Nautricity tides project in Canada

Nautricity, a Scotland-based tidal energy technology specialist, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canada-based Fundy Tidal to develop a 500kW tidal project at Petit Passage in Nova Scotia.

Spun out of Strathclyde University, the company is developing next generation tidal energy solutions. The company recently celebrated a success when it was given permission to deploy its first Contra Rotating Marine Turbine device (Cormat) in the Irish Sea in May 2014 – only the fourth company to be given this consent. The device is capable of generating enough electricity to supply 400 homes.

Nautricity and Fundy Tidal had been in discussion for several years. The two companies are expecting to deploy the new turbine in late summer 2015. On top of this, the memorandum will also make collaboration easier, on a wide range of issues including grid connection and storage. The memorandum will also facilitate participation in research and development initiatives from Scottish and Nova Scotia universities.

The financial value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Cameron Johnstone, chief executive of Nautricity, said: “This is a great platform to demonstrate how new approaches to the development of tidal energy projects can deliver benefit to both Nova Scotia and Scottish companies. The opportunity for tidal development around the world is immense, and Scotland and Nova Scotia have some of the best resources and best developed regulatory regimes anywhere.”