Tidal technology company OpenHydro has announced it is to deploy a fully grid connected 4MW tidal array in the Bay of Fundy in 2015.
The DCNS company announced it was selected by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy in Canada for the tidal energy demonstration project at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) test site as part of a competitive process undertaken by the Department in its drive to progress the development of a tidal energy industry in the Bay of Fundy.
The new tidal array will consist of two 16m (2MW) commercial scale turbines. On successful completion, this project has the potential to be the world's first multi-megawatt array of interconnected tidal turbines, providing energy to over 1,000 customers in Nova Scotia.
OpenHydro's 16m tidal turbine has already been successfully deployed and is currently operating off the coast of France.
A group led by OpenHydro together with Nova Scotia-based energy company Emera, will deliver the project. The projects key local industrial partners are Irving Shipbuilding, Irving Equipment and Atlantic Towing. The group has ambitious future plans for tidal energy in the region and are looking to use this initial demonstration project as the first phase of a commercial scale project in the Bay of Fundy, which subject to regulatory approvals, will see the array grow to 300MW.
"OpenHydro is proud to have been the first technology installed in the Bay of Fundy and we remain convinced of the potential of the region as a major source of clean renewable energy," said Thierry Kalanquin, executive chairman of OpenHydro and DCNS Senior Vice President Energies and Marine Infrastructure. "This project represents an important step in building a local tidal energy industry in Nova Scotia and a next step in the development of commercial tidal farms in the region. Thanks to the on-going support of the Department of Energy of Nova Scotia, we are looking forward to continuing to work with FORCE and building a long term relationship with our industrial partner Irving."
Photo: OpenHydro Installer heading to site for first successful deployment
