Research Portal

How Does Sound Travel in High Energy Environments? Effectiveness of Acoustic Monitoring Systems and Turbine Audibility Assessment

April 2017 – December 2020

The researchers are designing and implementing a long-term acoustic monitoring program to support tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy. Specialized acoustic instrumentation was deployed for a two-month period in Grand Passage to advance understanding how turbulence affects the ability to

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

Net-Zero Future: A Feasibility Study of Hydrogen Production, Storage, Distribution and Use in The Maritimes

July – October 2020

This study explores hydrogen’s potential contribution to the Maritimes’ sustainable development goals. It also provides a technical and economic assessment of the role that hydrogen could play in the Maritimes’ energy transition.

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).

Analysis Framework for Long-Term and Cumulative Effects Monitoring

October 2018 – September 2020

This project created a framework for testing in-stream tidal turbine effects on specific marine species populations. The framework provides the basis for future assessment of far-field and cumulative environmental effects.

Modeling of Electric Boats as Energy Storage

July 2018 – September 2020

Electric boats have the potential to act as “energy storage wrapped in a boat”.

Reducing Costs of Tidal Energy through a Comprehensive Characterization of Turbulence in Minas Passage

October 2017 – March 2020

Turbulence is a significant issue at every site being considered for in-stream tidal energy development.

Feasibility Study: Tidal Sector Service Barge/Drydock

April – November 2018

The study investigates the feasibility of developing a generic, shared-use, multi-function turbine transport deployment and retrieval barge/drydock for use by the Nova Scotia tidal energy sector.

Using Dry Ports to Support Nova Scotia’s Tidal Industry

March – June 2018

This study investigates two Nova Scotia “dry ports” and their potential in supporting the Bay of Fundy region’s emergent tidal energy industry. The term ‘dry port’ refers to a port where the harbour bottom is mainly exposed at low tide.

Geoscience » Spill Preparedness

Advanced Coastal Mapping to Support Hydrodynamic Modelling

April 2016 – June 2018

Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast exhibits a variety of shorelines that may be vulnerable to contamination in the event of an offshore oil spill. In turn, variable currents, changing water levels, shoals, and exposed seaside conditions make effective spill response difficult for tidal inlets.