FORCE: Nova Scotia's tidal energy project wins more support

Nova Scotia's tidal energy project in the Bay of Fundy has won support from the Government of Canada's Clean Energy Fund.

HALIFAX , Jan. 11 /CNW/ - FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy) has been selected in response to a call for proposals under the Clean and Renewable Energy Demonstrations portion of the fund.

FORCE is one of 19 successful projects across Canada that together will receive up to $146 million over five years to support renewable, clean energy and smart grid technology implementation.

"This support strengthens FORCE's position as North America's leading centre for tidal research and technology," said FORCE Chair John Woods . "We are grateful Ottawa recognizes the importance of this project."

FORCE is expected to receive between $10 to $20 million , based on the signing of a contribution agreement with the Government of Canada .

FORCE expects this funding to assist with shared development costs, such as the construction of a subsea transmission cable to allow current and future tidal devices to deliver power directly to the electricity grid.

"Nova Scotia has an incredible opportunity - we have a world class tidal resource, and world class talent in our offshore energy industry and research sectors," said Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks . "We also have some of the most aggressive renewable and environmental targets in Canada . That makes us highly motivated to explore the potential of tidal technology to meet our future energy needs."

The Clean Energy Fund supports research, development and demonstration projects to advance Canadian leadership in clean energy technologies.

"Investments in clean energy technologies are a key part of our Government's approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the environment," said the Honourable Lisa Raitt , Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "The FORCE project an excellent example of one of the many projects we are funding that will help bring Canada to the forefront of clean energy technology, and create new jobs for Canadians."

FORCE is a non-profit institute based in the Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. FORCE is a public/private partnership that enables developers, regulators, scientists and academics to study the performance and interaction of tidal energy turbines with the Bay of Fundy environment. Research suggests a potential resource in the Minas Passage area of up to 300 megawatts -- enough to power about 100,000 homes.

More information is available at www.fundyforce.ca.

For further information: Media contact: Beth Caldwell, FORCE / Minas Basin Pulp and Power, [phone], [email protected]