Nov 20 2010
Canada is expected to deploy its commercial-level tidal turbines for energy production. Clean Energy Fund for Nova Scotia has announced a grant of up to $20 million for demonstrating the Tidal In-Stream Energy Converters in the Minas Passage.
The test project requires Canada to deploy commercial-scale tidal turbines and to probe the functioning of four submarine cables connected to the tidal turbines in delivering the generated energy to the power system of Nova Scotia and its other connected equipment operations. The information gathered from the test project will be studied in detail and will be used to improve further research in utilizing tidal energy and the needed energy regulations. The four connected cables will provide Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) enough power from the in-stream tidal power generation site to provide electricity to over 20,000 houses.
Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defense, who announced the project and the funding support, said that funding such projects will assist Nova Scotia in playing a bigger role in making Canada, a leader in clean energy technologies. He added that his government supports the tidal energy project to sustain the clean energy advancements and to produce employment opportunities in Nova Scotia.
John Woods, Chairman of FORCE, appreciated the vision and commitment of the government towards clean energy technologies. He added that by the year 2011 FORCE will be able to deliver the generated power to the grid from any of the tidal device installed. He further said that the installed size of the cable will also allow considerable growth ,if the tidal technology proves its worth and safety.