Abstract
This paper describes research in progress for which the main objective is to appraise the new IEC technical specifications (TS) for assessment of wave and tidal energy resources through pilot application of the procedures set forth therein to sites in the Bay of Fundy and off the west coast of Vancouver Island. The new IEC TS for tidal current resource assessment is being appraised through application to the FORCE project site located near the north shore of Minas Passage in the upper Bay of Fundy, Canada. In parallel, the new IEC TS for wave energy resource assessment is being appraised through application to the waters off the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. In both cases, the accuracy of the resulting resource estimates is being assessed through comparison with direct measurements obtained using ADCP units and directional wave buoys. Moreover, sensitivity analyses are being undertaken to determine the main sources of error and uncertainty impacting the precision of resource assessments conducting following the IEC methodologies. Preliminary results indicate that the new IEC technical specifications can be applied with a moderate level of effort to develop reasonable estimates of tidal and wave energy resources.