In October 2008, the OEER and OETR Associations formed a joint Area Sub-committee (ASC) to manage the tidal energy research agenda. The mandate of the committee includes tidal energy research with an environmental or technical focus.
In this area, you will find information about current and past tidal energy research. This includes fundy tidal energy events, research projects, and requests for proposals. You will also find information about the Fundy Energy Research Network and Bay of Fundy Strategic Environmental Assessment.
Funded Research - Hydrodynamic Modeling of the Bay of Fundy
In April 2009, the OEER and OETR Associations held a two-day workshop on hydrodynamic modeling of the Bay of Fundy. Experts made presentations on existing modeling, current research, and also identified additional research priority areas in tidal marine energy research.
As a result of the workshop findings, OEER and OETR released an Invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOI). The purpose was to identify researchers interested in tidal energy research to fill key knowledge gaps with respect to potential tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy.
The EOI focused on the following research areas:
o Hydrodynamic modeling of the Bay of Fundy
o Sediment dynamics and effects
o Effects on animal behaviour
o Ecosystem responses
o Grid integration and optimization
o Monitoring technologies focusing on any or all of the above
Eight projects, ranging in duration from two to three years, have now been approved for funding.
Research areas addressed by the projects include:
o Tidal resource assessment;
o Sediment dynamics;
o Animal behaviour;
o Near- and far-field effects;
o Potential effects of ice and debris; and
o Potential effects of tidal lagoons.
The projects are described below:
Assessment of the Potential of Tidal Power from Minas Passage and Minas Basin
Dr. Richard Karsten, Acadia University; Dr. David Greenberg, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; and Michael Tarbotton, Triton Consultants Ltd.
Dr. Karsten has teamed up with Dr. Greenberg and Mr. Tarbotton to use ocean coastal modeling to assess the power potential of the tides and tidal currents in the Minas Basin and Minas Channel regions of the Bay of Fundy. Power estimates will be based on current turbine technology and will take into account the impact on the tidal range and currents.
Assessing the Far Field Effects of Tidal Power Extraction on the Bay of Fundy, Gulf of Maine and Scotian Shelf
Dr. Jinyu Sheng, Dr. Keith Thompson, and Dr. Paul Hill, Dalhousie University; and Dr. David Greenberg, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dr. Sheng, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Hill and Dr. Greenberg are working to quantify the far field effects of tidal power extraction, with a particular focus on tides, frequency of coastal flooding, tidal current patterns, the vertical and horizontal distribution of temperature and salinity, and large-scale sediment distributions.
3-D Acoustic Tracking of Fish, Sediment-Laden Ice and Large Wood Debris in the Minas Passage of the Bay of Fundy
Dr. Michael Stokesbury and Dr. Anna Redden, Acadia University
Dr. Stokesbury and Dr. Redden, in collaboration with the Ocean Tracking Network and a broad team of researchers and consultants, are using VEMCO animal tracking technology to complete in-situ testing of the path, depth and velocity of fish and objects passing through the Minas Passage. Using hydrodynamic models, they will determine the potential for interaction of fish and objects with turbines installed in the water column, and provide advice on risk and mitigation to regulators and developers.
Assessment of Hydrodynamic Impacts throughout the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine due to Tidal Energy Extraction by Tidal Lagoons
Dr. Andrew Cornett, NRC Canadian Hydraulics Centre (CHC)
Dr. Cornett and his colleagues from the CHC are extending existing hydrodynamic models of tidal flows in the Bay of Fundy to simulate the presence and operation of a tidal lagoon project located in the Minas Basin. They will attempt to predict and identify changes in water levels, potential impacts on the flow of sediments, tide range and circulation throughout the Bay of Fundy.
Impacts of Tidal Energy Extraction on Sediment Dynamics in Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, NS
Dr. Peter Smith, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; and Dr. Ryan Mulligan, East Carolina University
Dr. Smith and Dr. Mulligan, together with researchers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Dalhousie University, are developing a numerical hydrodynamic and sediment transport model for Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy, focusing on the sediment dynamics of the tidal inlets and flats. The model will be used to predict the impacts of tidal power devices on the dynamics of coastal flows, sediment transport and seabed morphology.
Investigation of the Vertical Distribution, Movement and Abundance of Fish in the Vicinity of Proposed Tidal Power Energy Conversion Devices
Dr. Norman Cochrane and Dr. Gary Melvin, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dr. Cochrane and Dr. Melvin are working with other researchers at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Coda Octopus and ROMOR Atlantic to study Minas Passage turbine active fish avoidance using Coda Octopus Echoscope II 3-D multibeam sonar mounted on a bottom platform in close proximity to a turbine. The objective is to observe and quantify the distribution and abundance of fish in the water column and their ability to detect and avoid turbines.
Effects of Energy Extraction on Sediment Dynamics in Intertidal Ecosystems of the Minas Basin
Dr. Danika van Proosdij, Saint Mary’s University
Dr. van Proosdij and her team are assessing how the dynamics of sedimentation change when energy is extracted from a macrotidal system. The differences in tidal prism and energy between neap and spring tidal cycles will be used as a proxy for energy extraction due to in-stream tidal power devices.
Near Field Effects of Tidal Power Extraction on Extreme Events and Coastline Integrity in the Bay of Fundy
Dr. James Warner, Martec Limited
Dr. Warner and Martec Limited, in collaboration with Dalhousie University, are quantifying the near-field effects of power extraction on the resulting effects of extreme storm events and coastline integrity by implementing a spectral wave model to numerically simulate wave transformation for tidal current conditions with and without turbines. The objective is to assess the changes in wave conditions caused by the extraction of energy from tidal currents, as well as the effects of turbines on shoreline erosion and coastline integrity.