Addressing technical challenges to enable hydrokinetic clean power generation in river and coastal communities

Lead Proponent

University of Manitoba

Project Objectives

The main objective of this project will be to allow hydrokinetic resources to be included in Community Energy Plans (CEPs) to add base-load distributed clean power generation to reduce or eliminate diesel use. 

The project will address the technical challenges for tidal power applications, including understanding interactions between turbines and marine animals, and evaluating effects of turbulence on energy production. 

Technical challenges for river applications will also be addressed, including operation through winter months to increase capacity factors; optimization of turbine array layouts; and testing low velocity turbines focused on conditions at many remote communities.  

Expected Results

Canada has significant river and tidal resources that could be tapped to provide clean power to both densely populated and remote communities.

Once proven, hydrokinetic turbine technologies (HKT) can benefit remote communities across Canada by improving local economies through the generation of base-load clean energy using local resources, thus eliminating reoccurring purchases of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change, environmental issues, and health problems. 

Anticipated Environmental Benefits: potential for reduced GHG emissions, particularly in remote and/or off-grid communities.