Nova Tidal Array

Lead Proponent

Nova Innovation CAN Limited

Project Objectives

Nova Innovation has been awarded a permit to develop a 1.5MW tidal array in Petit Passage, in the Bay of Fundy. A phased approach will be taken, starting with a demonstration phase (the Project).  Five 100kW Nova M100 tidal turbines will each be mounted on a gravity-based substructure on the seabed. Each turbine will be connected to an onshore substation, and from there, to Nova Scotia Power’s distribution network.

The objectives of this Project are to:

• validate the deployment process for turbine substructures and sub-sea grid system, as well as, deployment, retrieval and redeployment processes for turbine nacelles.
• validate tidal power production in the Canadian context
• provide confidence to regulators and communities that a larger array will not have material adverse impacts on the marine environment, fish and other species
• provide confidence to investors on the viability of a larger array

Expected Results

Successful demonstration of Nova’s sub-sea tidal technology in the challenging Bay of Fundy environment will help to de-risk the larger project for regulators, communities and investors; allow the technology and processes to be optimised for later phases; and most importantly, advance the tidal industry in Canada for all stakeholders.

The project will attract highly-skilled employment opportunities to Nova Scotia by acting as an anchor for Nova Innovation’s North American operations.  Ultimately, the project will help to bring tidal energy towards commercial reality in Canada.  Tidal energy has the potential to significantly reduce Canada’s GHG emissions, and improve local air quality, by displacing electricity generated from fossil fuels such as coal or diesel.