HALIFAX – Five companies are in the running to provide tidal power from the waters of the Bay of Fundy.
Rolls-Royce Ltd., Champlain Tidal Energy Ltd., General Power Engineering Associates Inc. of Sarasota Fla., Atlantis Resources Group of London, England and Verdant Power Canada of Ontario responded to a Department of Energy call for expressions of interest.
The province is looking for a fourth tidal power developer in the bay. It is currently evaluating the bids with a decision on the successful bidder expected in early 2011.
The companies must be able to demonstrate the financial capability to fund the expensive technology that can withstand the harsh conditions in the bay. They must also have a plan to monitor effects on the governen.
Nova Scotia Power, Alstrom and Minas Basin Pulp and Power of Hantsport are already involved in the Fundy tidal project.
The power company has already had its share of problems with the project. The corporation’s partner, OpenHydro of Dublin, recently failed to lift a damaged turbine from the floor of the bay near Parrsboro after two of the blades broke off in May.
Minas Basin and Alstrom expect to deploy their turbines in 2012.
