Research Portal

Advancing Tidal Energy Turbine Operations through High Fidelity Tug Propulsion and Control Simulation Software

November 2016 – March 2017

The project objective was to develop a numerical model of a tug boat and its propulsion system to accurately predict its dynamic behaviour in turbulent tidal flows.

Environmental Effects Monitoring Project

January 2016 – January 2017

FORCE developed an Environmental Effects Monitoring Program (EEMP) to study five major subject areas: fish, marine mammals, lobster, marine noise and seabirds. The EEMP was designed to be adaptive in nature.

Funding and Financial Supports for Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia

June – September 2016

To help ensure Nova Scotia and Canada benefit from a sustainable marine renewable energy industry over the longer term, this study identifies the suite of applicable funding and financial support mechanisms used in different jurisdictions around the world, recommends a combination that may be sui

MRE Infrastructure Assessment Update

May – August 2016

This project reviewed the results of a 2011 study to identify where significant changes in infrastructure demands have occurred.

Development of High Performance Tidal Turbine Rotors

January 2013 – October 2015

This research investigated and informed novel and cost-effective engineering solutions to extract and deliver energy from tidal flows.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Establishment of Baseline Biological Data on Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Offshore Cape Breton for Future Assessment of Potential Impacts of Seismic Noise on Snow Crab

April 2012 – February 2015

The study investigates the impact of sound energy generated by acoustic/seismic arrays on snow crabs.

Seasonal Erodibility of Sediment in the Upper Bay of Fundy

February 2012 – January 2015

This project developed methods for studying sedimentation to the macro-tidal flats of the upper Bay of Fundy. The researchers looked at seasonal variation in the erodibility of sediments in tidal creeks and flats using a Gust Erosion Chamber and repeated grain size surveys.

Geoscience » Seismic & Marine Sound

Test Snow Crab Response to Seismic Stress

February 2012 – September 2013

There is concern in Atlantic Canada that there is insufficient information on the potential effects of seismic noise on snow crab.

Community Engagement Strategies & Resource Guide To Support Small-Scale Tidal Power in Nova Scotia

March – July 2013

Community engagement strategies and a resource guide for stakeholders involved in marine renewable energy will support the success of marine renewable energy development in Nova Scotia.

A Framework for Environmental Risk Assessment and Decision-Making for Tidal Energy Development in Canada

March – May 2012

There is still a high degree of uncertainty regarding the environmental implications of in-stream tidal energy initiatives. This report outlines a science-based environmental risk assessment and decision-making framework for the emergent in-stream tidal energy industry.