The announcement came today in the province’s answer to a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) that was prepared by the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association and completed in April.

"Tidal energy is an exciting offshore resource, with all the potential benefits that come with it," said Energy Minister Richard Hurlburt.

"But we won't know what can safely be developed without more research, and more experience in the water."

The province also committed to create legislation covering benefits, royalties and other issues before considering commercial in-stream tidal projects. In-stream tidal devices work somewhat like wind turbines underwater.

SEA looked at community benefits

A cautious approach to tidal energy development and benefits for nearby communities were among recommendations in the SEA report, which emphasized that adverse effects on the Bay of Fundy’s billion dollar fishery or on aquaculture should be avoided or minimized. See story here: www.novanewsnow.com

The SEA report also said an energy development strategy should strengthen local community development capacity, through measures such as access to the resource, encouragement of community‐scale technology developments and uses, or revenue sharing.

"Nova Scotians want more green energy, and our tides offer a local source that can play a role in protecting the environment and growing the economy," said Hurlburt. "But we need to move cautiously.”

Research suggests the Bay of Fundy may be North America's best site for tidal power generation, with an estimated in-stream potential of 300 megawatts of energy from two sites close to the exiting grid—enough power for about 100,000 homes

The government report, titled ‘Bay of Fundy Tidal Energy’, endorses a proposed demonstration facility and outlines many of the conditions tidal projects must meet before installation.

"Before anything goes in the water, these devices will undergo a site-specific environmental assessment to ensure that they can be operated without significant environmental impacts," said Environment Minister Mark Parent.

Natural Resources Minister David Morse said: "The Bay of Fundy is an important resource. Development must take place responsibly. But we also can't afford to ignore the unique opportunity presented by the highest tides in the world."

In the report, the province committed to:

• Providing up to $2 million to the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association for tidal energy research.

• Ensuring devices are removed if there are adverse environmental effects.

• Ensuring developers make agreements with fishermen to deal with any potential adverse economic effects.

• Encouraging local, aboriginal, provincial, federal and international collaboration.

The province’s report said government is also planning a number of future actions, such as:

• Creating a marine renewable energy demonstration program before considering other in-stream projects.

• Creating marine renewable energy legislation, including potential socio-economic benefits, before considering commercial in-stream projects.

• Creating new opportunities for tidal research.

The full report is available at www.gov.ns.ca .