Tag Archives: tidal energy

Tide turns for power, and for young minds

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Tide turns for power, and for young minds

Louise Dickson
Times Colonist (Victoria)
26-Feb-2005

They’re harnessing the tide at Pearson College to keep the lights burning at Race Rocks.

Turbulent tides tumbling by Race Rocks ecological reserve near Metchosin will test how well a new tidal turbine generator stands up to the harsh West Coast environment.

Pearson, which brings together students from around the world for studies and to serve the community, expects the tides to help produce more than enough electricity to replace two diesel generators and provide power to the college’s marine education centre on Great Race Rock Island by 2006.

“The project, the first of its kind in Canada, could prove the value of new technology over time and it could be very beneficial to coastal peoples around the world,” Stuart Walker, director of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, said Friday.

The $4-million project is a partnership between Pearson College, EnCana Corporation of Canada, and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana, the largest producer and developer of natural gas in North America, is investing $3 million in the project from its environmental innovation fund.

Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generator which harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity.

Testing will take place in about 15 metres of water, off Race Rocks, about 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria. The tidal turbine generator, which functions like an underwater windmill, will be anchored to the seabed, and cables will carry away the electricity it generates.

When the tide flows, the blades turn, explained Glen Darou, president of Clean Current. The blades have a permanent magnet attached to them. When the magnet passes by coils, the coils create electricity. The turbine works when currents are flowing in either direction.

According to Darou, the project will have minimal impact on the environment.

“We will have to disturb the bottom of the ocean with the turbine and cables but it’s a fast-growing marine en-

vironment and will recover quickly,” he said.

“Anything that can swim in the tidal currents will not swim into the turbine, it will swim around it. But something that floats through like a jellyfish could actually go into it. That’s the size of the risk.”

The prototype has been tested in fresh water, but Clean Current has to make sure its turbine generator works in saltwater.

“Now we have to prove its operability and maintenance,” said Darou.

Clean Current will know in about 18 months how the model and its one moving part — the rotor — stands up to corrosion in a harsh marine environment. The turbine will be monitored by underwater cameras. The prototype being tested is 3.5-metres in diameter and can produce enough electricity for 10 houses. Full scale models will be 14 metres in diameter and produce enough electricity for 250 houses.

Darou envisions the day when there will be big underwater tidal turbine generator farms with up to 800 turbines that will produce electricity around the world.

“The end of the dream will be our technology licensed around the world and applied in tidal environments all over the world. It’s seeing the technology used and replacing fossil fuels,” he said.

The project will run at Race Rocks for five years. After that, Clean Current will sell the prototype to either B.C. Parks or Pearson College for $1.

Clean Current still needs to come up with $1 million to pay for the project, Darou said. He expected the money will come from private investors and the federal government.

The project will help the company and the province evaluate the future of this technology, said B.C. Energy and Mines Minister Richard Neufeld.

Alternative energy will change how we consume fossil fuels over time, said Neufeld. “This is brand new, so let’s give it time to see how it works. Let’s give it time to see (how) technology can change it to make it more efficient.,” said Neufeld.

TV and Newspaper coverage of the Tidal Energy Project

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TV NEWS CLIPS FEB 25 

 

 

 

Tide Turns for Power, and for Young Minds: Pearson College, Partners Apply Current ThinkingTimes Colonist (Victoria)

Saturday, February 26, 2005 Page: A1 / FRONT Section: News Byline: Louise Dickson Source: Times Colonist

