Nova Scotia, British Columbia reaffirm tidal energy partnership

Nova Scotia and British Columbia have renewed their partnership in order to advance Canada’s marine renewable energy industry.

The representatives from both provinces have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which outlines key priorities, including partnering on research and technology development, and sharing information and best practices in regulation and permitting, Nova Scotia government’s press release reads.

Nova Scotia’s Energy Minister Michel Samson said:

“To advance Canada’s position as a leader in marine renewable energy, we need a co-ordinated approach – one that unites our country from coast to coast. Nova Scotia’s partnership with British Columbia will do just that, providing access to more information and helping build our national expertise in marine renewable energy to maximize the opportunity for Canada.”

According to Nova Scotia government, the memorandum represents a commitment from both provinces to further develop the tidal resource in the Bay of Fundy and wave-generated energy on British Columbia’s west coast.

One immediate result of this agreement is to establish a council of senior government officials, which will bring together public and private sector interested parties to move ahead with priorities outlined in the memorandum and help ensure a consistent regulatory framework across Canada.

British Columbia’s companies and universities are actively involved in Nova Scotia marine renewable energy research including a study that will look at the impact of turbulent marine environments on tidal technology.

Image: MRC/Illustration