Nova Scotia introduces tidal legislation

Government of Nova Scotia has introduced a new legislation that will regulate the development of marine renewable energy projects.

The act governs the development of marine renewable energy resources including waves, tidal range, in-stream tidal, ocean currents, and offshore wind in designated areas offshore Nova Scotia.

The new legislation is expected to increase consultation and provide for the safe, responsible and strategic development of the industry.

The act allows government to regulate projects in the Bay of Fundy and Bras d’Or Lakes and will also:

• ensure consultation in establishing areas where industry will be developed,
• establish a licensing and permitting system for the placement of marine renewable energy generators in those areas,
• give the Energy Minister the authority to develop regulations to ensure the safe and responsible construction, installation and operation of industry projects.

Marine renewable energy projects will have to get development approval from Minister of Energy for projects located within parts of the Bay of Fundy and Cape Breton Island’s Bras d’Or Lakes.

Within these priority areas, Nova Scotia will designate smaller areas for project development known as ‘Marine Renewable Electricity Areas’ or MREAs.

The purpose of MREAs is to identify the best possible locations to develop marine renewable energy projects and to provide clarity on the use of this marine space.

MREAs will only be identified after significant research and consultation has taken place.

The creation of a licensing and permitting system will allow a project developer to carry out the business of extracting energy within an MREA through single or multiple devices.

A permit will be issued to a temporary deployment of a device for the purposes of testing and demonstration. This system will ensure projects proceed only after undergoing a thorough review by government and subject to effective government oversight and monitoring.

Michel Samson, Nova Scotia’s Energy Minister, said: “We need a clear and responsible path forward for developing Nova Scotia’s marine renewable energy sector. Our tidal resources will make a significant contribution to the province, both as an economic generator with export potential and as a new power source. We have an opportunity to build on our leadership position as a centre of excellence in the tidal industry and this legislation sets out how we do that.”

The province has consulted widely with stakeholders on how to balance the interests of other marine users, and ensure Nova Scotians benefit from the development of a new resource, according to Nova Scotia government.

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Image: FORCE/Illustration