The Bay of Fundy is once again the centre of attention as the enormous tidal energy potential of the water in the surrounding area is up for grabs. Hant­sport’s Minas Basin Pulp and Pow­er recently won a location to test an underwater turbine in the waters on the Nova Scotia side of the bay, it is now looking at the New Brunswick side for further potential locations.

Both Minas Basin and environ­mental and engineering con­sultants Jacques Whitford of Saint John have made submissions to the New Brunswick government who had requested proposals for a tidal power project.

Kathe­rine Sidenius, Department of Natural Resources spokes­woman has announced that the proposals are under consideration and a decision will be made in the next few weeks.

The New Brunswick request for proposal says that inforamtion can be gathered by the successful tidal developer for 12 months at a site with an option to extend the contract for a further 12 months.

The Bay of Fundy is a known potential tidal energy giant because the tides are among the highest and most powerful in the world. Setting up a sizable tidal farm in the waters would generate reliable, constant electricity at a much greater rate thna is currently generated. The Bay of Fundy is already home to one tidal power plant, the Annapolis Tidal Generating Station at Annapolis Royal.