Yuquot Wave Energy Demonstration Project – FEED Study

Lead Proponent

Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation

Project Objectives

The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation is leading a feasibility study for the first wave energy technology demonstration project in Canada.

The objective of the project is to conduct a front-end engineering and design study of a 200-kW wave energy plant that would displace current diesel fuel use of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation residents at the remote reserve community of Yuquot, BC and the nearby Government of Canada Nootka Lighthouse.

Yuquot is located on the southwest tip of Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Accessible only by boat or float plane, the reserve is not connected to the British Columbia hydro grid or to the natural gas network. The wave energy technology to be assessed in this project represents an alternative renewable energy option for remote, coastal communities to harness ocean energy practically and reliably. Adding to the innovative elements of this project, the community plans to use battery storage technology and micro grid management to optimize energy delivery to further reduce diesel consumption.

Expected Results

The outcome of this project will be a FEED study that will support and de-risk an eventual planned demonstration of the wave energy converter in Yuquot.

The project will improve the ability to deliver ocean wave renewable energy and reduce local fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Socio-economic benefits will be realized for community members including increased interest and expertise to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency, opportunities for employment,  implementation of an innovative project that contributes to the sense of responsibility for sustainable use of lands resources, improved sense of energy self-reliance, and increased tourism-related business activities.

This project will be groundbreaking for Canada, having the world’s longest coastline, in demonstrating technical feasibility for a renewable ocean wave energy technology.