By Canadian Press

As tidal power firms ebb, Fisheries minister strikes task force to smooth regulation

May 16, 2023 | 12:34 PM

HALIFAX — The federal fisheries minister is creating a task force to smooth the regulation of Bay of Fundy tidal power after a key player sought bankruptcy protection last week.

Joyce Murray said today after meeting industry representatives that the private firms and government officials will make recommendations on how her department can clarify requirements for fish protection and reduce turnaround times for approvals. 

Last Thursday, U.K.-based Sustainable Marine Energy wound up operations, with its chief executive Jason Hayman estimating up to $40 million in private losses and predicting a chill on investment in Canadian tidal projects.

Hayman has said that despite existing science suggesting fish tend to avoid the tidal turbines, the Fisheries Department spent several years jousting with his firm over details, timing and scope of his proposals, and his investors ended the project.

Murray says she agreed to the task force, to be co-chaired by Natural Resources Canada, to allow the industry to “explore where the frustrations are occurring” and says her department will work with firms to find solutions.

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However, she noted that her officials must continue to adhere to regulatory requirements to protect fish species in the bay.

There are three remaining developers with plans to occupy spots at a test facility operated by the non-profit Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy, near Parrsboro, N.S.

The facility provides berths where tidal companies can hook in to the electrical grid, monitor the environmental impact of operations and prove their financial case.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2023.

The Canadian Press