Energy from the ocean can be extracted in several different ways: wave, tidal, ocean thermal currents and salinity gradients.

CanmetENERGY’s researchers and scientists lead research and development (R&D) projects aimed at supporting provincial initiatives and the overall growth of this promising Canadian industry. Marine Energy R&D focuses on addressing the technical challenges facing this emerging industry as many of these technologies are still in their prototype and concept development phases. Through our collaborations with other government departments, academia and industry, we ensure that the activities we undertake not only meet the needs of the industry, but that they also align with Natural Resources Canada’s vision — improving the quality of life of Canadians by creating a sustainable resource advantage.

Wave and Tidal Current

Canada’s specific marine energy climate indicates wave and tidal current as the most efficient methods of extraction from the ocean. The National Energy Board forecasts about 20,000 MW of marine energy capacity in Canada from wave and tidal current energy resources, whereas estimates for river current resources have yet to be assessed on a national scale. Tapping this marine resource will assist in enabling Canada to achieve a sustainable future decreasing our dependency on fossil based fuels.

Wave energy is produced from ocean surface water movement derived from wind. Wave energy extraction devices are designed to take advantage of the horizontal and/or the vertical movement of these waves.

Tidal energy is produced from the predictable rise and fall of tides from the gravitational influence of the sun and moon. The majority of tidal energy R&D is focused on tidal current technologies, which extract energy from the movement of water, through the means of undersea tidal turbines. Knowledge gained from energy extraction using undersea tidal technologies can be transferred to river current applications, which offer another renewable energy resource opportunity.

Internationally, our Marine Energy R&D group participates in the International Energy Agency Implementing Agreement on Ocean Energy Systems (IEA-OES ), which facilitates and coordinates ocean energy research, development and demonstration through international cooperation and information exchange. One of our researchers provides leadership as chair of the International Electrotechnical Committee Technical Committee on Marine Energy: Wave, tidal and other water currents (IEC TC 114 ). The establishment of national and international standards help ensure international compatibility, interchangeability, basic safety, and also ensures that any occurring problems that have solutions are captured and do not reoccur.

In joining efforts with the Ocean Renewable Energy Group (OREG) , an industry led association; we aim to ensure that Canada is a leader in providing ocean energy solutions to a world market.

To find out more about our work in Marine Energy visit our publications section or contact us.