(TRURO) – On Friday night, May 18, experts in tidal power spoke to an audience of renewable energy activists about the future of tidal power in Nova Scotia. The two-hour presentation featured Dr. Richard Karsten, Dr. Shelley MacDougall and Dr. Graham Daborn, non-partisan tidal power experts from the Acadia Tidal Energy Institute. Topics included the state of tidal power technology, cutting-edge site characterization techniques, socio-economic impact of tidal projects, and environmental risk assessment. The panel of tidal power experts also entertained numerous questions from the audience.

The topic of tidal power in Nova Scotia has entered into election discussion recently with a Fundy area fishing group raising concerns about Cape Sharp Tidal Venture’s plans to temporarily move its tidal power turbine.

Anthony Edmonds, Green Party candidate in Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank, organized and promoted the tidal power conference session, and remains optimistic about the future of tidal power in Nova Scotia: “ I was impressed with the scale and depth of the scientific evaluations that have been carried out. As it matures, this technology could become a key part of our transition away from fossil fuel and toward locally sourced renewable energy.”

Added Dr. Thomas Trappenberg, Green Party of Nova Scotia leader, “The Green Party was pleased to support this conference and its objectives. We look forward to a greater public understanding of renewable energy alternatives, as we move toward a post-fossil-fuel future.”