Two Canadian provinces agree to tidal energy partnership MOU

Tidal energy deal will bring together public, private stakeholders

Under the agreement, BC and Nova Scotia will further develop tidal energy resources in the Bay of Fundy (shown) and wave-generated energy on the coast of British Columbia.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA – Two Canadian sea-side provinces, Nova Scotia and British Columbia, are partnering to develop tidal energy on Canada’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

A memorandum of understanding, signed by representatives from both provinces today at a conference bringing together provincial energy and mines ministers in Halifax, says the provinces will share research and technology related to tidal energy.

The agreement says a council of senior government officials will be formed to bring together public- and private-sector stakeholders to move forward with the memorandum and to ensure there is consistent regulatory framework across Canada.

It also says the two provinces will share best practices in regulations and permitting.

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

It was announced on Monday that $1.43 million in research grants were given to groups in Nova Scotia, B.C. and the United Kingdom, who will work together to better understand the effect tidal technology has on the marine environment and vice versa.

Two projects were selected for funding through a partnership between the Offshore Energy Research Association, a Nova Scotia based not-for-profit research group, and Innovate UK, a government-funded business and innovation organization.

The Offshore Energy Research Association is contributing $500,000, while Innovate UK is contributing $331,000 and the remainder will be provided by federal government agencies and private industries in both Canada and the United Kingdom.

The Canadian Press