Canada’s First Tidal Energy Array Authorized Using Adaptive Regulatory Framework
Decision by DFO enables three O2-X turbines to advance in the Bay of Fundy
Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, November 14, 2025
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has issued a Fisheries Act Authorization 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 authorization, 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 authorization 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 authorization 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 authorization 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.”
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About FORCE
FORCE is Canada’s lead facility for tidal stream energy research and demonstration, located in Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. The Bay of Fundy sees around 160 billion tons of water flow in and out of the bay each tide and is home to the highest tidal range in the world, reaching up to 16 meters. Minas Passage itself is estimated to have 2,500MW of extractable tidal power potential.
Since 2009, FORCE has built the electrical infrastructure to allow devices to deliver an initial 30MW of clean energy to the provincial grid, and in partnership with many organizations, conducted and published research, monitoring and risk assessment to better understand the marine environment and the role tidal energy can play in Canada’s energy future.
More information about FORCE can be found here: www.fundyforce.ca
Media contact: Kirsti Mason, Operations Manager: kirsti.mason@fundyforce.ca
About Eauclaire Tidal Ltd.
Eauclaire is a Canadian tidal power developer in partnership with Orbital, with over a decade of dedication and experience in this power generation endeavour. Comprised of several seasoned energy professionals, who believe strongly in the capacity of reliable and predictable power generation from the forces in our coastal resources, Eauclaire remains committed to near-term, commercial deployments of proven Orbital technologies in its target Berth locations here and abroad.
About Orbital Marine Power Ltd.
Orbital is a visionary Scottish renewable energy company focused on the global application of its pioneering floating turbine technology that can supply predictable power from tidal streams and ocean currents, every day, regardless of the weather. Orbital’s innovative approach lowers manufacturing and installation costs while allowing fast, cost-effective maintenance of all major turbine components. The company's O2, the world’s most powerful and advanced tidal turbine, commenced power generation in July, 2021 in Orkney. The O2 is a 2MW+ product capable of providing utility-scale, clean energy whilst supporting a just transition through the creation of sustainable, quality jobs throughout the project lifecycle.
The company has an established portfolio of tidal stream projects supported by a growing global pipeline of multi-gigawatt opportunities.
More information about Orbital can be found here: www.orbitalmarine.com
Media contact: Sarah Clark, Marketing & Media Manager: s.clark@orbitalmarine.com