Nova Scotia’s Government has started independent and competitive process to attract a new tidal project to fill the vacant berth at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE).
The Government has hired a team from Power Advisory led by John Dalton, an electricity policy consultant with more than 25 years of experience, to serve as procurement administrator for a call for proposals. The administrator will only consider proposals that include a private sector solution for the Cape Sharp turbine.
“ Around the world, companies recognize the value of proving their technologies in the Bay of Fundy and having a spot at Canada’s lead research facility for in-stream tidal technology ,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette. “We have already seen significant interest in this berth and having a new developer in Nova Scotia will support new jobs, create opportunities for local businesses and build on our position as a leader in this clean energy industry.”
The procurement administrator will have the authority to issue a power purchase agreement and a licence, if there is a successful proposal.
Project size will be limited to no more than four megawatts at a maximum rate of 53 cents per kilowatt hour. Companies will be required to have a minimum of $4.5 million in security to cover all costs associated with the Cape Sharp turbine and additional security will be required before any new device is deployed.
“ Renewable energy markets around the world are changing and growing at a rapid pace. Power Advisory has the expertise to navigate this evolving territory, and we’re excited to be working again with Nova Scotia to further its clean energy goals, ” said John Dalton , president, Power Advisory.
“We’re glad to see the province taking action to both remove the existing turbine and make room for a new tidal device. This gets us closer to our goal of understanding if, and under what conditions, tidal stream energy can be successful in the Bay of Fundy,” added Tony Wright , general manager, FORCE.
“ FORCE presents an optimal opportunity for in-stream tidal energy development. Attracting a new entrant supports industry’s strategy to demonstrate technology and project approaches that will drive costs down and advance the sector as a whole. It also creates new opportunities for the local supply chain to engage and benefit from tidal energy development, ” said Elisa Obermann , executive director, Marine Renewables Canada.