As electricity demands continue to escalate in North America’s urban centres, the Great Lakes region is poised to embrace cutting-edge hydropower technology. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC), aims to harness the region’s river systems to provide sustainable energy solutions, particularly in light of rising energy costs throughout the United States.
Next-Generation Hydropower Technology
The Great Lakes, while lacking significant tidal movements, feature a network of rivers that could potentially generate substantial hydropower. ORPC, a pioneer in submersible hydroelectric technology, recently announced its inaugural urban project on the St Lawrence River in Montreal, scheduled to launch later this year. The company’s CEO, Stuart Davies, highlighted the river’s exceptional potential, stating, “The St Lawrence River is one of the best opportunities in North America for our technology because it has consistent, high-velocity water for hundreds of miles. In the Montreal area, there’s 60-90 megawatts of resource potential alone.”
The hydropower devices employ carbon fibre turbines designed to operate effectively in high-flow conditions, reminiscent of traditional lawnmower blades. This innovative approach represents a significant step forward in the realm of clean energy generation, particularly as electricity prices soar across the Great Lakes region.
A Growing Demand for Clean Energy
The urgency for alternative energy solutions is underscored by alarming price hikes in electricity across several states. In September 2025, New York’s public service commission authorised substantial rate increases that have impacted residents in the Buffalo area, with further hikes set for 2027. This trend is echoed in Michigan and Ohio, where rural communities are facing similar challenges amid the rise of data centres that consume vast amounts of electricity.
Davies pointed out the potential for ORPC’s technology to address some of these challenges for industrial consumers. “If you’re an industrial customer and you’re thinking about the growth of AI … We can be that 24/7 electricity resource that’s part of a baseload in normal times and if the grid goes down for some reason, that river still runs,” he explained.
Overcoming Environmental Concerns
Despite the promising outlook for hydropower, the introduction of turbines into natural waterways has raised environmental concerns. Critics, including Anne KC McCooey of the Black Rock Riverside Alliance, advocate for responsible development practices that safeguard local ecosystems. “You can’t put something up just for the sake of harnessing the energy, while at the same time doing harm to the environment,” she cautioned.
ORPC has maintained a commitment to environmental stewardship, citing successful operations in Alaska where their turbines did not adversely affect local fish populations. The ongoing dialogue between energy innovation and environmental responsibility is crucial as the region seeks to balance energy needs with ecological preservation.
Technological Advancements and Future Prospects
The technological landscape for hydropower is evolving, with research initiatives aimed at harnessing energy from slower-moving water. Professor Michael Bernitsas of the University of Michigan is exploring a new hydroelectric generating technology called Vivace, which could provide energy in areas where traditional turbine technologies struggle. “The current there gets to about 2.3 to 2.5 knots, which is pretty slow for turbine technologies. But it’s very easy for Vivace to harness that power,” he noted.
Moreover, the Great Lakes’ freshwater environment offers advantages over saltwater projects, such as reduced corrosion, leading to longer-lasting installations. As ORPC continues to expand its operations, including a planned project on the lower Mississippi River, the company is optimistic about the future of marine energy technologies in the United States.
Why it Matters
The shift towards hydropower generation in the Great Lakes region represents a pivotal moment in the quest for sustainable energy. With rising electricity costs and the pressing need for reliable, clean power sources, innovative solutions like those offered by ORPC could transform the energy landscape. By fostering a harmonious relationship between technology, consumer needs, and environmental responsibility, the Great Lakes may emerge as a beacon of renewable energy in North America, setting a precedent for future developments in the sector.
