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The in-stream renewable energy potential of rivers for remote communities in the global Arctic

Journal Article

Title: The in-stream renewable energy potential of rivers for remote communities in the global Arctic
Author:
Kirby, K.; Rennie, C.; Nistor, I.; Johnstone, C.; Ordonez-Sanchez, S.; Fu, S.; Cousineau, J.; Shilton, H
Publication Date:
Journal:
Nature Communications
Publisher:
Springer Nature
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa, National Research Council Canada, University of Strathclyde, Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation
Technology:
Current, Riverine
Collection Method:
Field Data, Modeling
Resource:
Instrumentation, Site Characterization
Operations:
Survivability, Ice
Engineering:
Acoustics, Hydrodynamics, Performance
Economics:
Cost Assessment
Language:
English

Document Access

Website:
External Link
Attachment:
Access File
Notice: This material may be protected by Copyright Law.

Citation

Kirby, K.; Rennie, C.; Nistor, I.; Johnstone, C.; Ordonez-Sanchez, S.; Fu, S.; Cousineau, J.; Shilton, H (2026). The in-stream renewable energy potential of rivers for remote communities in the global Arctic. Nature Communications, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-74292-6
@article{Kirby-2026-,
author = {Kirby, K and Rennie, C and Nistor, I and Johnstone, C and Ordonez-Sanchez, S and Fu, S and Cousineau, J and Shilton, H},
title = {The in-stream renewable energy potential of rivers for remote communities in the global Arctic},
journal = {Nature Communications},
year = {2026},
month = {jun},
publisher = {Springer Nature},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-74292-6},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-74292-6#article-info},
keywords = {Current, Riverine, Field Data, Modeling, Instrumentation, Site Characterization, Acoustics, Hydrodynamics, Performance, Survivability, Ice, Cost Assessment},
}
Export Citation to BibTex
TY - JOUR
TI - The in-stream renewable energy potential of rivers for remote communities in the global Arctic
AU - Kirby, K
AU - Rennie, C
AU - Nistor, I
AU - Johnstone, C
AU - Ordonez-Sanchez, S
AU - Fu, S
AU - Cousineau, J
AU - Shilton, H
T2 - Nature Communications
AB - Many Arctic communities rely on diesel-generated electricity, resulting in high costs, environmental impacts, and limited development opportunities. Hydrokinetic energy (HKE), which generates power from flowing water without dams, offers a lower-impact renewable energy alternative to conventional hydropower. This article identifies feasible Arctic communities with suitable river conditions for HKE development and highlight regions with the greatest potential. Using a detailed case study of the Iqaluit Kuunga River in Nunavut, Canada, alongside a global assessment, they identify 325 Arctic communities suitable for HKE deployment. These sites represent a theoretical energy potential of 4,626 megawatt-hours per square metre of turbine area annually under open water conditions. Feasibility varies with the local resource availability, proximity to river sites, and projected diesel offset. Together, these results highlight the potential for HKE to support cleaner, community-based energy systems, and the datasets provide a foundation for targeted renewable energy transitions in Arctic communities.
DA - 2026/06//
PY - 2026
PB - Springer Nature
UR - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-74292-6#article-info
DO - 10.1038/s41467-026-74292-6
LA - English
KW - Current
KW - Riverine
KW - Field Data
KW - Modeling
KW - Instrumentation
KW - Site Characterization
KW - Acoustics
KW - Hydrodynamics
KW - Performance
KW - Survivability
KW - Ice
KW - Cost Assessment
ER -
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Abstract

Many Arctic communities rely on diesel-generated electricity, resulting in high costs, environmental impacts, and limited development opportunities. Hydrokinetic energy (HKE), which generates power from flowing water without dams, offers a lower-impact renewable energy alternative to conventional hydropower. This article identifies feasible Arctic communities with suitable river conditions for HKE development and highlight regions with the greatest potential. Using a detailed case study of the Iqaluit Kuunga River in Nunavut, Canada, alongside a global assessment, they identify 325 Arctic communities suitable for HKE deployment. These sites represent a theoretical energy potential of 4,626 megawatt-hours per square metre of turbine area annually under open water conditions. Feasibility varies with the local resource availability, proximity to river sites, and projected diesel offset. Together, these results highlight the potential for HKE to support cleaner, community-based energy systems, and the datasets provide a foundation for targeted renewable energy transitions in Arctic communities.