Nova Scotia to undertake public consultations on new Marine Renewable Energy legislation

Nova Scotians are invited to share their views on the province's marine renewable energy future through a consultation process announced today, Sept. 16.

The consultation will lead to legislation covering the development of offshore wind, tidal and wave energy.

"Nova Scotia's offshore has huge potential for renewable energy," said Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks. "Harnessing that energy will help us achieve our ambitious renewable electricity targets while creating good jobs and growing the economy."

The province has passed a law to have 25 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2015 and set a goal to make it 40 per cent by 2020.

"Bringing in a new legal framework for development and production of ocean energy is part of our commitment to make life better for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Estabrooks. "But before introducing legislation, we want to talk to experts, people who live by or make a living from the sea, and people interested in the overall health of the ocean."

Dalhousie University oceanographer Bob Fournier will lead the effort that will collect the views of a broad spectrum of Nova Scotians.

Nova Scotia enjoys an abundance of raw resources in marine renewable energy, but the technology to harness the wind, currents and waves is at different stages of development.

"The new legislation will need to address all these types of energy creation and take a long-term view," said Wayne St-Amour, executive director of Nova Scotia's Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association.

A discussion paper titled Marine Renewable Energy Legislation for Nova Scotia is available at www.gov.ns.ca/energy/public-consultation/marine-renewable-energy.asp .

Public comment can be submitted to marinerenewableenergy@gov.ns.ca.
Mr. Fournier will be using this information in addition to contacting key groups for their input.

The consultation process will end Nov. 15, with a report expected late this year or early next year.