A remote Nova Scotia community successfully integrated tidal power into its microgrid, reducing diesel dependence and proving a scalable model for clean, resilient energy in off-grid environments.
Remote and coastal communities often rely heavily on diesel generation for power, facing high costs, carbon emissions, and vulnerability to fuel supply disruptions.
In Nova Scotia, a community sought to reduce its reliance on diesel by exploring renewable alternatives, particularly tidal energy, which offers predictable, local generation.
To make this transition viable, they needed a control system that could seamlessly integrate tidal power with existing diesel and battery infrastructure.
The system had to be flexible, scalable, and capable of managing variable renewable inputs while ensuring consistent, stable electricity supply to the community.
The community partnered with Sustainable Marine Energy and collaborators to demonstrate the Smart Microgrid Controller as part of the Ocean Energy Smart Grid Integration Project.
Installed at the Grand Passage site in Nova Scotia, the system integrated tidal energy from SME’s PLAT-I device into the local microgrid.
The controller acted as a common interface, balancing tidal generation with diesel backup and storage resources. Designed as a modular platform, it allowed configuration changes without extensive hardware redesign.
The solution provided advanced functionality, including battery state-of-charge monitoring, peak shaving, and blackout warnings - ensuring reliable operation under varying conditions while enabling smooth incorporation of renewable energy.
The project proved that tidal energy could be successfully integrated into a functioning community microgrid. By reducing reliance on diesel, the community gained a path toward cleaner, more affordable, and more sustainable energy.
The Smart Microgrid Controller delivered resilience by stabilizing supply, lowering operating costs, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Importantly, the modular design means the same approach can be scaled and adapted for other remote communities across Canada and beyond.
This project demonstrated a practical pathway for communities to transition from diesel dependency to renewable-powered microgrids, improving energy security while supporting climate goals.
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