Canada Funds Tidal Energy Study at Port of Digby

A study into the location and development of a proposed tidal power servicing centre in the port of Digby will proceed with assistance from the Government of Canada. The announcement was made today by Greg Kerr, MP for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie).

 “Digby’s location on the Bay of Fundy and its deep, ice-free harbour make it a port of choice for a service centre for the tidal power generation industry,” said Mr. Kerr. “Our government’s assistance will help the municipality undertake this study, the first step toward the potential establishment of such a facility.”

The Government of Canada’s assistance of $31,285, through ACOA, will go toward funding the consultants’ study which will assess infrastructure, land and organizational requirements. The study will help determine potential sites for a new common user wharf and identify potential sites for warehousing, fabrication and servicing facilities. Tidal power energy is expected to play a key role in meeting Nova Scotia’s future renewable energy targets.

Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and Tourism and the Municipality of the District of Digby are also contributing $31,286 each to the study.

“This investment will help Nova Scotia build on its position as an international leader in tidal and marine renewable energy,” said Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. “We have the highest tides in the world and a heritage of marine research, knowledge and innovation. Tidal and marine renewable energy will help us achieve energy diversity and security, and will be the foundations of a new sector of our offshore energy economy.”

“Digby has key elements of the supply chain needed to support the tidal power industry,” said Linda Gregory, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Digby. “With the world’s highest tides at our doorstep, it makes sense to take advantage of our geographic location and move this project forward.”

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Press release, October 02, 2012