The licences will enable the installation of six Orbital O2-X tidal turbines at the existing FORCE facility in Minas Passage. Once operational, each turbine is expected to generate about 180?GWh of predictable, clean energy over the contract period. This project represents Orbital’s largest development outside the UK and marks a significant step in harnessing the Bay of Fundy’s strong tidal resources for commercial energy production.
Andrew Scott, CEO of Orbital Marine Power, said: “This tremendous news provides the critical first steps in an exciting, scalable vision for Orbital to work with our partners, investors, supply chain and public sector stakeholders across Nova Scotia and Canada to capture the huge sustainable benefits that can flow from harnessing the clean energy that moves like clockwork through the Bay of Fundy.”
Eauclaire and Orbital have been collaborating on tidal stream projects in Nova Scotia since 2023. Orbital will co-own and operate the projects through its investment in Eauclaire and serve as the EPC contractor for delivery of the six turbines. Jane Lowrie, President of Eauclaire, commented: “Our partnership will deliver reliable, emissions-free electricity to the Nova Scotia power grid from the Bay of Fundy, which is known to be one of the best tidal energy resources in the world. We look forward to working with our First Nation partners and local communities to build a strong tidal power industrial base that will create specialised, permanent employment opportunities right here in Nova Scotia. We greatly appreciate the support from the Nova Scotia government that has got us to this stage.”
The award strengthens investor confidence in tidal stream technology as part of the clean energy mix and supports Nova Scotia’s emergence as a centre for commercial-scale tidal power. Eauclaire and Orbital are now advancing deployment planning and industry development in the region. Jennifer Lewis, Vice-President of Eauclaire, added: “Our plan is to deploy these tidal generation units to help Nova Scotia achieve its emission reduction targets, including decreasing reliance on coal-fired generation, while creating sustainable employment opportunities for Nova Scotia residents.”
In April, marine classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) issued Orbital Marine Power an International Electrotechnical Commission for Renewable Energy (IECRE) feasibility statement for its O2-X tidal energy converter. The six turbines will not only contribute predictable renewable energy to the grid but also support industrial growth, workforce development, and local supply chain expansion in Nova Scotia.
With these developments, Eauclaire and Orbital aim to demonstrate the scalability of tidal stream technology while helping the province achieve its clean energy objectives, creating a model for sustainable energy generation in regions with strong tidal resources.
