Maine, Nova Scotia sign offshore energy agreement

Both Maine and Nova Scotia have been actively developing alternative sources of energy over the past several years, and now they’ll be working together to develop offshore wind and tidal energy sources.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci and Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter signed a memorandum of understanding Monday, pledging to collaborate on the research and development of both tidal and offshore wind energy. The signing took place during a meeting of New England governor and eastern Canadian premiers in Massachusetts. The conference will be held in Nova Scotia next year, and as a result of Monday’s agreement, the two governments will host a Tidal Energy Symposium as part of the conference. Nova Scotia and Maine have already begun exploring the possibility of harnessing both the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine tides, among the widest ranging in the world, as a source of energy. Gov. Baldacci said both Maine and Nova Scotia share a commitment to alternative energy. “Maine is forging a path toward clean, renewable, home-grown energy development which will keep hard-earned dollars here at home and provide good paying jobs,” Baldacci said. “Premier Dexter shares my commitment to work regionally to address these critical issues.” Also on Monday, Baldacci signed an agreement with New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham to encourage trade and cultural activities between the state and province.