The Province is now working on legislation for development of its offshore wind, tidal and wave energy.  The Nova Scotia Department of Energy provided OEER with funding to support Dr. Robert Fournier, Dalhousie University, to carry out consultations and engage stakeholders and the public regarding marine renewable energy as a follow-up to the SEA consultation process (completed in 2008).

In September 2010, the Department of Energy released a discussion paper titled Marine Renewable Energy Legislation for Nova Scotia in which the public were welcomed to respond via written submissions.  In addition, OEER organized two half-day forums, facilitated by Dr. Fournier, involving key stakeholders from the marine renewable energy sector.

From the 18 public submissions, along with the valuable input from the consultation forums, Dr. Fournier has developed a report, Marine Renewable Energy Legislation: A Consultative Approach,  that will provide government with identified issues and technical advice prior to developing legislation. The report was released on September 21, 2011, and covers planning, economic opportunities, research and regulation.

The full report can be downloaded using the link below: