively engaging with Indigenous groups to foster partnerships and ensure that tidal energy development aligns with their interests and values. This collaborative approach is crucial for building trust and achieving long-term sustainability.
Looking Ahead: Overcoming Obstacles and Realizing Potential
The Bay of Fundy’s potential for tidal energy remains substantial. Nova Scotia possesses the highest tides in the world, offering a significant renewable energy resource. However, overcoming the challenges of abandoned infrastructure, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and securing long-term investment will be critical to realizing this potential.
The current procurement process represents a crucial step forward, but ongoing monitoring, responsible decommissioning practices, and continued collaboration between government, industry, and Indigenous communities will be essential for ensuring the sustainable development of tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is FORCE?
A: FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy) is a facility near Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, designed to support the testing and development of tidal energy technologies.
Q: Why are there abandoned railcars in the Bay of Fundy?
A: The railcars were used as moorings for a tidal energy project by Occurrent Power, which subsequently went bankrupt, leaving the infrastructure abandoned.
Q: Is there a financial commitment to removing the abandoned turbine?
A: A $4.5-million bond posted by Occurrent Power is available to assist cover the costs of turbine removal, but the overall cost remains unknown.
Q: What is the province doing to attract new tidal energy projects?
A: Nova Scotia is issuing tenders for two berths at FORCE, seeking companies with the expertise and financial capacity to develop sustainable tidal energy projects.
