We own and operate one of just three tidal power plants in the world and the only one in the western hemisphere. Our Annapolis Tidal Power Plant came online in 1984. It has a capacity of 20 megawatts and a daily output of roughly 80-100 megawatt hours, depending on the tides.
Until recently, the most common form of tidal power technology was to build a large dam called a barrage across a river or outcropping of land. The dam funneled water into the tidal generating plant and through a large turbine as it flowed in and out with the tide.
Today, engineers are developing tidal technology that does not require any 
dams or head ponds. New technologies include offshore floating tidal turbines and turbines that are anchored to the ocean floor. The turbines, that can resemble wind turbines, take advantage of natural tidal flows. A recent study by the Electric Power Research Institute has singled out the Bay of Fundy as one of the best spots on the planet to deploy this new technology.
The Annapolis Tidal Station currently houses a seasonal interpretive centre that is open to the public. Visitors can learn about the generating station, its history and the power of the Bay of Fundy. Click on the links above to view information on NS Power's in-stream tidal turbine, currently being tested in the Bay of Fundy.