Dalhousie University oceanographer Bob Fournier says the government needs a tidal power strategy before allowing development, but current test projects are OK.
Fournier said that’s likely the most important of the 27 recommendations he made to the province in a report released Wednesday.
He said the strategic plan for marine renewable energy should focus on tidal in-stream efforts. It should look at a five-year horizon and encompass the four areas examined in his report — planning, socioeconomic, research and regulatory issues. He said there are more than 50 issues to consider.
"All the issues that we’re addressing should be in that strategic plan, at least in a general sense, and in some cases very specifically," he said.
Fournier’s 27 recommendations also include creating a "trusted regulator" to help developers navigate various regulators, developing a business plan on the competitiveness of in-stream tidal power, and researching the potential impact of future large-scale use of the Bay of Fundy.
Four groups are planning to test turbines in the bay next year in hopes of harnessing the powerful tides to generate electricity.
Nova Scotia Power and partner OpenHydro of Ireland put a $10-million turbine in the Bay of Fundy in November 2009 but the tides made short work of it. Damaged blades meant the 10-metre-tall turbine had to be removed two years earlier than planned.
Fournier said he has no problem with the demonstration projects.
"I think that’s quite suitable as a preliminary step," he said.
"When you go from demonstration to commercial, I would say that that would be the departure that would concern me the most, I would think. But I think the strategic plan will be in place by then."
Energy Minister Charlie Parker said he expects the strategy to be ready this fall, with legislation to follow in the spring. He said the government accepted all of Fournier’s recommendations.
The province hired Fournier last fall to lead the consultation on marine renewable energy legislation.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1264421.html
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