They’re harnessing the tide at Pearson College to keep the lights burning at Race Rocks. Turbulent tides tumbling by Race Rocks ecological reserve near Metchosin will test how well a new tidal turbine generator stands up to the harsh West Coast environment.
Pearson, which brings together students from around the world for studies and to serve the community, expects the tides to help produce more than enough electricity to replace two diesel generators and provide power to the college’s marine education centre on Great Race Rock Island by 2006. “The project, the first of its kind in Canada, could prove the value of new technology over time and it could be very beneficial to coastal peoples around the world,” Stuart Walker, director of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, said Friday. The $4-million project is a partnership between Pearson College, EnCana Corporation of Canada, and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana, the largest producer and developer of natural gas in North America, is investing $3 million in the project from its environmental innovation fund. Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generator which harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity. Testing will take place in about 15 metres of water, off Race Rocks, about 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria. The tidal turbine generator, which functions like an underwater windmill, will be anchored to the seabed, and cables will carry away the electricity it generates.When the tide flows, the blades turn, explained Glen Darou, president of Clean Current. The blades have a permanent magnet attached to them. When the magnet passes by coils, the coils create electricity. The turbine works when currents are flowing in either direction. According to Darou, the project will have minimal impact on the environment. “We will have to disturb the bottom of the ocean with the turbine and cables but it’s a fast-growing marine environment and will recover quickly,” he said. “Anything that can swim in the tidal currents will not swim into the turbine, it will swim around it. But something that floats through like a jellyfish could actually go into it. That’s the size of the risk.” The prototype has been tested in fresh water, but Clean Current has to make sure its turbine generator works in saltwater. “Now we have to prove its operability and maintenance,” said Darou. Clean Current will know in about 18 months how the model and its one moving part — the rotor — stands up to corrosion in a harsh marine environment. The turbine will be monitored by underwater cameras. The prototype being tested is 3.5-metres in diameter and can produce enough electricity for 10 houses. Full scale models will be 14 metres in diameter and produce enough electricity for 250 houses. Darou envisions the day when there will be big underwater tidal turbine generator farms with up to 800 turbines that will produce electricity around the world. “The end of the dream will be our technology licensed around the world and applied in tidal environments all over the world. It’s seeing the technology used and replacing fossil fuels,” he said. The project will run at Race Rocks for five years. After that, Clean Current will sell the prototype to either B.C. Parks or Pearson College for $1. Clean Current still needs to come up with $1 million to pay for the project, Darou said. He expected the money will come from private investors and the federal government. The project will help the company and the province evaluate the future of this technology, said B.C. Energy and Mines Minister Richard Neufeld. Alternative energy will change how we consume fossil fuels over time, said Neufeld. “This is brand new, so let’s give it time to see how it works. Let’s give it time to see (how) technology can change it to make it more efficient.,” said Neufeld.

College Harnessing Waves to Power Ecological Reserve Okanagan Weekender Sunday, February 27, 2005 Page: A2 Section: West Byline: Dateline: VICTORIA Source: Canadian PressVICTORIA (CP) — They’re harnessing the tide at Pearson College on Vancouver Island to keep the lights burning at Race Rocks ecological reserve. Turbulent tides tumbling by Race Rocks will test how well a new tidal turbine generator stands up to the harsh west coast environment. The project is expected to produce more than enough electricity to replace two diesel generators and provide power to the suburban Metchosin college’s marine education centre on Great Race Rock Island by 2006. “The project, the first of its kind in Canada, could prove the value of new technology over time, and it could be very beneficial to coastal peoples around the world,” Stuart Walker, director of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, said Friday. The $4-million project is a partnership between Pearson College, Calgary-based EnCana Corp., and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana, the largest producer and developer of natural gas in North America, is investing $3 million in the project from its environmental innovation fund. Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generator that harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity. Testing will take place in about 15 metres of water, off Race Rocks, about 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria. The tidal turbine generator, which functions like an underwater windmill, will be anchored to the seabed. When the tide flows, the blades turn. They have a permanent magnet attached that passes by coils, which create electricity. The electricity passes through a cable on the seabed into a facility where it is conditioned. The turbine works when currents are flowing in either direction.

College Reseachers Testing Tidal Power

B.C. news roundup: Feb. 26 Broadcast News Saturday, February 26, 2005
Pearson College near Victoria is testing the waters of tidal power with a new turbine generator to run the Race Rocks ecological preserve. It’s a $4 million experiment to see how well the new turbine stands up to the harsh west-coast environment. If it works, the unit will replace two diesel generators by March 2006. The project is being sponsored Calgary-based energy producer EnCana Corporation and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver.

Project tests Race Rocks’ Tidal Power

Goldstream News Gazette  Mar 02 2005, By Rick Stiebel

  The tides of change are turning in Metchosin.  Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, Encana Corporation and Clean  Current Power Systems announced an innovative partnership Friday to  build a free-stream tidal power generator, the first of its kind in  Canada, at the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.  The project, made possible by a $3 million investment from Encana’s  Environmental Innovation Fund, involves replacing two diesel-powered  generators at Race Rocks that supply power for Pearson’s marine  education centre with a tidal turbine generator, built by Clean  Current Power Systems.  The remaining funding for the $4 million project is expected to come  from private investors and the federal government.  The generator is scheduled to begin producing power by 2006.  The turbine generator has only one moving part, the rotor assembly  that contains permanent magnets. The turbine, anchored to the ocean  floor in about 15 metres of water, operates like an underwater  windmill with cables that carry away the energy it produces.  “This Canadian technology is simple, efficient and environmentally  friendly,” Clean Current president Glen Darou said at the Feb. 25  announcement at Pearson College.

 A prototype, which has been tested in fresh water, will be scrutinized  closely over the next 18 months to see how it holds up to corrosion  resulting from a marine, saltwater environment.  “This is a terrific project for Pearson College, in that it supports  our goal of making the ecological reserve a showcase for alternative,  low impact technologies such as tidal power,” said Pearson College  director Stuart Walker.  Pearson College staff and students played a major role in having the  site at Race Rocks, about three nautical miles from the Metchosin  school. Race Rocks was declared an ecological reserve in 1980.  The college is dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystems within  the reserve, while increasing awareness about marine systems,  ecological reserves and environmental issues, Walker said.

