HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Canada 5/16/12 (PennWell) -- The Nova Scotia Department of Energy has established a goal of replacing 10% of the province's power supply with forms of tidal energy by the end of the decade.

That means about 300 MW of power would need to be generated from ocean sources by 2020, according to documents provided by the province.

"The Marine Renewable Energy Strategy will help guide the development of the marine renewable energy sector in the province to ensure it is developed in a safe and sustainable manner," a Department of Energy release says.

Nova Scotia's plan relies heavily on consultations conducted by oceanographer Bob Fournier, who was hired by the province this past fall.

Much of the goal hinges on the success of Nova Scotia's Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), which is a demonstration project designed to exhibit the feasibility of commercial-scale ocean power production.

Nova Scotia's Minster of Energy, Charlie Parker, says the plan will likely be voted on as legislation next spring.

In all, the province says it wants 40% of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2020.