International collaboration to advance Nova Scotia’s tidal

Nova Scotia is boosting its tidal industry with two new international research grants.

The two projects, worth $1.43 million, aim to help governments, industry and researchers better understand the effect tidal technology has on the marine environment, and the impact of the marine environment on that technology.

The projects have been selected through a partnership between the Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA), a Nova Scotia-based non-profit research group, and Innovate UK, a government-funded business and innovation organization.

The first project is led by British Columbia-based Rockland Scientific, in partnership with Dalhousie University and Black Rock Tidal Power, along with United Kingdom-based FloWave TT, EMEC, and Ocean Array Systems.

The aim of the first project is to develop new sensor systems to measure turbulence, which would allow developers to design and deploy technology that performs better in strong tides and currents, Nova Scotia government’s press release reads.

The research will be conducted in both Canadian and UK waters and research facilities, including FORCE, FloWave and EMEC.

Rob Saunders, Head of Energy at Innovate UK, said: “Innovate UK is pleased to be working alongside Offshore Energy Research Association on this effort, as it sees Nova Scotia as a growing and large potential market for tidal energy, making this a good opportunity for United Kingdom companies to gain exposure to that market. We believe that faster progress will be made by combining the expertise, knowledge and experience to tackle common problems.”

The second project is led by Nova Scotia-based Emera in partnership with OpenHydro Canada, Ocean Sonics, and Acadia University, along with the UK-based Tritech, Sea Mammal Research Unit’s United Kingdom and Sea Mammal Research Unit Consulting Canada.

The project’s goal is to improve the tracking of fish and marine mammals in the Bay of Fundy.

The system will be used at the Cape Sharp Tidal berth at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy, gathering information to assess the impact of its turbine on marine life.

OERA’s investment of $500.000 represents Nova Scotia’s contribution to these projects.

Innovate UK is contributing $331.000, with remaining funding being provided by federal government agencies and private industry in both Canada and the United Kingdom.

Michel Samson, Nova Scotia’s Energy Minister, said: “These projects are an example of how partners from around the world are coming together to better understand the opportunity in our oceans and how to harness their power – safely, effectively, and in an environmentally responsible way.”

This is the first announcement under the memorandum of understanding signed between the government, OERA and the United Kingdom.

Image: FORCE/Illustration