ORPC has announced it is collaborating with Shell Technology – Marine Renewable Program to launch a Modular RivGen Power System demonstration project in the Lower Mississippi River.
The project aims to demonstrate the next generation of ORPC's proven hydrokinetic technology and provide highly predictable baseload electricity to help decarbonize onshore assets. The system may also support the electrification of Shell facilities, including providing power to EV chargers and supporting alternative fuels production.
The commencement of the demonstration project is a continuation of ORPC's previous work with Shell. ORPC completed a feasibility study back in November 2022, identifying three priority use cases where ORPC power systems could contribute towards decarbonizing Shell's existing operations. The first use case is to provide power for Shell's onshore facilities. ORPC technicians travelled to multiple Shell sites in Louisiana in April, assessing each location's viability to support the production of hydrokinetic power generation. Resource characterization at the sites is ongoing, along with stakeholder engagement.
The Modular RivGen device uses cross-flow turbine technology, optimized for lower velocity sites and reduced cost. The product is being developed at ORPC's river test site in Maine with financial assistance from the Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office. The Modular RivGen system can be stacked vertically or placed side-by-side to integrate into existing or new works, including infrastructure modernization and EV charging stations.
“ORPC welcomes the opportunity to partner with Shell to demonstrate the Modular RivGen System in the Lower Mississippi River region,” ORPC CEO Stuart Davies said. “With its ease of transport, installation, and adaptability to different sites and industrial uses, the Modular RivGen System can be scaled into large arrays and replicated in rivers globally. Once deployed, these arrays can provide a highly-predictable baseload renewable energy resource that can serve as the foundation of a fully-renewable energy grid in the future. We look forward to showcasing its capabilities in partnership with Shell.”
Image: Pak Leung, Marine Renewable Program Manager, Shell Technology – Marine Renewable Program, and Nathan Johnson, ORPC Vice President of Development.jpg
