Canada Invests in Innovation to Flow Clean Energy from River Currents
February 9, 2026
The Government of Canada is investing in innovative river–current energy technology to provide communities with more proven-clean electricity options that are both accessible and affordable.
Today, Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced $4 million to ORPC Canada for a demonstration project showing how the natural flow of the river can generate clean, reliable energy.
Beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2029, ORPC Canada will deploy and operate its RivGen® Power System in the St. Lawrence River. The project will focus on operating the system in real-world conditions, examining its integration with the river environment and its contribution to local clean energy needs. The goal is to support urban and remote communities with clean, reliable energy that matches local resources to needs.
Quick Facts
- The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) – Renewable Energy Demonstrations call for proposals funds demonstration projects that advance innovative renewable heat or power generation, or new applications that provide local benefits.
- Supporting renewable energy demonstrations lowers the risk of investing in innovative renewable energy technology for local–level systems including rural and remote communities. The demonstration projects test emerging renewable energy systems in real–world conditions, which is an important step to wider use.
- The EIP advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- Canada is committed to building a net-zero electricity grid by 2050 to meet increasing demands for energy with clean, renewable sources. More than 80 percent of Canada’s electricity already comes from renewable and non-emitting sources such as solar, hydro, nuclear and wind power.
