Bay of Fundy tidal power legislation outlines rules for companies

Stephen McNeil's government introduced legislation Wednesday that outlines new rules that will govern tidal power development in the province.

Nova Scotia is setting aside two tidal regions designated as Marine Renewable Priority Areas. One is in the Bay of Fundy and the other is in Bras d'Or Lake.

Four companies already awarded berths at a test site in the Minas Channel will be grandfathered.

"The legislation will put into place the rules and regulations that will guide the industry as we move from research and development  to commercial production," said Energy Minister Michel Samson.

Companies that want to deploy tidal turbines in either of the priority areas will first have to apply for licences or permits.

Samson says getting those licences will depend on environmental impact and feasibility studies.

The proposed law "will make certain that the industry progresses, every step of the way, with input from stakeholders and careful consideration of the environment," he said.

A representative from the Municipality of the District of Digby sees tremendous opportunity for the region as tidal power grows.

"We see it as a positive benefit to all local supply chains, people that are contributing to the industry as well," Terry Thibodeau said. He said Digby is the logical place for companies to base their deployment of any turbine.

According to a recent study commissioned by the Offshore Energy Research Association, tidal power could be a multi-billion industry in the Maritimes.

The Bay of Fundy between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick has the potential to generate $1.7 billion for the Nova Scotia economy by 2040, the study found.

The report claims the global industry could be worth $900 billion by 2050, but there are barriers to overcome — including developing technology that works at a price that makes sense.

A turbine is expected to be installed at a test site in Parrsboro some time this year.

Four underwater power cables were recently installed at the site, capable of transmitting 64 megawatts of power.