FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – The owner of Canada’s largest oil refinery has been given approval for a study in New Brunswick of ways to harness the world’s highest tides to generate electricity.

Irving Oil will partner with Huntsman Marine Science Center of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, to research 11 potential sites on the Bay of Fundy for tidal power generation.

“The world-renowned tides of the Bay of Fundy have long been regarded as a significant source of tidal energy,” Jeff Landry, manager of business development for Irving Oil, said Monday.

“We look forward to working with Huntsman Marine Science Center to explore the potential of this innovative, alternative source of energy.”

The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources has given approval for a two-year study that will look into tidal patterns, climatic conditions and behavior of aquatic life in the selected areas.

The Bay of Fundy is surrounded by Nova Scotia on the east and the province of New Brunswick and Maine on the west. It has among the world’s most powerful tides.