 Encana Corporation CEO president Gwyn Morgan said his company is  “pleased to be a partner in a first-class, alternative energy  project.”  “Our investment in this B.C. based unconventional environmental and  power technology reflects our desire to tangibly encourage innovative  energy solutions.”  Encana is one of North America’s largest independent oil and natural  gas companies, with an enterprise value of about $34 billion US.

 B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines Richard Neufeld praised the three  parties involved in the partnership.

 “The project certainly looks environmentally sound,” said Don McLaren,  area supervisor for B.C. Parks. “It will not only remove the diesel  generators on Race Rocks, but greatly reduce the noise factor.”  McLaren said the project will put Pearson College and B.C. Parks in “a  greener position, and help us and Pearson a lot.”

Media Coverage of the Tidal Energy Announcement

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See Below for entries from the :

  • Times Colonist : February 26, 2005
  • Okanagan Weekender Sunday, February 27, 2005
  • B.C. News Roundup: Feb. 26 Broadcast News Saturday, February 26, 2005
  • Goldstream Gazette Mar 03,2005
  • The Province July 24, 2005. Also in The Times Colonist, July 26, 2005

Pearson, which brings together students from around the world for studies and to serve the community, expects the tides to help produce more than enough electricity to replace two diesel generators and provide power to the college’s marine education centre on Great Race Rock Island by 2006. “The project, the first of its kind in Canada, could prove the value of new technology over time and it could be very beneficial to coastal peoples around the world,” Stuart Walker, director of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, said Friday. The $4-million project is a partnership between Pearson College, EnCana Corporation of Canada, and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana, the largest producer and developer of natural gas in North America, is investing $3 million in the project from its environmental innovation fund. Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generator which harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity. Testing will take place in about 15 metres of water, off Race Rocks, about 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria. The tidal turbine generator, which functions like an underwater windmill, will be anchored to the seabed, and cables will carry away the electricity it generates.When the tide flows, the blades turn, explained Glen Darou, president of Clean Current. The blades have a permanent magnet attached to them. When the magnet passes by coils, the coils create electricity. The turbine works when currents are flowing in either direction. According to Darou, the project will have minimal impact on the environment. “We will have to disturb the bottom of the ocean with the turbine and cables but it’s a fast-growing marine environment and will recover quickly,” he said. “Anything that can swim in the tidal currents will not swim into the turbine, it will swim around it. But something that floats through like a jellyfish could actually go into it. That’s the size of the risk.” The prototype has been tested in fresh water, but Clean Current has to make sure its turbine generator works in saltwater. “Now we have to prove its operability and maintenance,” said Darou. Clean Current will know in about 18 months how the model and its one moving part — the rotor — stands up to corrosion in a harsh marine environment. The turbine will be monitored by underwater cameras. The prototype being tested is 3.5-metres in diameter and can produce enough electricity for 10 houses. Full scale models will be 14 metres in diameter and produce enough electricity for 250 houses. Darou envisions the day when there will be big underwater tidal turbine generator farms with up to 800 turbines that will produce electricity around the world. “The end of the dream will be our technology licensed around the world and applied in tidal environments all over the world. It’s seeing the technology used and replacing fossil fuels,” he said. The project will run at Race Rocks for five years. After that, Clean Current will sell the prototype to either B.C. Parks or Pearson College for $1. Clean Current still needs to come up with $1 million to pay for the project, Darou said. He expected the money will come from private investors and the federal government. The project will help the company and the province evaluate the future of this technology, said B.C. Energy and Mines Minister Richard Neufeld. Alternative energy will change how we consume fossil fuels over time, said Neufeld. “This is brand new, so let’s give it time to see how it works. Let’s give it time to see (how) technology can change it to make it more efficient.,” said Neufeld. 
Tide Turns for Power, and for Young Minds: Pearson College, Partners Apply Current Thinking Times Colonist (Victoria) Saturday, February 26, 2005 Page: A1 / FRONT Section: News Byline: Louise Dickson Source: Times Colonist<They’re harnessing the tide at Pearson College to keep the lights burning at Race Rocks. Turbulent tides tumbling by Race Rocks ecological reserve near Metchosin will test how well a new tidal turbine generator stands up to the harsh West Coast environment.

