Nova Scotia and UK come together to research tidal energy
Reporter
Saturday, March 8, 2014, 5:19 PM -
There's no questioning the sheer power of the tides in Atlantic Canada. But can they be harnessed to be the next major player in renewable energy?
It’s a question being discussed by experts from both sides of the Atlantic. The potential the Bay of Fundy presents is world-renowned.
“It’s a great site because of the amount of energy that’s in the bay." John Woods of Minas Basin Pulp and Power, told The Weather Network. "We have several mathematical models for the amount so there’s some clarity surrounding that.”
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The Canadian industry is hoping to gain insight from work that's already been done in the U.K.
"There are areas where Scotland or the UK in general can collaborate with Nova Scotia," added Elisa Obermann of Marine Renewables Canada.
Tidal Energy in Britain has faced challenges after a failure to deliver on promises of multi mega watt deployment in a five-year time frame.
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"One of the biggest risks is the expensive costs with these systems just now and if you can reduce these costs, you’ll reduce the risk and therefore make them investable,” explained Cameron Johnstone from the University of Strathclyde.
It’s hoped that costs will be reduced through joint research projects between Canada and the U.K.