VIDEO: In-stream tidal energy at FORCE

The Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) is Canadian test center for in-stream tidal energy technology. FORCE works with developers, regulators, and researchers to study the potential for tidal turbines to operate within the Bay of Fundy environment.

FORCE provides a shared observation facility, submarine cables, grid connection, and environmental monitoring at its pre-approved test site.

The center oversees an independently reviewed environmental monitoring in the Minas Passage.

FORCE’s test site is in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy near Black Rock, 10 kilometres west of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.

Features of the site include:

• water depths up to 45 metres at low tide,
• a sediment-free bedrock sea floor,
• straight flowing currents,
• water speeds up to 5 metres per second on ebb and flood.

Open Hydro and Emera, through their joint venture Cape Sharp Tidal, have announced plans to install two 2 MW tidal turbines at FORCE in the fall this year.

Aside from Cape Sharp Tidal, three other tidal energy developers have received feed-in tariffs from the Government of Canada to develop tidal projects in the Bay of Fundy, including: Black Rock Tidal Power, Minas Energy, and Atlantis Operations Canada.

FORCE receives funding support from the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, Encana Corporation, and participating developers.

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Source: FORCE