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Today the Government of Nova Scotia proclaimed the Marine Renewable-energy Act, a major milestone for Canada’s marine renewable energy sector.
The Act provides a framework for the governance and development of marine renewable energy resources – including tidal, wave, and offshore wind energy. Key features of the Act include the designation of areas of priority for development, as well as a licensing and permitting regime.
“Nova Scotia now leads the world in terms of legislation – providing a clear framework for this new sector to flourish responsibly,” said Marine Renewables Canada executive director, Elisa Obermann. “The Act and permitting program create predictability for industry, as well as new opportunities to innovate, learn, and evolve sector knowledge. It also gives the public more certainty about how development will take place.”
Included under the Act, is a new opportunity for marine renewable energy project development. A demonstration permitting program is now open, allowing proponents to seek up to 5 MW for demonstration of a project. The program has a cap of 10 MW and requires proponents to have all applicable permits and approvals in place.
“This is a major signal of support from government – they understand that this is still a new industry, and they want to get it right. Providing new entry points for development will support innovation in marine renewable energy technologies and create additional opportunities to engage local suppliers and researchers. We believe marine renewable energy can play an important role in Canada’s low carbon future, and Nova Scotia is helping us get there,” says Obermann.
About Marine Renewables Canada
Marine Renewables Canada is the national industry association for wave, tidal, and river current energy, representing technology and project developers, utilities, researchers, and the energy and marine supply chain. Since 2004, the association has worked to identify and foster collaborative opportunities, provide information and education, and represent the best interests of the sector to advance the development of a marine renewable energy industry in Canada that can be globally competitive.
More at www.marinerenewables.ca
Contact:
Amanda White
Marine Renewables Canada
902-717-0716
amanda@marinerenewables.ca
