As electricity demands escalate across North America, the Great Lakes region is poised to become a pivotal player in the clean energy sector with the introduction of next-generation submersible hydroelectric technology. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC), promises to harness the immense potential of the Great Lakes’ waterways, offering a sustainable solution to rising energy costs.
Advancements in Submersible Hydroelectric Technology
The Great Lakes, home to some of North America’s largest urban centres, face increasing electricity demands as cities like Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, and Detroit expand. Although the lakes themselves lack significant tidal movements suitable for traditional hydropower, the connecting rivers present a unique opportunity for innovation. ORPC is set to launch its inaugural urban hydroelectric project on the St Lawrence River in Montreal later this year, where it plans to install two hydroelectric devices capable of generating substantial energy.
Stuart Davies, CEO of ORPC, highlighted the advantages of the St Lawrence River, stating, “It has consistent, high-velocity water for hundreds of miles. In the Montreal area, there’s 60-90 megawatts of resource potential alone.” These devices utilise carbon fibre turbines designed to capture kinetic energy from flowing water, similar in appearance to lawnmower blades, thereby transforming it into electricity.
A Growing Demand for Clean Energy Solutions
The shift towards marine power generation is particularly timely, given the escalating electricity prices across the Great Lakes. Recent decisions by regulatory bodies, such as the New York Public Service Commission approving significant rate hikes for western New York residents, have intensified the urgency for alternative energy solutions. Similar scenarios are unfolding in Michigan and Ohio, where rising costs and infrastructure challenges are prompting communities to explore innovative energy sources.
While ORPC’s devices cannot meet the enormous demands of large data centres—typically requiring between half a megawatt to five megawatts—the technology offers a reliable energy source for industrial applications. Davies elaborated, “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.”
Environmental Considerations and Challenges
Despite the promise of hydropower, the deployment of submersible turbines has raised concerns among environmental advocates. The impact of these devices on local wildlife and ecosystems cannot be overlooked. Anne KC McCooey from the Black Rock Riverside Alliance emphasised the need for responsible energy solutions, stating, “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 maintains that its technology has not harmed aquatic life in previous projects, such as those in Alaska, where their turbines have operated since 2019 without any reported injuries to migrating salmon. Moreover, the nuances of environmental conditions in the Great Lakes region, including the absence of saltwater corrosion issues, present a compelling case for the suitability of this technology.
Future Developments and Broader Implications
ORPC is already eyeing additional projects, with plans for a second installation on the Niagara River in Buffalo, New York, scheduled to commence later this year. Furthermore, innovative research is underway, such as the Vivace technology developed by Professor Michael Bernitsas at the University of Michigan, which can generate energy from slower-moving waters—a vital asset as the urgency for alternative energy sources grows.
The lack of awareness surrounding marine energy solutions has historically hindered their adoption. However, this landscape is shifting rapidly. As Davies noted, “All of a sudden, our relative competitiveness has changed dramatically. We’ve had a lot more interest. Entities from over 70 countries have reached out to inquire about the technology.”
Why it Matters
The introduction of submersible hydroelectric technology in the Great Lakes represents a significant advancement in the quest for renewable energy sources amid rising costs and environmental concerns. As cities grapple with increasing electricity demands and the need for sustainable solutions, this innovative approach could redefine the energy landscape in North America. The success of these projects not only holds the potential for economic benefits, but also offers a pathway toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future that prioritises both community needs and ecological integrity.
