Nova Scotia enacts marine renewables legislation

The government of Nova Scotia has proclaimed the Marine Renewable-energy Act providing a framework for the governance and development of province’s tidal, wave and offshore wind resources.

Key features of the act, adopted on January 24, 2018, include the designation of areas of priority for development, as well as a licensing and permitting regime.

Bay of Fundy and Bras d’Or Lake inland-sea have been determined as the areas of priority for marine renewable energy developments.

As reported earlier, the government of Nova Scotia has also opened a demonstration permitting program which allows proponents to seek up to 5MW for demonstration of a project.

The program has a cap of 10MW and requires applicants to have all permits and approvals in place.

Elisa Obermann, Executive Director Marine Renewables Canada, said: “Nova Scotia now leads the world in terms of legislation – providing a clear framework for this new sector to flourish responsibly.

“The Act and permitting program create predictability for industry, as well as new opportunities to innovate, learn, and evolve sector knowledge. It also gives the public more certainty about how development will take place.”

Obermann added that the proclamation of the act represents a major signal of support for the new industry from the government.

“Providing new entry points for development will support innovation in marine renewable energy technologies and create additional opportunities to engage local suppliers and researchers. We believe marine renewable energy can play an important role in Canada’s low carbon future, and Nova Scotia is helping us get there,” concluded Obermann.

Marine Renewables Canada is the country’s national industry association for marine renewable energy which works to align industry, academia and government to make Canada a leader in providing ocean energy solutions to a world market.