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High-resolution mapping of river hydrokinetic energy resources in Canada using remote sensing

Author

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  • Kirby, Katelyn
  • Ferguson, Sean
  • Rennie, Colin D.
  • Cousineau, Julien
  • Burcher, Richard
  • Nistor, Ioan

Abstract

Many remote and northern communities rely on imported diesel for electricity, facing high costs, logistical challenges, and environmental risks. River hydrokinetic energy (HKE), which generates electricity from flowing water without dams unlike conventional hydropower, offers a lower-impact, locally available renewable alternative. However, identifying promising HKE sites typically requires extensive and costly field data collection, creating a barrier for development. To address this gap, the authors present the first national, high-resolution database of river HKE across Canada, covering all river segments with flows exceeding 100 m3/s. The database includes cross-sectional measurements and estimates of flow, depth, width, velocity, and power at up to 100-m intervals, allowing communities and developers to identify areas with strong local energy potential before committing to field investigations. Validation against field and modelled data confirmed good agreement, supporting its reliability for preliminary site screening and policy planning. By capturing energy-enhancing river features such as lateral constrictions and steep gradients, this dataset provides a valuable tool for accelerating the transition from diesel-based electricity to renewable HKE, particularly in remote and rural communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirby, Katelyn & Ferguson, Sean & Rennie, Colin D. & Cousineau, Julien & Burcher, Richard & Nistor, Ioan, 2026. "High-resolution mapping of river hydrokinetic energy resources in Canada using remote sensing," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pb:s0960148125016349
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123970
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bahador Shaabani & Vijay Chatoorgoon & Eric Louis Bibeau, 2025. "Using Numerical Analysis to Design and Optimize River Hydrokinetic Turbines’ Capacity Factor to Address Seasonal Velocity Variations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-28, January.
    2. Postacchini, Matteo & Zitti, Gianluca & Perugini, Eleonora & Rossetti, Riccardo & Brocchini, Maurizio, 2025. "Application of hydrokinetic turbines in microtidal rivers: The Misa River test site," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    3. d’Auteuil, Samuel & Birjandi, Amir & Bibeau, Eric & Jordan, Scott & Soviak, Jody & Friesen, David, 2019. "Riverine hydrokinetic resource assessment using low cost winter imagery," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 293-300.
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