DP Energy Feels the FORCE

Irish-based DP Energy has signed an agreement with the government of Canada’s province of Nova Scotia to join the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) and install a 4.5-megawatt in-stream tidal energy project at the FORCE test site in Parrsboro.

DP Energy, the fifth developer to join the FORCE, has plans to install three 1.5-megawatt turbines at its new site.

“We are pleased to welcome DP Energy to Nova Scotia,” said Energy Minister Michel Samson.

“DP Energy’s investment is further proof of Nova Scotia’s standing as an international leader in the tidal energy industry.”

As part of its agreement with government, DP Energy will receive a developmental tidal feed-in tariff for the electricity produced by this project. The feed-in tariff rate is CAD 0.53 per kilowatt hour. The government of Nova Scotia has committed to limiting the impact on ratepayers to two per cent.

“DP Energy is delighted to join with the other FORCE bertholders in picking up the tidal energy challenge in the Bay of Fundy,” said Simon De Pietro, company CEO.

“We welcome Nova Scotia’s vision and forward thinking in recognizing tidal energy as a one of the major worldwide renewable energy sources for the future.”

Four other tidal energy projects that will test technologies at FORCE are Minas Energy, with Marine Current Turbines and Bluewater; Black Rock Tidal Power Inc.; Atlantis Operations Canada; Cape Sharp Tidal Venture, a joint venture between Emera Inc. and OpenHydro, a DCNS company.

Image: FORCE