Canada: Cape Sable Island Could Get Tidal Power

March 19, 2014

Cape Sable Island, a small Canadian island in Nova Scotia province, will soon see its causeway put under the spotlight of tidal energy research, as plans to develop that energy resource recently emerged.

At a meeting held on March 10, Mark Sidebottom from Nova Scotia Power answered questions from Barrington Municipal Council members about the potential to build a tidal energy facility after opening the causeway. He told the Council that his company will find an expert to examine the causeway’s potential for tidal power generation, the Shelburne County Coastguard writes.

However, he pointed out that the examination also might lead to a conclusion that the site is not suitable for building a tidal energy plant. “The question as to whether that is the right site, will require a developer who really knows that tidal type of regime,” the Shelburne County Coastguard quotes Mr. Sidebottom as saying.

The Cape Sable Island Causeway was built in 1949 to connect the island to the mainland, which was separated by Barrington Passage. Opening the causeway would allow the natural water flow through the passage and, thus, simultaneous production of tidal power.

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Offshore WIND Staff, March 19, 2014; Image: DenVanDijk (Panoramio)