College Harnessing Waves to Power Ecological Reserve Okanagan Weekender Sunday, February 27, 2005 Page: A2 Section: West Byline: Dateline: VICTORIA Source: Canadian Press VICTORIA (CP) — They’re harnessing the tide at Pearson College on Vancouver Island to keep the lights burning at Race Rocks ecological reserve. Turbulent tides tumbling by Race Rocks will test how well a new tidal turbine generator stands up to the harsh west coast environment. The project is expected to produce more than enough electricity to replace two diesel generators and provide power to the suburban Metchosin college’s marine education centre on Great Race Rock Island by 2006. “The project, the first of its kind in Canada, could prove the value of new technology over time, and it could be very beneficial to coastal peoples around the world,” Stuart Walker, director of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, said Friday. The $4-million project is a partnership between Pearson College, Calgary-based EnCana Corp., and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana, the largest producer and developer of natural gas in North America, is investing $3 million in the project from its environmental innovation fund. Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generator that harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity. Testing will take place in about 15 metres of water, off Race Rocks, about 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria. The tidal turbine generator, which functions like an underwater windmill, will be anchored to the seabed. When the tide flows, the blades turn. They have a permanent magnet attached that passes by coils, which create electricity. The electricity passes through a cable on the seabed into a facility where it is conditioned. The turbine works when currents are flowing in either direction.

CollegeReseachers Testing Tidal Power B.C. news roundup: Feb. 26 Broadcast News Saturday, February 26, 2005Pearson College near Victoria is testing the waters of tidal power with a new turbine generator to run the Race Rocks ecological preserve. It’s a $4 million experiment to see how well the new turbine stands up to the harsh west-coast environment. If it works, the unit will replace two diesel generators by March 2006. The project is being sponsored Calgary-based energy producer EnCana Corporation and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver.

Project tests Race Rocks’ Tidal Power Goldstream News Gazette  Mar 02 2005, By Rick Stiebel   The tides of change are turning in Metchosin.  Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, Encana Corporation and Clean  Current Power Systems announced an innovative partnership Friday to  build a free-stream tidal power generator, the first of its kind in  Canada, at the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.  The project, made possible by a $3 million investment from Encana’s  Environmental Innovation Fund, involves replacing two diesel-powered  generators at Race Rocks that supply power for Pearson’s marine  education centre with a tidal turbine generator, built by Clean  Current Power Systems.  The remaining funding for the $4 million project is expected to come  from private investors and the federal government.  The generator is scheduled to begin producing power by 2006.  The turbine generator has only one moving part, the rotor assembly  that contains permanent magnets. The turbine, anchored to the ocean  floor in about 15 metres of water, operates like an underwater  windmill with cables that carry away the energy it produces.  “This Canadian technology is simple, efficient and environmentally  friendly,” Clean Current president Glen Darou said at the Feb. 25  announcement at Pearson College.

A prototype, which has been tested in fresh water, will be scrutinized  closely over the next 18 months to see how it holds up to corrosion  resulting from a marine, saltwater environment.  “This is a terrific project for Pearson College, in that it supports  our goal of making the ecological reserve a showcase for alternative,  low impact technologies such as tidal power,” said Pearson College  director Stuart Walker.  Pearson College staff and students played a major role in having the  site at Race Rocks, about three nautical miles from the Metchosin  school. Race Rocks was declared an ecological reserve in 1980.  The college is dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystems within  the reserve, while increasing awareness about marine systems,  ecological reserves and environmental issues, Walker said.

 Encana Corporation CEO president Gwyn Morgan said his company is  “pleased to be a partner in a first-class, alternative energy  project.”  “Our investment in this B.C. based unconventional environmental and  power technology reflects our desire to tangibly encourage innovative  energy solutions.”  Encana is one of North America’s largest independent oil and natural  gas companies, with an enterprise value of about $34 billion US.

 B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines Richard Neufeld praised the three  parties involved in the partnership.  “The project certainly looks environmentally sound,” said Don McLaren,  area supervisor for B.C. Parks. “It will not only remove the diesel  generators on Race Rocks, but greatly reduce the noise factor.”  McLaren said the project will put Pearson College and B.C. Parks in “a  greener position, and help us and Pearson a lot.”



