Technology overview
It’s in the water
The movement of the world’s water – whether inland or offshore – provides an abundant source of kinetic energy, which can be harnessed to generate electricity.
Instream Energy Systems offers an unprecedented opportunity to tap into previously inaccessible in-stream resources found within canals, rivers, and marine environments.
Instream’s cutting-edge technology presents an economically competitive solution for renewable energy production, all while minimizing its ecological footprint. This innovative approach represents a predictable and dispatchable way to generate clean electricity for sustainable power initiatives.
Our technology has the ability to produce energy without the need for dams, diversions, or reservoirs. Paving the way for a water-based renewable energy source, IES technology boasts minimal environmental disruption, reduced engineering costs, simplified construction and maintenance, lower safety risks, and fewer regulatory hurdles.
Nature’s current solution
Turbines
Instream Energy Systems is at the forefront of developing a scalable hydrokinetic power solution with modular units forming “arrays” of vertical axis hydrokinetic turbines (VAHTs). These VAHTs are designed to be simple and affordable devices that convert the kinetic energy in moving water into electricity.
Our adaptable technology boasts versatility across both inland water bodies and near-shore tidal settings, which have traditionally been out of reach for conventional technologies. The incorporation of smaller turbines and standardized support structures promotes commoditization and enables a cost-effective approach to deployment and upkeep. Furthermore, the interconnection of these devices facilitates scalability to meet projects of any magnitude.
Floating systems are cost-effective as they simplify deployment. Instream’s turbines position their drivetrains and electronics above the water surface, reducing the risk of malfunction and substantially improving accessibility for maintenance tasks.
Proven to be safe to fish habitats, Instream turbines are deployable in canals, dam tail-races, rivers, and tidal streams to provide predictable, emissions-free, electricity from a renewable source.
Applications
Instream Energy Systems’ pioneering technology presents a transformative approach to clean power generation, effectively harnessing previously untapped in-stream and tidal resources. This solution is designed to meet the energy needs of a wide range of consumers, including commercial, residential, agricultural, and public facilities.
On a utility scale, multiple Turbine Deployment Units interconnect to form a powerful Turbine Array at strategic locations. These hydrokinetic energy facilities generate substantial electricity, facilitating the transmission of clean energy from near-shore tidal or in-stream river sites to end-users via the grid.
As an increasing number of nations commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the burgeoning market potential for our clean, baseload solution continues to expand exponentially.
Canals
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
for Power Generation
Canals and tailraces present a unique opportunity to harness power from pre-existing infrastructure. These man-made waterways are scattered across the globe, holding vast reservoirs of untapped clean energy potential. Instream turbines have an established track record of leaving no discernible impact on canals, neither impeding water flow speeds nor altering volumes. Notably, numerous canals feature concrete linings, which further amplify water velocities, and accentuate power generation potential.
Rivers
Unlocking Potential Without Disruption
Rivers serve as an ideal setting for the deployment of Instream technology, without the need for disruptive water damming or diversion. Instream turbines offer a safe and ecologically responsible solution for deployment in sensitive environments, including precious fisheries and wildlife habitats. Tailor-made for shared waterways, our turbines can be flexibly installed in diverse configurations that harmoniously coexist with recreational and navigational activities, ensuring minimal interference and maximum efficiency.
Marine
Harnessing the Ocean’s Currents
Instream bi-directional turbines convert the formidable force of ocean currents into clean, renewable electricity. Turbines can be strategically placed in various marine settings, from tidal inlets and open ocean expanses to coastal estuaries, all while ensuring the safety of marine life and the sustainable generation of power.
Projects
Global Resource,
Local Solution
Instream turbines empower communities and power operators to embrace distributed energy production solutions –delivering a local, dependable, cost-effective, and emissions-free energy source. This fuels the creation of high-skill job opportunities across various phases of project development, from engineering and construction to manufacturing and operation.
By embarking on these local initiatives, Instream’s customers are not only driving toward their renewable energy goals but also tapping into an abundant, previously untapped energy resource and aligning with the global shift towards a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.