Demonstration Tidal Energy Project Approved with Conditions

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau has approved the Fundy tidal power demonstration project, today, Sept. 15. The project is subject to strict conditions to protect the environment.

Among the conditions are that Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy is responsible for developing a comprehensive environmental effects monitoring program and establishing an environmental effects advisory committee.

The objectives of the demonstration facility project as proposed by the proponent are:

• to build and operate a tidal energy demonstration facility to test the commercial potential of in-stream tidal-energy devices designed to convert tidal kinetic energy to electrical energy;
• to acquire information necessary to assess the performance of tidal energy devices including their effect on the environment and the effect of the environment on the devices; and,
• to develop monitoring techniques and methodologies for these devices in the tidal environment.

The minister's decision and the conditions of the provincial environmental assessment approval are on the Department of Environment's website at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/ea .

A federal environmental assessment on the project has also been completed.