Alternative Water Power:
Instead of constucting large dams across rivers, there are many other ways to harness the power of moving water. As early as the 1920s engineers looked seriously to the oceans. The Passamaquoddy Tidal Power Project was one early attempt. But like so many projects, politics, competitors, and regional interests scuttled the project. The idea was revived in the '70s in New Brunswick but was again scuttled by politics, and by the Federal Government, who provided financial incentives to try to "sell" Candu nuclear plants in other provinces. So one of the best places in the world for tidal energy — with the highest tides in the world — went on hold. Instead, the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station became the first and ultimately only operating Canadian Candu nuclear power station located outside of Ontario.
But the notion of tidal energy is alive and well, and with other technologies involving moving water offers genuine alternatives.
1. Tidal power explained — and the risks.
2. Run of River.
3. Underwater turbines.
4. Wave energy.