OpenHydro deploys 1MW commercial tidal turbine in the Bay of Fundy
Irish based OpenHydro has successfully deployed its first commercial scale in stream tidal turbine in the Bay of Fundy, Canada, on behalf of Nova Scotia Power. The 1MW commercial scale turbine is now operational, rotating with the tides, collecting data, and producing energy.
"Today's announcement is an historic first for both OpenHydro and Nova Scotia," said James Ives, chief executive OpenHydro. "For the first time, thanks to Nova Scotia Power's foresight and OpenHydro's technology, a commercial size in stream tidal turbine has been successfully deployed in what is undoubtedly one of the world's strongest tidal energy resources."
The 400tonne device was lowered within one hour to its intended location on the ocean floor by a purpose built barge called the OpenHydro Installer. The turbine now rests on the seabed, secured in place by a subsea gravity base designed by OpenHydro and fabricated by Cherubini Metal Works, a Dartmouth based company.
"We now begin a very important period of testing that we believe will demonstrate that tidal energy can be a major part of Nova Scotia's renewable energy future," said Rob Bennett, president and chief executive of Nova Scotia Power.
