Concealed by the Tide, Book 1 in the Tide Harbor series, focuses on the environmental impact of tidal turbines on the marine environment. Placed in areas with exceptional high tides, these innovative inventions produce electricity using the force of the water as the tide rises and falls.
The Minas Basin is an ideal location for these tidal generators. The tides there are the highest in the world ranging from 11 to 15 meters, and create currents that are extremely strong (3-6 meters per second).
Tidal Turbine Research
The Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) is a not-for-profit agency tasked to research the use of tidal power in the Minas Basin. If you are ever in the Parrsboro area, they welcome visitors, and they have a very informative and up-to-date website as well. Visit FORCE here.
Tidal Turbine Design
Tidal turbines come in a variety of designs. Several have been tried in the Minas Basin. Currently, a floating turbine called BigMoon is scheduled to be put in operation. The company will also lift the Cape Sharp turbine, installed in 2018, which sits on the ocean floor and has been generating electricity. They want to replace parts and see if they can increase its generating output. Read more about the latest plans here. BigMoon
Do tidal turbines damage marine life?
This question, which plays a major role in my novel, has still not been answered definitively.
Tide Harbor Suspense by Zara West 