The Big River Service Hydrokinetic Initiative is poised to be the first of its kind in the country. The project could lead to the first ocean renewable power company turbine in Canada tested in Northern conditions.
The power company behind the project explained that local benefits of this imitative include potential long term energy cost savings, opportunities for community based monitoring and employment, energy sovereignty and reduced reliance on diesel and local investment and business innovation.
The Big River Service Centre, an Indigenous-owned Fort Providence business, announced yesterday with Minister Rebecca Alty that they are going to be continuing research on a green energy project on the Mackenzie River, using hyrdrokinetic power.
Hydrokinetic power uses the movement of water to generate electricity without the need for a dam but instead uses a turbine placed in the flowing river.
Big River representatives explained that environmental protection is a core principle behind the project design.
“The turbine does not block fish or change river flow. Monitoring protocols are co designed with community members and environmental regulators.”
The initiative is receiving $577,600 in funding through Natural Resources Canada Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program.
Big River says they spend nearly $200,000 per year on electricity generated from diesel or propane.
With this project they are going to assess whether there is sufficient flow in selected sites in the Mackenzie River to support a hydrokinetic power project to offset our diesel and propane expenses.
The initiative will run through to 2026 with potential plans to expanding long term “clean energy” infrastructure in the far North.
Minister Alty said the government is “proud to stand alongside” the Fort Providence community as partners in the project.
‘Together, we’re laying the groundwork for new opportunities, economic growth and meaningful climate change. As we look ahead, the results of this research will guide our next steps. If successful, this project could lead to the first commercial demonstration of the ocean renewable power company turbine in Canada tested in Northern conditions.”
