Hydrokinetic resource assessment for the Canadian Arctic for turbine-based power generation

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Renewable energy development has rekindled interest in hydrokinetic power production using zero-head turbines. This study estimates the hydrokinetic power potential for current-based systems in the Canadian Arctic, primarily Nunavut, for the current 2001–2020 and near-future 2021–2040 periods, based on streamflow obtained from an ultra-high-resolution climate-hydrology modeling system for a high emission scenario. A comparison of simulated hydrographs with available observations suggests good agreement, with the Nash Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient in the 0.85–0.96 range. Spatial patterns of hydrokinetic power estimates, which are similar to that of flow velocity, indicate a potential of above 100,000 kW for river reaches in central Nunavut for current/future climates. Investigation of the number of days with flow velocities surpassing the 1.5 m/s threshold for turbine functionality, considering also the impact of river ice using a simplified approach, confirms segments of central basin rivers as promising sites for hydrokinetic turbine placement. This foundational work is crucial in informing detailed site-specific investigations to support the implementation of hydrokinetic energy conversion systems. This will be of interest for remote communities in the Canadian Arctic where decentralized power production from renewable energy sources is being considered as an economically viable option in offsetting the high cost of diesel-based power production.

• Very first ultra-high-resolution estimates of hydrokinetic power for the high-latitude regions of Canada for current and near-future climates.

• Central basins of Nunavut were identified as potential regions for hydrokinetic power generation.

• Beneficial to remote communities in the Canadian Arctic with its potential to offset the reliance on diesel-based power production.