Wave energy device sought for microgrid project in Western Canada

March 28, 2023, by Amir Garanovic

The developers of the Yuquot Microgrid Project have issued a Request for Information (RFI) to determine wave energy converter technologies that are capable of integrating with a microgrid system at Nootka Island in British Columbia.

Illustration (Courtesy of Yuquot Microgrid Project)

The project team is interested in engaging with qualified firms to explore the feasibility of integrating wave energy technologies with the microgrid.

The project, owned by Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN), has engaged Barkley Project Group (BPG) to issue the RFI, which remains open for applications until April 14, 2023.*

Engaging with qualified firms and professionals is essential to determining the final scope of the project including the role of the wave energy converter (WEC) technology provider within the project team; microgrid integration considerations that impact system design; and microgrid generation components including type, quantity, and scale.

Any information obtained through this RFI process regarding interests and qualifications may be used to inform the structure, and generate the shortlist for, a potential Request for Proposal (RFP).

This includes but is not limited to the project delivery method, minimum respondent qualifications and experience, technical specifications, budgeting, and performance expectations.

“This document intends to identify the opportunity for Respondents to be involved in Western Canada’s first wave energy project. Those engaged in the project could position themselves as industry leaders, while setting a precedence for future projects alike, across Canada,” the RFI states.

The Yuquot Microgrid Project is an Indigenous-led clean energy initiative that will provide reliable and renewable energy to the remote off-grid community of Yuquot

The community’s facilities are currently individually serviced with diesel generators and/or PV and battery storage.

The purpose of the Yuquot Microgrid Project is to develop a central energy generation facility that minimizes reliance on diesel and maximizes the use of renewable energy and storage technologies. The WEC will connect to a microgrid system comprised of solar PV, battery storage, and diesel generation.

To remind, the University of Victoria’s Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED) recently secured C$1 million ($730,000) for the development of a first of its kind renewable energy microgrid incorporating a wave energy device at Yuquot on Nootka Island.

*Editor’s Note: The original article, published on March 28, 2023, has been amended on April 3, 2023, to reflect the changes made to the RFI regarding the deadline for applications, which was extended from March 31, 2023 to April 14, 2023.