The Government of Nova Scotia plans to introduce amendments to tidal energy legislation in an effort to strengthen the marine renewable energy act.
The changes of the legislation introduced in April this year are the result of consultations with communities, environmental groups, academia, industry and government over the summer on the bill’s content and direction, Nova Scotia government’s press release reads.
The changes are expected to strengthen the requirement to collect environmental information and outline how this information will be shared to enhance public confidence.
Furthermore, changes will advance the creation of three new marine renewable electricity areas for small-scale tidal energy development, covering Fundy Tidal’s approved community feed-in tariff projects in the Digby Gut, Grand Passage, and Petit Passage.
Michel Samson , Nova Scotia’s Energy Minister, said: “Tidal energy holds great potential as a new source of clean, renewable power and as an export-ready industry. We are now advancing a stronger piece of legislation that reflects a government priority while addressing the concerns and interests of stakeholders.”
Several administrative changes that clarify roles and responsibilities within government are also included in the amendments.
Image: MRC/Illustration