Sustainable Marine has delivered Canada’s first grid-compliant floating tidal plant, following several months of activity in the Bay of Fundy.
After laying a kilometre long underwater cable in late January, Sustainable Marine subsequently connected its PLAT-I 6.4 tidal energy system to a purpose-built substation, located on the shores of Grand Passage.
Final inspections were conducted by Canada’s QPS Evaluation Services, which issued the SPE 1000 Field Approval.
This approval enables the tidal platform to supply power to the grid under a demonstration permit issued by the Province of Nova Scotia.
Energisation is expected in the coming weeks.
“Harnessing the huge potential of in-stream tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy has long been considered a moonshot, but we’re now firmly on the launchpad and ready for lift-off,” said Sustainable Marine chief executive Jason Hayman.
“These waters are a huge, untapped, completely renewable and predictable source of energy, which is driven by the moon as it orbits our planet.
“The unique geometry of the Bay of Fundy turns this gravitational force into vast tidal streams that flow at speeds of up to 10 knots.
“It’s taken many years of testing, development and demonstration to refine the technology and understand how best to capture and convert tidal energy.
“But the moment has now arrived. Sustainable Marine’s next-gen platform is grid-connected and set to energise.
“We are grateful to all partners who have contributed to this immense international effort, and to the many stakeholders across Nova Scotia who are supporting our mission to provide a greener, cleaner and healthier future for island and coastal communities.”