Originally published January 20 2006
Canadian provinces harvest high tides for energy
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Using the inlet between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Canadian government is exploring the feasibility of tidal power.
The North Atlantic waters are funnelled up this deep inlet between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, swirling through the narrowest parts of the bay with impressive speed and power.
The idea was that water flowing through the sluices could also pass through a turbine and generate power on its way down the Bay of Fundy and out into the sea.
Map of eastern Canada The Bay of Fundy funnels the power of the Atlantic Twice every day, as the tide rises, the sluice gates are opened to let water flow up into the lower part of the Annapolis river, which now serves as the headpond for the power station.
When there is enough difference between the water levels on the two sides, they begin to let water flow through the giant turbine, slowly at first to get it turning, and then at full strength.
Once the tide has gone out and the water level is equalised, the turbine slows to a stop, before the whole cycle begins again.
Stuart MacDonald of Nova Scotia Power remembers the thrill of seeing the plant in action for the first time.
Turbine hall, Annapolis Royal, Canada Water flows through a giant turbine at Annapolis Royal And it is not the sort of thing that can be bought off the shelf; machinery has to be purpose-built for the site, which makes it expensive for a power station which is always going to be idle for at least 12 hours a day.
But at least the fuel is free; and although the plant was designed for a 70 year lifespan, Stuart MacDonald believes that with proper maintenance it could last 200 years.
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