Amidst Canada's tidal energy landscape, a dedicated federal tidal energy task force emerges following Sustainable Marine's exit due to regulatory uncertainties. Their departure reverberates through FORCE, highlighting the intricate tapestry of the sector. Sustainable Marine's potential, as a site holder at FORCE and a pioneer of Canada's floating platform for grid-connected electricity, magnifies the impact of their departure.
This tapestry binds the federal government, tidal developers, and FORCE in a shared vision of leveraging tidal energy against climate change. Key to this vision is an imperative for a transparent, streamlined evaluation process for tidal energy projects. This process must also uphold Indigenous and marine rights—an equilibrium fundamental to sustainable progress.
Sustainable Marine's exit echoes potential risks for the sector. The risk of more departures to regions with clearer regulatory paths threatens not just economic loss but also relinquishing immense resource potential. In the Minas Passage, the promise of generating up to 2,500 megawatts, powering Nova Scotia at peak demand, holds significant promise in greenhouse gas reduction.
FORCE is actively engaging Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to forge a comprehensive process. Minister Murray and Minister Wilkinson's commitment to a task force signifies a united front in tackling DFO's risk assessment framework and regulatory path.
With unwavering dedication, FORCE pledges support to the task force, bolstered by research assets and partnerships. Interactions with Minister Murray infuse optimism into the quest for solutions that align with FORCE's inception purpose.
Source: Lindsay B. (Jun 7, 2023). Federal announcement of tidal energy task force. Force. https://fundyforce.ca/news-and-updates/2023-06-07/federal-announcement-of-tidal-energy-task-force
