Advancements in technologies and techniques for tidal energy development 

This project was funded under the Natural Resources Canada Energy Innovation Program and supported research into innovative technologies and techniques to advance the tidal energy sector.  The research was comprised of five unique research initiatives with focus areas in environmental monitoring, marine operations and cost reduction technologies.  All research activities were conducted between April 2017 and March 2020 in Nova Scotia, with field work undertaken in high-flow channels in the Bay of Fundy. Research activities included computer modeling and simulations, controlled laboratory testing, technology sea trials, data collection, data processing and analyses, and software development.  The research value for the combined five projects was ~$3.25 Million.

1. Fish Finders project:  Integrating hydro-acoustic approaches to predict fish interactions with instream tidal turbines.  
Proponent:  Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), Dr. Dan Hasselman.

2. Fish Tagging project:  Quantifying fish-turbine interactions using VEMCO’s new high residency acoustic tagging technology.
Proponent:  Acadia University, Dr. Mike Stokesbury

3. Cabling/Mooring project:  Reducing mooring and cable costs through assessment of corrosion, wear and fatigue in turbulent tidal flows.
Proponent:  DSA, Mr. Dean Steinke

4. Turbulence project: Reducing the costs of tidal energy through a comprehensive characterization of turbulence in the Bay of Fundy.
Proponent:  Acadia University, Dr. Richard Karsten

5. ROV project:  Developing Enhance Marine Operations (DEMO) suitable to High Flow Tidal Environments.  
Proponent:  Nova Scotia Community College, Dr. Etienne Mfoumou

Natural Resources Canada - https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-data/funding-partnerships/funding-opportunities/current-investments/advancements-environmental-technologies-tidal-energy-development/19770