BC provides funding for 3 ocean energy projects
Good news for ocean energy development in B.C. On April 3rd, 2009, the B.C. government announced that SyncWave Systems Inc., Canoe Pass Tidal Energy Consortium, and Pacific Coast Wave Energy Corp., have each received $2 million from B.C.'s Innovative Clean Energy Fund.
The government's press release does not contain particulars of the three ocean energy projects chosen to receive funding, here's what I've been able to gather from media reports.
One report states that the Canoe Pass Commercialization Project will see two 250 kW tidal turbines installed in the tidal channel between Quadra Island and Maude Island, just north of Campbell River.
Another report indicates that the Pacific Coastal Wave Energy Corp. is partnering with the District of Ucluelet on a four-megawatt ocean-wave energy demonstration project. This report also notes that SyncWave's wave energy project will be located near Tofino.
The Ocean Renewable Energy Group, in its press release, sounds an optomistic tone:
These new projects along with Vancouver’s Clean Current Power Systems tidal turbine commercialisation activities and the Bay of Fundy tidal energy demonstration project are reinforcing Canada’s international ranking as third in ocean energy development.
I look forward to seeing more details about these projects and more from our government to spur the developmet of this industry.
This announcement is not only good news for the ocean energy industry in Canada but also for those of us who are keenly interested in seeing B.C. in particular make the best use of B.C.'s abundant renewable energy resources. The larger point is summed up nicely by the title of an excellent article in today's Vancouver Sun: B.C. needs big energy changes, and this funding announcement goes some way to acheiving one of the key "crucial opportunites" the authors point out - getting "carbon-free" energy generation on line.
