Underwater turbines, second try
A second try at installing underwater turbines in the river – by the same man who went bust trying this idea 12 years ago – is awaiting various permits to proceed. Environmental issues are handwaved here.
I suspect that with Mark Carney being all gung‑ho to cut through regulatory obstacles to make things happen, and with right‑wing governments in Quebec and at city hall, we’ll see a lot more of this kind of thing.
Tim S. 15:14 on 2026-08-03 Permalink
I’m dubious that this will work, but out of all the ways we have of generating power it seems relatively low-impact. I think this guy should be encouraged rather than lumped in with an oil pipeline.
Kate 16:24 on 2026-08-03 Permalink
Well, the article doesn’t explain why the previous attempt failed and what they’ve done to improve the technology since that time.
If they do put in two turbines as a preliminary experiment, I hope they’ll keep the media posted on their results. The river and its ecology belong to all of us.
Nicholas 16:36 on 2026-08-03 Permalink
Well we do already have turbines generating electricity on the St Lawrence, which can power most of the homes on the island, and the way they’re placed causes much more ecological damage than this would, I presume. Doesn’t mean this will work or is better. Also fun fact that the construction of this dam led to a major political bribery scandal which then partially led electricity nationalization and the creation of Hydro Quebec.
bob 07:23 on 2026-08-04 Permalink
Disoriented fish! Just what we need.
Bert 08:22 on 2026-08-04 Permalink
Not to forget the Rivière des Prairies generating station – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivi%C3%A8re_des_Prairies_generating_station