Nova Scotia Opens New Door for Tidal Energy Innovation in the Bay of Fundy

Halifax (Nova Scotia), August 4, 2026 – Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) welcomes the Government of Nova Scotia’s announcement launching a new application window for tidal energy demonstration permits in the Bay of Fundy, creating new opportunities to advance Canada’s growing tidal energy sector. 

The new opportunity will allow eligible proponents to apply for individual projects of up to 2.0 MW in nameplate capacity under the Province’s demonstration permit program within the Fundy Area of Marine Renewable Energy Priority (outside of the FORCE test site). The eligible area is defined in Schedule B of the Marine Renewable-energy Act, and encompasses approximately 7,260 km² on the Nova Scotia Side of the Bay of Fundy. Applications will be accepted from August 7 to September 30, 2026. 

The program provides access to the remaining 7.7 MW of the Province’s existing 10 MW demonstration permit allocation and will support the continued advancement, testing, and demonstration of tidal energy technologies in one of the world’s leading tidal energy environments. 

“This is an exciting announcement that reflects Nova Scotia’s continued commitment to advancing abundant, renewable, and emissions-free tidal energy,” said Elisa Obermann, Executive Director of Marine Renewables Canada. “Creating new opportunities to demonstrate innovative technologies is essential to growing Canada’s tidal energy sector. This program will help advance innovation, strengthen the Canadian supply chain, and move the industry another step closer to commercial deployment.” 

The announcement builds on the province’s recent momentum in marine renewable energy, including the selection of tidal energy projects under Nova Scotia’s marine renewable energy licensing program, supporting up to 13 MW of new tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy. 

MRC’s Marine Renewable Energy Sector Vision 2050 identifies tidal energy as an important contributor to Canada’s future electricity system, with the potential to deliver more than 1 GW of installed tidal energy capacity by 2050 while creating jobs, strengthening coastal economies, and providing clean, predictable electricity. 

MRC encourages eligible proponents to consider this opportunity and looks forward to continuing to work with governments, Indigenous organizations, industry, researchers, and communities to advance responsible tidal energy development in Nova Scotia and across Canada. 

More Information   

About Marine Renewables Canada (MRC)   

MRC is the national association for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy, representing technology and project developers, suppliers, utilities, Indigenous organizations, researchers, and communities. We strive to champion Canada’s growing marine renewable energy sector through advocacy, engagement, and education and expand market opportunities across the country and globally. Learn more at www.marinerenewables.ca.      

 

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For media inquiries, please contact:  

Anastasia Smolentseva     

Senior Director, Communications      

Marine Renewables Canada     

anastasia@marinerenewables.ca