THE PEARSON COLLEGE-ENCANA-CLEAN CURRENT TIDAL POWER DEMONSTRATION PROJECT AT RACE ROCKS ANNOUNCEMENT FEB 25, 2005

TV: CH News Channel Coverage of the Event

CBC-tidalenergyCBC Coverage: Wringing Power From Race Rocks

 

 

 

 

 

Tidal Energy Project -Announcement of Partnership

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On February 25, 2005, Pearson College hosts the announcement of the Pearson College, ENCANA, Clean Current Tidal Power Demonstration Project at Race Rocks.
This video by Alexander Mirzoyan ( yr 31) (Russia) presents the complete proceedings and speeches. Pearson College Director Stewart Walker leads off with introductions to the speakers

CBC-tidalenergySee CBC TV News Clip

Tidal Current : Renewable Energy for Race Rocks

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pressrelease

Full video coverage of the event

 

PRESS RELEASE below……February 25, 2005 (Link to PDF version)-
ENCANA PARTNERS TO ENABLE PEARSON COLLEGE – ENCANA – CLEAN CURRENT TIDAL POWER DEMONSTRATION PROJECT AT RACE ROCKS, BC Victoria
– Thanks to an innovative partnership between Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific,EnCana Corporation and Clean Current Power Systems Incorporated, Canada’s first free-stream tidal power project will be built at the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, offshore of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The project will enable the world famous marine park to tap into surrounding ocean currents and convert tidal energy to electric power for its needs beginning in early 2006. Making the announcement were:
Gwyn Morgan, President and CEO of EnCana,
Glen Darou, President and CEO of Clean Current,
Richard Neufeld, British Columbia Minister of Energy and Mines,
and Stuart Walker, Director of Pearson College.1gwynOfficially known as the “Pearson College – EnCana – Clean Current Tidal Power Demonstration Project at Race Rocks,” the project is enabled by a $3-million investment from the EnCana Environmental Innovation Fund.“EnCana is pleased to be a partner in this first-class, alternative energy project,” said Morgan. “Our investment in this B.C.-based unconventional environmental and power technology reflects our desire to tangibly encourage innovative energy solutions.” EnCana’s Environmental Innovation Fund was established to advance new technologies and solutions that improve environmental performance associated with consuming and producing energy. Commercial proceeds from financed projects will be re-invested into the fund to ensure their sustainability.1minister“The commitment by Premier Campbell in promoting alternative energy sources has helped British Columbia become a world leader in sustainable environmental management,” said Neufeld. “The province commends projects like this one, as they show our commitment to developing clean energy solutions that will benefit all British Columbians.” The multi-year demonstration project will involve the installation, operation and monitoring of a 65kW free-stream tidal turbine generator in the water near Race Rocks, a provincial ecological reserve located 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria.1glencamClean Current is a private British Columbia-based company that designs and licenses technology that efficiently converts the energy of tidal currents into electricity. Clean Current’s proprietary technology consists of a horizontal-axis ducted turbine with a direct-drive variable speed permanent magnet generator. The turbine generator is equally efficient in both directions as the tidal currents reverse twice each day.“This Canadian technology is simple, efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Darou. “We believe it is highly exportable technology, with strong potential to succeed in international settings. Our company is delighted to have the support of EnCana, Pearson College, and technical partners AMEC, Powertech Labs Inc. and Triton Consultants Ltd.”Pears1stuarton College, one of ten United World Colleges worldwide, is the custodian of the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, located three nautical miles from campus. Diesel-powered generators currently provide electricity requirements at the reserve. Students and staff will work elements of the tidal power demonstration project into their studies.“This is a terrific project for Pearson College, in that it supports our goal of making the ecological reserve a showcase for alternative, low-impact technologies such as tidal power,” said Walker. “We would like to thank Clean Current for their commitment to developing the technology and EnCana for the financial support that is making this demonstration project possible.”1studentSecond Year Pearson College student Alyssa Holland (year 30) concluded the presentation , by thanking the speakers. As a student involved in Environmental Systems and the diving program, she shared the enthusiasm she has for the resources of the area and emphasized the great importance she and other students attach to the effort of those involved in this project in the ongoing goal of producing energy sustainably.Below is the complete version of her speach:

text of speech by Alyssa Holland (year 30)

As I am both an Environmental Systems student and a member of the diving activity, Race Rocks has played a central role in the education Pearson has given me. Race Rocks is truly the ultimate living classroom, teaching all those who interact with it about the beauty and wonder of the natural environment, and about the importance of responsible environmental stewardship. It is a very special place that gives so much to the college and its students, and it is very gratifying to think how much the ecosystem will benefit from the Clean Current project.

For Pearson students, Race Rocks is much more than a group of islands. On one level or another, we all interact with it and benefit from it, and consider it part of our home. Whether through poking around in the inter-tidal zone for class, or working with a researcher from the University of Victoria 10 metres underwater, or staying on the island for a weekend to give its 2 full-time residents a break, we have built a connection with this magical place. As such, ensuring its health and protection are very important to me, and to the student body as a whole.

Pearson is by its very nature an innovative place – even the concept of a United World College is radical and still experimental. I can think of no better or more appropriate environment for such an exciting new technology as this to be implemented, as it truly embodies the spirit of innovation and idealism that makes Pearson College unique. This new turbine will stand as much more than a symbol of scientific progress; it will also be a concrete demonstration that even an ideal as difficult to live by as environmentalism can be successfully put into practice when we are innovative. That will be a lesson to guide both students and visitors for years to come.

