As the demand for clean energy escalates across North America, the Great Lakes region is poised to become a nexus for next-generation hydropower solutions. The introduction of submersible hydroelectric technology promises to enhance energy generation capabilities in this area, coinciding with rising electricity prices and increasing consumption needs.
Submersible Technology: A Game Changer for Hydropower
The Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC), which has successfully implemented submersible hydroelectric projects in Alaska and Maine, is making significant strides in urban energy generation. Their latest initiative is set to launch on the St Lawrence River in Montreal later this year, where they plan to install two advanced hydroelectric units.
Stuart Davies, the CEO of ORPC, emphasises the river’s immense potential: “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.” This technology, which features carbon fibre turbines resembling lawn mower blades, harnesses kinetic energy from flowing water, thereby providing a sustainable energy source without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Growing Demand Amid Rising Costs
Electricity rates are surging across the Great Lakes region, particularly in urban centres such as Buffalo, New York, and Detroit, Michigan. Recent decisions by the New York public service commission have led to substantial increases in electricity bills for residents, with further hikes anticipated in the coming years. This trend reflects a growing urgency for viable energy alternatives.
Despite the fact that the energy output of ORPC’s devices may not fully meet the vast demands of large data centres, which can require upwards of five megawatts, Davies notes that their technology can serve as a reliable supplemental power source. “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 explains.
Environmental Considerations and Challenges
While the push for hydropower innovation garners excitement, it also raises environmental concerns. The introduction of turbines into the habitats of various fish species has led to apprehension among environmentalists about potential ecological impacts. Anne KC McCooey of the Black Rock Riverside Alliance in Buffalo underscores the need for responsible energy solutions: “You can’t put something up just for the sake of harnessing the energy, while at the same time doing harm to the environment and the human and non-human life that depend on that environment.”
ORPC has conducted operations in Alaska since 2019 without recorded harm to local fish populations, and they advocate for careful site selection to mitigate ecological risks. Furthermore, innovative technologies developed by researchers, such as those at the University of Michigan, are exploring new methods to capture energy from slower-moving waterways, expanding the potential for hydropower in the region.
The Future of Hydropower in North America
The future of marine energy generation is bright, with the ORPC planning additional projects, including a second initiative on the Niagara River later this year. The absence of saltwater in the Great Lakes reduces corrosion concerns, allowing for longer-lasting materials and lower operational costs, a significant advantage over ocean-based counterparts.
Davies notes that the awareness and interest in hydropower solutions have surged in the past nine months, especially in light of federal policy shifts that have impacted traditional renewable energy sources. “We still keep our 40-50% tax credit while wind and solar equivalents are sunsetting,” he states, indicating a growing competitive edge for marine energy.
Why it Matters
The advent of submersible hydropower technology in the Great Lakes not only represents a significant step toward sustainable energy generation but also addresses the pressing issue of rising electricity costs. As urban populations continue to expand and energy demands increase, harnessing the power of natural waterways could provide a dual benefit: a reliable energy source and a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. This shift not only holds promise for local economies but also sets a precedent for future energy initiatives across North America and beyond.
