World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada, an international conservation organization, has supported in-stream tidal energy developments in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada.
The basis of WWF-Canada’s support is that tidal power generation, if done responsibly, can reduce GHG output, stimulate economic activity for the Nova Scotia Province and ensure the Bay of Fundy’s marine ecology has adequate protections, according to Cape Sharp Tidal.
Cape Sharp Tidal, tidal energy project developer in the Bay of Fundy, states that WWF-Canada sees the value of testing in-stream tidal technologies and eventual deployment of arrays of turbines, but on the understanding that effects on marine ecosystem integrity and biodiversity will be short-term, recoverable and effectively mitigated against if appropriate environmental precautions are taken.
“As part of our tidal demonstration project, Cape Sharp Tidal has developed a comprehensive Environmental Effects Monitoring Program to advance research and understanding of how marine life interacts with turbines once they are in the water.
“This research is a crucial part of our plans for future tidal development sites. Not only will inform the next phases of development, but it will give the communities around the Bay of Fundy assurance that in-stream tidal devices are an environmentally-sound alternative to fossil fuels and an important part of our renewable energy future,” Cape Sharp Tidal stated.
To remind, Cape Sharp Tidal, a joint venture between Emera and OpenHydro, plans to install two 2 MW tidal turbines in the Bay of Fundy in spring 2016.