BACKGROUNDER: (Link to PDF version)Race Rocks is a unique ecosystem located at the eastern entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, three nautical miles from Pearson College and ten nautical miles southwest of Victoria, BC. The rocky outcroppings that form the Race Rocks group of islands are the visible summit of an underwater mountain and are washed daily by tidal currents that can run at up to seven knots. These swift waters are the lifeblood of breathtakingly diverse plant and animal life – recognized internationally as a treasured ecosystem. To First Nations people, Race Rocks was a banquet table in the swift flowing waters known to them as XwaYen. To early mariners it was a formidable hazard to be avoided. To fishers it was a haven for finding rockfish and halibut. To scuba divers it is an underwater paradise with thriving colonies of marine organisms. To generations of future researchers, college students and school children, it will be an awe-inspiring outdoor and virtual classroom. Additional information on Race Rocks is available at: www.racerocks.ca

Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific (Pearson College), an international school named in honour of the late Prime Minister and Nobel Prize Laureate Lester B. Pearson, provides full scholarships to all its students. The College was established in 1974 and promotes international understanding and co-operation among young people and is one of 10 United World Colleges located around the globe. The 200 students attending Pearson College each year represent every Canadian province and territory, and there are representatives from over 85 other countries. Along with the International Baccalaureate academic program, students participate in a full activities program that includes: diving, kayaking, sailing and artistic endeavours such as choir, photography and visual arts. Each student also commits to volunteer service both at the College and in nearby communities. Pearson College staff and students have acted as long-time volunteer wardens at Race Rocks and were influential in having the area protected as an Ecological Reserve in 1980. As the environmental steward of Race Rocks, the College is dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystems within the reserve and to increasing the awareness of students, visitors and the public about marine systems, ecological reserves and environmental issues. By transforming a decommissioned light station into a dynamic educational and research centre, Pearson College has been able to share the rich cultural and environmental history of Race Rocks with Canadians and the world. Race Rocks serves as an award-winning showcase of sustainable and innovative educational initiatives and emerging technologies. Further information on Pearson College can be found at www.pearsoncollege.ca

EnCana
With an enterprise value of approximately US$34 billion, EnCana is one of North America’s leading independent oil and gas companies. The company pursues predictable, reliable, profitable growth from its portfolio of long-life resource plays situated in Canada and the United States. EnCana defines resource plays as large, contiguous accumulations of hydrocarbons, located in thick or aready extensive deposits that typically have low geological and commercial development risk and low average decline rates. The application of technology to unlock the huge resource potential of these plays typically results in continuous increases in production and reserves and decreases in costs over multiple decades of resource play life. EnCana’s disciplined pursuit of these unconventional assets has enabled it to become North America’s largest natural gas producer and a leading developer of oilsands through in-situ recovery. EnCana common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ECA.
More information on EnCana can be found at: www.EnCana.com

EnCana Environmental Innovation Fund
EnCana is committed to safeguarding the environment. Throughout its operations, the company strives to lighten its environmental footprint through responsible practices, continuous improvement, and by seeking out innovative new approaches to doing business. As stated in the company’s Corporate Responsibility Policy, EnCana strives to make efficient use of resources, minimize its environmental footprint, conserve habitat diversity, reduce its emissions intensity and increase its energy efficiency.

The EnCana Environmental Innovation Fund (the Fund) supports these goals by lending financial support toward the development and commercialization of innovative new technologies and practices that create solutions to the environmental issues facing the energy sector. The fund is designed to invest in both external and internal projects that:

  • Improve environmental performance associated with producing or consuming energy;
  • Advance and demonstrate innovative technologies or practices; and
  • Implement EnCana’s Corporate Responsibility Policy.

Targeted areas include air emission reductions, water conservation, renewable energy, and energy-efficiency improvements. To date, four projects have been financed, including a hybrid electric vehicle demonstration, a water recycling project, a drill cutting recycling facility and a renewable energy project. The Fund became operational in January 2004 and is currently reviewing candidate projects.

Clean Current Power Systems Incorporated
Clean Current Power Systems Incorporated is a private British Columbia-based company that will generate electricity from ocean tidal currents. Clean Current designs and licenses technology which converts the kinetic energy of tidal currents into electricity with unprecedented efficiency. This electricity is renewable, predictable and creates no greenhouse gases. The tidal turbine generator units are deployed completely underwater and cause no visual impact on pristine marine environments.

