OpenHydro turns the tide in Canada

Irish tidal technology company OpenHydro is set to build a 4MW underwater generator array in Canada, marking the world’s first multi-megawatt array of interconnected tidal turbines.

The Ireland-founded company has developed one of the world’s most advanced underwater turbines.

Earlier this year, DCNS spent €130m to gain a majority stake in OpenHydro as the tidal energy industry moves toward commercialisation.

OpenHydro has been selected by Nova Scotia Department of Energy in Canada to build a tidal energy demonstration project at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy and provide energy for 1,000 customers in Nova Scotia.

Senior vice president Energies and Marine Infrastructure with OpenHydro and DCNS Thierry Kalanquin said that tidal power has the potential to be a major source of renewable power. “OpenHydro is proud to have been the first technology installed in the Bay of Fundy and we remain convinced of the potential of the region as a major source of clean renewable energy.

“This project represents an important step in building a local tidal energy industry in Nova Scotia and a next step in the development of commercial tidal farms in the region.”

OpenHydro is planning to build a manufacturing hub in the area they believe will create 950 direct and indirect jobs as the project moves to commercial scale.

The company plans to increase the tidal array to 300MW when it gains regulatory approval.