|5 November 2016|
France/Canada
Exploring ways to reduce the costs of harnessing tidal energy will be one focus of a new transatlantic collaboration.
The Offshore Energy Research Association of Nova Scotia (OERA) and France Energies Marines (FEM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see them work together to advance projects in the Bay of Fundy and off the coast of France.
“Combining resources and research expertise from both sides of the Atlantic will advance our leadership in tidal energy development to the benefit of Nova Scotians and all Canadians,” said Nova Scotia Energy Minister Michel Samson. “Local researchers and companies have the know-how and ingenuity to support this industry. This partnership will increase the value of every research dollar and create more opportunities for local companies to grow.”
Sharing expertise to drive research in reducing the cost of turbine installation through innovation will be a key element of the deal.
OERA Executive Director Stephen Dempsey said: “France has a number of advanced tidal and other marine renewable energy projects in the water, and has developed considerable technical expertise in recent years. Nova Scotia can continue to learn from these advances through research partnerships that develop new techniques and technologies that can be exported globally.”
FEM Directeur Général Yann-Hervé De Roeck added. “Through this collaboration we hope to reduce the costs of harnessing tidal power to eventually make it more competitive with other forms of energy.”