Efficiency and operability in salt water are the key ingredients of a successful tidal technology. Clean Current’s tidal turbine generator is a bi-directional ducted horizontal axis turbine with a direct drive variable speed permanent magnet generator. This proprietary design delivers better than 50 per cent water-to-wire efficiency, a significant improvement over competing free stream tidal energy technologies. Operability is enhanced by a simple design that has one moving part – the rotor assembly that contains the permanent magnets. There is no drive shaft and no gearbox.

The turbine generator has a design life of 10 years (major overhaul every 10 years) and a service life of 25-30 years. During that time it will generate electricity with zero emissions, a minimal footprint on the bottom of the ocean and negligible impact on marine life.
The Pearson College – EnCana – Clean Current Tidal Power Demonstration Project at Race Rocks is an important step in the Company’s technology development plan aimed at early commercialization.

To ensure success Clean Current has enlisted the assistance of technical partners AMEC Americas Limited and AMEC Dynamic Structures Limited (both subsidiaries of AMEC PLC),Powertech, (a subsidiary of BC Hydro) and Triton Consultants Ltd.
Return to the Tidal Energy Page

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve: An Unusual Model of Reserve Management

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The following article is also printed complete with hyperlinks to relevant parts of the Race Rocks website at http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/news/2004/racerocksfer.htm.

On October 3 a group of 20 of the Friends of Ecological Reserves made a trip to Race Rocks in the Pearson College Boats with  Garry Fletcher  and Chris Blondeau, who is the  Pearson College Sea-front Coordinator and Operations Manager of Race Rocks.  This fall has been remarkable in the consistently high population of  Northern and California Sea Lions and  high populations of seagulls and Cormorants on the islands, so it was a good time for the visit after the nesting season.

As a result of questions from members on the trip, I thought it may be useful to update everyone who is interested in the events on the reserve with the present state of the management and financing of Race Rocks.  Lester Pearson College assumed the full management of the facilities and staff at Race Rocks in the fall of 1997 . The light and foghorn had been automated, and the Canadian CoastGuard was retiring the lightkeepers, Mike and Carol Slater.  All the facilities except the light tower and foghorn  were returned to BC  Lands.  An agreement was reached whereby the  island  was leased for long term management and continued use for education and research by  Lester Pearson College .  In  2001,  BC Parks was able to expand the Ecological reserve, which had previously omitted the large island with the facilities, to include all the remaining land area of Great Race Island in addition to the original 256 hectares of Islands and water to the 36 meter depth.

The Slaters were hired by Lester Pearson College to stay on as Ecological Reserve Guardians, providing security and  keeping the diesel generator running, thus ensuring that the college could have full use of the other buildings and facilities on the island. In addition, the daily collection of air and sea temperature and salinity data  was continued, maintaining a valuable long term data base. Operating Costs for the first year were met by an anonymous donor from Ontario. Each year after a special effort has been made by the college to secure the operating funds to carry through to keep the island open.   By the year 2000, a proposal was made to the Millennium Partners Fund of Canada, to help fund the installation of internet facilities and microwave to provide a link to the College for the transmission of Broadband  internet.  A number of partners and sponsors who continue to assist are referenced on the website. Each year since, the college has had to seek funding from a number of sources to keep the island going, since government funding for parks is very hard to come by.

One of the higher costs incurred in the operation is the diesel fuel to run the island’s generators. Last year over $20,000  went into this, so it has been an aim for some time to incorporate alternate energy technology in the operation. It is with great relief that I can now tell you that our efforts are paying off as we now have a company, Clean Current Power Inc. securing  the complete funding and installing at Race Rocks in the next year, an underwater tidal current generator which will have negligible negative environmental impacts.  Although a research prototype, this should generate all the required electrical needs for the island. The diesel generators will become backup utilities.

BC Parks has made a good effort to help with some of the facility costs on the island. Keep in mind that most Ecological Reserves do not have dwellings and facilities such as docks and workshops, so they have provided the funds to mitigate the effects of human sewage from the two houses, with the installation of Composting Toilets in 2003.  The Coast guard, although having no direct financial commitment, has provided technical assistance when necessary.  in 2000 an Advisory Board was set up by DFO for the formation of an Official  Marine Protected Area  under the Oceans Act. The Ecological Reserve is still a Marine Protected Area Designate, since final treaty negotiations have put a hold on complete Marine Protected Area Status. This has meant that no federal funds are available for maintaining the Protected Area.

It is a big job securing at least  $80,000 a year to keep the island operational. What is really needed is an endowment,  and this we are determined to seek over the next few years.  Keeping observers and cameras on the island has in the last few years served to keep the many users of the area accountable, so that  the ecological integrity of the resource may be sustained. On the home page of racerocks.com  is written : “we humans are never content just to know that a special area exists on this earth. We strive to be there, to touch, to feel, to consume . But therein lies the paradox. In so doing we can destroy the very thing we love.” The aim of the racerocks.com program has always been to make this special ecosystem available to all through the internet.  We have been fortunate to have this opportunity to establish a window into the daily lives of the creatures of a rugged marine island ecosystem. We just hope that we can continue to make the amazing life of these islands available to all.  This spring with the further assistance of Apple Computer, we upgraded our computers and added a new 340 degree robotic camera which provides a much more thorough survey of many parts of the islands from your own computer.

