Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has issued a Fisheries Act Authorisation to Eauclaire Tidal Ltd. (Eauclaire) to deploy up to three Orbital Marine Power Ltd (Orbital) O2-X tidal energy devices at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE). This marks the first project to proceed under Canada’s revised, staged approach for tidal stream energy development – an adaptive regulatory framework designed to ensure both environmental protection and investor clarity.

DFO’s Staged Approach – resulting from the federal Tidal Task Force on Sustainable Tidal Energy Development led by DFO and Natural Resources Canada – enables projects to begin with a single device and monitoring, followed by additional deployments informed by ongoing environmental data collection, interpretation and analysis.

A staged path for responsible development

Under the authorisation, Eauclaire and Orbital will install up to three floating O2-X turbines within the FORCE test area in Minas Passage. Each O2-X unit generates about 2.5 megawatts– enough to power 2,000 homes. Collectively, the array will deliver 7.5 megawatts to Nova Scotia’s grid, contributing clean, predictable power to the province’s renewable energy targets.

DFO’s authorisation outlines clear requirements for fish-protection measures, adaptive environmental-effects monitoring, and data-reporting protocols consistent with the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act.

Advancing monitoring science

The FORCE site serves as a world-class proving ground for both tidal stream technology and marine environmental science. Through the Ocean Sensor Innovation Platforms project, FORCE, Acadia University, the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, Ocean Tracking Network and other partners are developing new approaches to better understand fish–turbine interactions in strong tidal currents. These efforts, including a floating environmental monitoring platform under development, will directly inform the adaptive management requirements of DFO’s Staged Approach.

Quotes:

The Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia:

“Nova Scotia is leading the way in marine renewable energy. The Bay of Fundy’s tides are a unique, world-class resource – and with the right balance of science, regulation, and investment, they can help power our province for generations. This authorisation reflects the strong partnerships that are moving Nova Scotia’s clean energy transition forward, and bringing jobs and investments to our communities.”

The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries:

“Canada’s coastal waters hold tremendous potential for clean, renewable energy. Through science-based monitoring, responsible regulation and working alongside the fishing industry we are advancing tidal power in the Bay of Fundy in a way that protects marine species and their ecosystems—ensuring this opportunity benefits generations to come.” 

Jane Lowrie, President, Eauclaire Tidal Limited Partnership:

“This authorisation is an important step forward for tidal energy in Canada. It shows what’s possible when regulators, researchers, and developers work together toward the same goal – clean energy that respects the marine environment. DFO’s Staged Approach gives us a clear and practical pathway to advance responsibly, guided by science and strong partnerships. We’re proud to be part of this new chapter in the gold standard for tidal power – the Bay of Fundy.”

Lindsay Bennett, Executive Director, Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE):

“This decision shows that regulation, science and responsible development can come together to fight the challenge of climate change. FORCE is committed to supporting it all: meeting the highest standards of environmental monitoring, advancing the science that helps protect marine life, and responsibly unlocking the enormous potential of the Bay of Fundy for clean energy and economic growth.”

 

14 November 2025