Nova Scotia backs tidal energy research

Research Nova Scotia Trust has awarded funding to three tidal energy research projects that aim to fill the knowledge gaps associated with the development of the sector.

The three tidal energy projects selected for funding are part of a C$6.5 million ($5.1 million) funding award for nine projects that are expected advance understanding and knowledge in ocean sciences and technologies.

The nine projects are expected to support more than 170 jobs in the province, and training for more than 200 research graduates, interns, lab technicians, project managers and faculty, Nova Scotia government said.

The investments from the C$25 million ($19.7 million) trust helped attract an additional C$9.9 million ($7.8 million) from the federal government, and C$9.7 million ($7.65 million) from other Nova Scotia partners and in-kind contributions.

Tidal energy projects selected for funding include the one led by Alex Hay from Dalhousie University that will help support collecting data and filling knowledge gaps about environmental conditions in the Bay of Fundy and the effects of turbines on the marine environment.

Research Nova Scotia Trust provided C$322,000 for the project, together with federal funding of C$322,000, and C$161,000 from other partners and contributors.

The impacts of turbine noise on the marine environment will be studied by Bruce Martin from Jasco Applied Sciences/Dalhousie University in a project that received C$80,000 from the trust, and additional C$144,000 from other partners and research grants.

The project is expected to result in the creation of a long-term acoustic monitoring program that supports tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy.

Richard Karsten from Acadia University will be heading a project that will explore the impact of the environment on tidal turbines, and impact of turbines on the environment. The project secured C$153,000 from the trust, and C$503,000 in federal funding, along with C$601,000 provided by other Nova Scotia partners.

Colin Dodds, trustee of Research Nova Scotia Trust, said: “Investments from the trust better position the province to compete for leading research projects and allow us to attract and retain the very best research talent out there. This funding is critical to supporting the groundbreaking work done by some of the province’s leading researchers.”

Established in March 2017, the Research Nova Scotia Trust will support research projects put forward by the province’s universities and the Nova Scotia Community College in the areas of ocean and science technology, aerospace and defense, clean technology, health and wellness, resource sectors and social innovation.

The Research Nova Scotia Trust is the first step toward the creation of Research Nova Scotia and the Research Opportunities Fund. Any residual funds left in the trust will transfer to the Research Opportunities Fund once it is established, according to Nova Scotia government.