We are grateful for any assistance in the funding of the program at Race Rocks. One can pay by cheque or credit card to The Race Rocks Operating Fund c/o Lester B. Pearson College,  650 Pearson College Drive.  (250) 391-2411. A tax receipt will be provided for amounts over $25.00.

Garry Fletcher, the volunteer warden for Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is the Educational Director of racerocks.ca . He has recently retired after teaching for 36 years.  The last  28 of those years have been spent in Biology, Environmental Systems and the SCUBA diving program at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific.  Garry now continues with his work on https://racerocks.ca  and serves as a consultant from his home in Metchosin.

Interview with Taco Niet on Alternative Energy for Race Rocks

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In 2002, Taco Niet finished his Masters degree in the Engineering Department’s Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the University of Victoria (IESVic). In this clip, Garry interviews Taco about his research on renewable energy systems for Race Rocks. Great resources are available out there such as wind, solar and tidal energy. In order to conserve the natural aspect of the island, while reducing the use of Diesel fuel, many challenges arise. Taco considers the project can be integrated nicely with the racerocks.com project in order to be widely accessible on the internet and serve as a model for monitoring and comparing energy generation.

Race Rocks Sustainable Energy System Development

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Canadian Hydrogen Conference June 17-21, 2001, Victoria, BC.
RACE ROCKS SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Taco Niet, G. McLean
Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, University of Victoria
Victoria, B.C., Canada V8W 3P6
Tel: (250) 721-8936 Fax: (250) 721-6323

Abstract
Race Rocks is a small archipelago located just Southwest of Victoria, British Columbia in the Juan de Fuca Strait. An important Beacon for Coastal Navigation in this busy area is located on Race Rocks, which is also home to a stunning variety of marine mammals and birds. The Race Rocks site has become Canada’s first Marine Protected environment and is now carefully managed by a group of interested partieScreen Shot 2014-02-24 at 7.48.10 PMs including Pearson College and The Canadian Coastguard. The environmental integrity of the site is often jeopardised to bring diesel fuel to the site and the noise pollution on the site due to the diesel generators is significant. IESVic has stepped forward to evaluate the potential of renewable energy sources on-site to power a sustainable energy system. A preliminary study was performed as an innovative graduate course at the University of Victoria that exposed students to sustainable energy system design. Our conclusion is that with Tidal currents of up to 3.7 m/s, average winds of 21.6 km/h and large amounts of solar insolation, there are ample renewable resources available on the site to develop a sustainable integrated energy system capable of providing reliable power for the site. Race Rocks is therefore ideally
suited to become a showcase for renewable energy generation. This paper outlines the results of the feasibility study, discusses the opportunities available at Race Rocks and examines the progress to date. Requirements for the implementation of a sustainable energy system on the site are discussed.
See the full PDF: tacopaper

IESVIC connections

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icevicIn March of 2000, Dr. David Scott, (formerly IESVic Director, now Director of Energy Systemics group), Dr. Ged McLean, (IESVic Director) , Dr. Murray MacWhale, ( Assistant Professor) and Mr. Walter Merida, ( former United World College student at the Adriatic College and then a PhD candidate at the University of Victoria) went out to Race Rocks with Garry Fletcher to start a process of idea building on the concept of Alternate Energy Technologies for Race Rocks . After a meeting including a few of the Pearson College students who were staying at Race Rocks while diving over the mid term break, we came away confident that some ideas had been discussed which may lead to a new collaborative arrangement for energy alternatives for the island.
 By May of 2000 Dr. Ged McLean arranged to have three students in Engineering at the University of Victoria do a feasibility study on Alternate Energy for Race Rocks in a class in the summer of 2000. As a result of this preliminary study, Taco Niet decided to take this on as a project for his Master ‘s Program.
University of Victoria Media Release:
Graduate Student creates a renewable energy plan for Race Rocks.Article in the Times Colonist referring to Taco’s research Article in THE RING (UVIC) Going with the Flow
 tacosInterview with Taco Niet
Taco’s Thesis Abstract
Screen Shot 2014-02-24 at 7.48.10 PMSee also Niet, T, McLean, G. “Race Rocks Sustainable Energy Development”, Paper presented at 11th Canadian Hydrogen Conference, Victoria, BC, June 2001 Proposal by Michael Wheatley to reduce Power Generation Cost and Diesel Fuel Consumption at Race Rocks