FORCE expands its team for upcoming tidal activites

The Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) has welcomed new board and staff members in order to meet the increased activities at tidal energy research sites.

FORCE welcomes Joe Fitzharris as the chair of the board of directors. Joe has previously served as an independent director at FORCE, and chair of the Maritimes Energy Association.

He will be replacing John Woods who will continue to serve as a board director, leading Minas Energy’s tidal project.

Joe Fitzharris said: “The marine renewable energy industry is in its infancy. FORCE can be a catalyst to its development in a safe, environmentally sustainable manner.

“We have one of the best tidal energy resources in the world – and we’ve added both the infrastructure on the seabed and expertise to make it happen.”

FORCE has also welcomed new directors Jeremy Poste, Director for Cape Sharp Tidal and Country Manager for OpenHydro Technology Canada, Johnny Watson, project manager of Atlantis Resources, and Sue Molloy, general manager of Black Rock Tidal Power.

The FORCE board is comprised of nine directors: four developers, three independent directors, one academic, and the province, which includes:

• Anna Redden, Director, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Acadia University
• Janet MacMillan, Partner, National Public Relations
• Paul Jamer, President, Breakwater Group
• Sandra Farwell, Manager Director, Sustainable & Renewable Energy, Nova Scotia Department of Energy

FORCE has also promoted Mary McPhee to facility manager at the FORCE site.

FORCE is Canada’s lead centre for tidal energy technology research and demonstration, located in the Bay of Fundy. FORCE collaborates with industry, government, and researchers to study the interaction between tidal turbines and the Bay of Fundy environment, providing research, environmental monitoring, and the electrical infrastructure for commercial development.

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Image: FORCE