Offshore Renewable Energy Governance in Nova Scotia: A Case Study of Tidal Energy in the Bay of Fundy

Abstract

This article considers the governance approach (including the legislative context, the regulatory system and relevant policy context) to offshore renewable energy developments in Nova Scotia, with a focus on tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy. It explores applicable regulatory processes at the federal and provincial levels as well as the contribution of strategic environmental assessments carried out in 2008 and updated in 2013. The article assesses the ability of the current governance approach to encourage integrated decision making that considers environmental, social and economic factors, such as various environmental impacts and benefits, energy security, economic development opportunities, interaction with other uses.

Keywords: offshore renewable energy, governance, strategic environmental assessment