Haida Gwaii Prepares for Tidal Power Technology

Haida Gwaii Prepares for Tidal Power Technology

August 25, 2016

A Haida Gwaii company has developed a technology that may one day provide power to parts of Haida Gwaii, BC by harnessing the energy from tides, reports the CBC.

Clyde Greenough, Business Manager of Yourbrook Energy, told the CBC his company has developed a generator that is powered solely by the ocean’s tide. Field testing of a prototype in Juskatla Narrows will last three months. Following successful tests, the company aims to build a full-scale demonstration of the technology.

The technology — a pump storage system — harnesses the tide to turn the blades of a pump that then pressurizes the water and sends it up an incline. “We pump high pressure water up a hill to a reservoir and to simplify things it comes back down the hill and into a turbine like a standard hydro project,” Greenough said.

Three colleagues, all from Haida Gwaii, designed the generator. The goal is to eliminate the region’s reliance on diesel altogether and help the environment.

Haida Gwaii is not connected to BC Hydro’s electric grid, but the Crown corporation is responsible for providing power to the region through diesel generating systems. The northern half of Haida Gwaii uses diesel to provide power to all homes and buildings. It’s expensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. A private hydroelectric plant provides power to the southern region.

The community has been searching for alternative ways to power the archipelago, considering ideas like wind farms and wood waste. Haida Nation members rejected the wind farm proposal over environmental concerns in 2011. The Yourbrook Energy project has been funded in part by the National Research Council of Canada.

Photo source: Yourbrook Energy Systems Ltd.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    June 9, 2025 Introduction: With the multitude of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a pin and sleeve wiring device or a plug and connector in your industrial plant or facility. You might find your head swirling with thoughts about which option is best. Or you may not… Read More…

  • Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On June 3 and 4, a high-level delegation from Canada’s electrical and automation sector travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for a series of strategic meetings with Quebec government officials and key stakeholders. Organized by Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), this mission underscores the critical role the industry plays in advancing… Read More…

  • Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada This year’s Annual Industry Conference, held against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a landmark event with more than 710 Electro-Federation Canada community members. More than just a celebration of our shared history, it was a launchpad for new ideas, future-based dialogue, and deeper connections.   The energy and… Read More…

  • Code Quiz: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    Code Quiz: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    by William (Bill) Burr Question:  Adam is working in his garage cutting wood on his table saw. Suddenly the lights go out and the sump pump and the table saw stop running. There is obviously a power outage. After a short time, the lights and the sump pump come back on, but thetable saw stays off. Adam needs to restart it.  Can you explain why the lights and sump pump come back on… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Andrey Goreev Joins Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager

    Andrey Goreev Joins Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager

    June 9, 2025 MERSEN CANADA TORONTO INC. is pleased to announce effective June 2nd, 2025, Andrey Goreev has joined Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager for the Western Canada Region. He will report to Tom Arbanas, Vice President of Distribution Sales and Customer Care, Canada. Andrey has over 18 years of experience in industrial… Read More…

  • Electric Avenue Powers Ahead with Major Win and New Flagship Product: Watti Pro Echo

    Electric Avenue Powers Ahead with Major Win and New Flagship Product: Watti Pro Echo

    June 9, 2025 In an industry dominated by global giants, a startup from Canada’s East Coast is quickly becoming one of the most compelling cleantech success stories in the country. Electric Avenue, a Nova Scotia–based EV charging manufacturer, is making waves in the North American market with the official launch of its Watti Pro Echo… Read More…

  • Manitoba and BC Establish Free Trade Agreements

    June 9, 2025 The Manitoba government will sign a new memorandum of understanding with British Columbia to advance free trade between the two provinces and cabinet will pass regulations by July 1 to ensure mutual recognition of other provinces by Canada Day, Premier Wab Kinew announced today at the MBiz Breakfast Series hosted by the… Read More…

  • Nova Scotia Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

    Nova Scotia Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

    June 9, 2025 Trade barriers between Nova Scotia, several provinces and the federal government will soon be removed. Nova Scotia, along with Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island have taken action to remove barriers and red tape that will open up new trade and investment opportunities. It is also anticipated that the… Read More…