The Bras d’ Or Lake (including the Barra Strait) is one of two areas in Nova Scotia designated by the provincial Department of Energy as a practical and suitable environmental location for research and development into small-scale, low-impact tidal electrical generation, and therefore it is entitled to special energy developmental rates. The goal is to have Àros na Mara constructed and designed to operate essentially off-grid, utilizing the abundant renewable small-scale energy cradles of wind, solar, and tidal sources. By developing the facility in this manner, operating costs will be minimized while, at the same time, providing whetted tourism interest.