Research Portal

Assessment of Geothermal Resources in Onshore Nova Scotia

May – November 2020

The objective of this project is to: (i) provide a review of the general types of geothermal resources in Nova Scotia (excluding shallow resources utilized by ground-source heat pumps) with reference to key regional, national and global examples; (ii) provide a preliminary evaluation of the poten

Valuation Method for Electric Ancillary Services

May – September 2020

The objective of this project is to define a new, enhanced power purchase agreement (PPA) for use by NSPI or an independent procurement administrator when contracting with Independent (e.g., renewable) Power Producers (IPPs).

Geoscience » Source Rock & Depositional Environment

Source Rock and Geochemistry of the Central Atlantic Margins

September 2014 – August 2017

This project evaluates known, probable and possible source rocks in the Nova Scotia shelf and deep water offshore areas with an emphasis On the Triassic– Jurassic time interval.

Value Proposition for Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada and Canada

January 2014 – April 2015

This study shows there is substantial potential economic opportunity in building a tidal energy industry in Canada. It indicates that tidal energy could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create a new industry offering significant socio-economic benefits.

Observations of Marine Mammals in Petit Passage and Grand Passage, Nova Scotia and Adjacent Waters in the Eastern Bay of Fundy to Assess Species Composition, Distribution, Number and Seasonality.

June – December 2014

This research project implemented a common mobile tool, database, and alert system for recording and acting on marine life sightings, while engaging coastal communities in protection of the marine environment and using crowd-sourcing to collect data for scientific research.

Community and Business Toolkit for Tidal Energy Development

November 2011 – March 2013

This toolkit covers the science, technology, business and community aspects of tidal energy development in Nova Scotia, effectively integrating the applied, natural and social sciences. It can serve as a model for future applied interdisciplinary work on tidal energy and marine renewables.

Scoping Study on Socio-Economic Impacts of Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia: A Research Synthesis & Priorities for Future Action

November 2011 – January 2012

This scoping study highlights many socio-economic issues related to in-stream tidal energy development and discusses best practices, case studies and tools developed to facilitate positive socio-economic benefits and community development.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Physics of the Interaction between a Crab and a Seismic Test Pulse – Development of a Mathematical Model and Testing of Model via Simulation

June 2009 – September 2011

Experimental attempts to establish whether seismic testing has any impact on crabs and the crab fishery have been hampered by a lack of theoretical work on the subject.

Nova Scotia Tidal Energy Symposium - Small Tidal Workshop

July 2011

As part of the two-day Nova Scotia Tidal Symposium: Getting Power to Market held on July 7 and 8, 2011, the Province of Nova Scotia hosted a half-day small-scale tidal workshop. This workshop included a gap analysis for small-scale in-stream tidal technology.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Feasibility of a Marine Vibroseis System to Minimize Potential Impacts of Seismic Surveying on Commercial Marine Invertebrates

May 2010 – May 2011

Marine vibroseis (a sound generating system that uses a large oscillating mass to emit a range of frequencies) offers an alternative to air-gun seismic sources and may have fewer environmental effects on marine biota.