Strategic Area
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
Status
Completed
Fund
Green Infrastructure
Year
2020
Agreement Value
$ 1,077,085
Project Total
$ 1,131,664
Location
Yuquot, BC
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Lead Proponent
Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation
Project Background
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation led a feasibility study for the first wave energy technology demonstration project in Canada.
This project’s objective was to conduct a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study of a 200-kW wave energy plant that could displace diesel fuel use of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation residents at the remote community of Yuquot, BC.
Yuquot is located on the southwest tip of Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Accessible only by boat or float plane, the community is not connected to the British Columbia hydro grid or the natural gas network. The wave energy technology assessed in this project represents an alternative renewable energy option for remote coastal communities to harness ocean energy practically and reliably.
Results
The FEED study will support and de-risk the planned demonstration of a wave energy system in Yuquot.
The project has advanced the readiness of ocean wave renewable energy for integration with remote community diesel microgrids in Canada. Socio-economic benefits have been realized for community members including increased interest and expertise in implementing renewable energy, opportunities for employment, and delivery of an innovative project that contributes to the sense of responsibility for sustainable use of lands resources, improved sense of energy self-reliance, and increased tourism-related business activities.
Adding to the innovative elements of this project, the community deployed a containerized solar-battery storage unit to power project site activities on shore and provide valuable hands-on experience with renewable energy and microgrid systems.
Benefits to Canada
This project is groundbreaking for Canada, having the world’s longest coastline, in demonstrating technical feasibility for a renewable ocean wave energy technology. Ocean wave power generation presents a versatile option for many coastal remote communities striving to reduce diesel consumption.
Next Steps
Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation continues to work towards the first demonstration of wave energy technology in Canada. A 200-kW system would enable residents to live at Yuquot with self-reliant renewable power and would support the community’s economic development plan to enhance tourism opportunities in the area.