As the demand for clean energy intensifies across North America, the Great Lakes region is poised to become a pioneering hub for next-generation hydropower technology. With electricity prices on the rise and significant freshwater resources at its disposal, this area is witnessing a surge in innovative hydroelectric projects, particularly along the St Lawrence River.
Emerging Hydropower Solutions on the St Lawrence River
The Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) is spearheading the deployment of submersible hydroelectric devices in urban locales, with its inaugural project slated for the St Lawrence River in Montreal. Set to launch later this year, these devices are engineered to tap into the river’s high-velocity water flow, which offers tremendous potential for energy generation.
Stuart Davies, CEO of ORPC, emphasises the significance of the St Lawrence River as a prime candidate for hydropower technology. “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,” he stated. The potential resource capacity in the Montreal area alone is estimated between 60 to 90 megawatts, a substantial contribution to the region’s energy landscape.
A Shift in Energy Landscape Amid Rising Costs
As electricity prices escalate across the Great Lakes, the shift towards marine energy generation gains urgency. In recent months, residents in areas like western New York have faced considerable increases in their electricity bills following rate adjustments approved by the New York Public Service Commission. Similar trends are evident in Michigan and Ohio, where rising costs have sparked tensions between public administrators and local communities.
Davies noted that while the energy demands of large data centres exceed the output of ORPC’s devices—ranging from half a megawatt to five megawatts—there are viable applications for their technology. “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,” he explained, highlighting the reliability of river-based energy generation.
Environmental Considerations and Technological Advancements
Despite the promising outlook for hydropower, concerns regarding environmental impact persist. The deployment of turbines in waterways inhabited by diverse fish species and wildlife has raised alarms among some environmental advocates. Anne KC McCooey of the Black Rock Riverside Alliance expressed cautious support for hydropower, 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.”
ORPC has countered such concerns with data from its Alaskan projects, where no fish injuries have been reported despite the presence of migrating salmon. Furthermore, as scientists explore technologies capable of generating energy from slower-moving waters, innovations like the Vivace system are gaining traction. Michael Bernitsas, a professor at the University of Michigan, is testing this technology in the St Clair River, where it harnesses energy from water flows as slow as half a meter per second.
Future Prospects for Marine Energy in North America
The Great Lakes region’s freshwater resources present unique opportunities for hydropower development, particularly given the lack of saltwater corrosion challenges that complicate ocean-based projects. ORPC is also investigating projects along the lower Mississippi River, aiming for a rollout by late next year.
Davies pointed out that the recent changes in federal energy policy have inadvertently improved the competitiveness of marine energy solutions. “The biggest challenge is just the lack of awareness of our solution, but that’s really flipped in the last nine months,” he remarked, noting a surge in interest from over 70 countries in ORPC’s technology.
The National Hydropower Association confirms that investment and production tax credits for marine energy in the United States will remain effective through at least 2033, further incentivising the shift toward sustainable energy sources.
Why it Matters
The emergence of submersible hydroelectric technology in the Great Lakes region signifies a pivotal shift in the energy landscape at a time of escalating demand and rising costs. As cities grapple with the challenges posed by traditional energy sources, innovations in hydropower offer a sustainable and reliable alternative. This transition not only promises to alleviate economic pressures on consumers but also positions the Great Lakes as a leader in the clean energy revolution, fostering a more resilient and environmentally responsible energy future.
