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ARTICLE · 20 AUGUST 2018

Nova Scotia Utility Withdraws From Tidal Generation Project

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Recent events seem to signal the end of the Cape Sharp Tidal project.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
David Stevens
David Stevens
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Recent events seem to signal the end of the Cape Sharp Tidal project. As previously discussed, Cape Sharp Tidal has been a joint venture between Ireland-based OpenHydro and Nova Scotia Power affiliate Emera, created to deploy two 2MW tidal turbines in Minas Passage at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) test site. The project was intended to test the viability of new in-stream tidal energy technology.

On July 26, 2018, the main project proponent (Irish-based OpenHydro) filed for bankruptcy protection, indicating that they will no longer pursue tidal generation projects. That move was a surprise, coming less than a week after a new tidal turbine had been installed into the Bay of Fundy. Subsequently, the parent company of Nova Scotia Power (Emera) announced that it is withdrawing from its involvement with the project, indicating that "[w]ithout support from the technology developer, OpenHydro, to operate and maintain the technology and the turbine, we do

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