The federal government says it is investing in river‑current energy technology to deliver affordable clean electricity to communities.
Natural Resources Canada announced $4 million for the Canadian arm of Ocean Power Renewable Company to demonstrate how the natural flow of the river can generate reliable energy.
“We are supporting made‑in‑Canada innovation for clean, reliable, and affordable electricity while showcasing Canadian technology to the world,” stated Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson.
“Projects like this one strengthens Canada’s drive toward a net‑zero electricity grid by 2050,” he continued, “demonstrating how clean, renewable energy can align local resources with appropriate technologies to meet our growing power demands.”
“Modernizing our energy systems is a key part of our mission to build big things again, strengthen our energy security and ensure Canada leads the next generation of clean technologies,” Hodgson said.
From this year through 2029, ORPC Canada will deploy and operate its RivGen Power System in the St. Lawrence River.
The project will focus on operating the system in real-world conditions, examining its integration with the river environment and its contribution to local energy needs, according to Alexandre Paris, president of ORPC Canada.
“This project represents a significant milestone for river energy in Canada,” posits Paris. “With the support of Natural Resources Canada and our partners, we are demonstrating how free-flowing river currents can provide reliable, clean energy in urban settings while respecting the river and the communities connected to it.”
Through “investing in innovative technologies that reduce emissions and enhance grid resilience, we are building the clean-power backbone our economy will rely on for decades to come,” remarked Claude Guay, who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
By “harnessing the energy of river currents, as ORPC Canada is doing, we are reducing our emissions while diversifying our supply of clean electricity,” says Steven Guilbeault, who functions as Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie. “This project supports Canadian innovation and accelerates the energy transition with reliable solutions tailored to communities, including urban areas.”
The investment was made through the The Energy Innovation Program’s Renewable Energy Demonstrations call for proposals, which funds projects that advance innovative renewable heat or power generation as well as new applications that provide local benefits.