Each day, 100 billion tonnes of seawater flows in and out of the Bay of Fundy on Canada’s east coast - more than the combined flow of the world's freshwater rivers.  Some say it is perhaps the most potent site for tidal power generation in North America. 

Operating since 1984, the Nova Scotia Tidal Generating Station has been using Bay of Fundy tides to produce enough megawatts of energy to power about 6,000 homes.  One of only three in the world, the Station is a “barrage plant” that uses dams to hold the water before releasing it through a generator. 

Now, engineering teams are testing tidal technology that does not require dams or head ponds. Instead, in-stream tidal turbines that resemble underwater windmills use natural tidal flows to turn blades and generate electricity.  Nova Scotia’s first demonstration turbines will be tested in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy. In November 2009, Nova Scotia Power Inc. and its tidal technology partner Ireland’s OpenHydro became the first of three entities (see below) to successfully deploy a commercial scale in-stream tidal turbine at the site. 

When fully developed, new in-stream tidal technology has the potential to generate 300 megawatts of green, emission free energy from only two locations in the Bay of Fundy - enough energy to power close to 100,000 homes.

Nova Scotia Power Inc. [www.nspower.ca] – another excellent example of Canadian leadership in renewable energy solutions for the world. 

Other Key Players

• Clean Current Power Systems Inc.: In May 2009, Alstom Power signed a licensing agreement to commercialize Clean Current’s patented technology.  See www.cleancurrent.com
• Minas Basin Pulp and Power Ltd.:  The Nova Scotia company is teaming up with the UK’s Marine Current Turbines Ltd. www.minas.ns.ca