Tidal Turbines and renewables
Renewable Power Development: Advancing Tidal and Wave Energy Solutions with Canpac Marine Services
Canpac Marine Services has a rich history of contributing to renewable energy initiatives, particularly in the development of tidal and wave power generation. With extensive experience in submarine cable installations and marine construction, we are proud to have played a pivotal role in some of North America’s pioneering renewable energy projects.
The Race Rocks Tidal Power Demonstration Project
A major milestone in our renewable energy portfolio was the Race Rocks Tidal Power Demonstration Project, which marked North America’s first in-stream tidal current generator. This project, located within the Marine Protected Area and ecological reserve at Race Rocks, required precise coordination and expertise due to the challenging marine environment.
The installation featured a water-lubricated 65kW turbine positioned at a depth of 19 meters (62 feet) during low tide and 22 meters (72 feet) during high tide. The daily currents at Race Rocks reached up to 7 knots, demanding meticulous planning and execution. Despite these conditions, the turbine operated successfully from 2006 to 2011, with a maintenance period in 2007/2008. Its performance demonstrated the feasibility of harnessing tidal energy in a sustainable and reliable manner.
Historical photos of our divers installing the turbine provide a captivating glimpse into the dedication and skill required to complete this project. The Race Rocks turbine project not only contributed valuable data to the renewable energy field but also set a precedent for future in-stream tidal power initiatives.
A Throwback to Our Early Tidal Energy Work
Our journey into tidal energy further expanded with a notable project involving the use of our cable lay barge (CLB) to support the installation of a research and development tidal turbine. In this early endeavour, we towed the tidal turbine into position and held the station for an impressive 36 hours while commercial divers made the critical anchor connections. Due to the extreme high currents, ranging from 10 to 14 knots, divers had a window of less than 10 minutes of bottom time every six hours, making the operation highly challenging.
Once the anchor connections were securely in place, our team installed a 3-core submarine power cable with integrated fiber pairs, establishing the vital link between the turbine and the onshore power station. This complex installation showcased our ability to operate in high-current environments and underscored our commitment to supporting the renewable energy sector.
One of our most cherished moments from this project is captured in a photo of our crew watching in awe as water flowed through the trash racks into the turbine after the installation was complete. This image not only highlights the technical achievement but also reflects the team’s pride and passion for advancing clean energy solutions.
Continuing the Tradition: Supporting Today’s Wave and Tidal Energy Projects
Building on our early successes, Canpac Marine Services continues to support the latest advancements in wave and tidal energy. With refined techniques and enhanced equipment, we are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by today’s cutting-edge renewable energy projects. Our ongoing involvement in multiple R&D wave and tidal projects reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainability and innovation in marine construction.
