Instream Energy Systems is a pioneering developer of hydrokinetic systems for near shore tidal and inland applications offering renewable energy that is predictable and reliable. The Company’s scalable vertical axis hydrokinetic turbines (VAHTs) efficiently convert the kinetic energy in moving water into cost-competitive, renewable electricity with minimal environmental impact. Instream develops hydrokinetic turbines with applicability to multiple markets.
Our Vision
Instream’s vision is to lead the industry in hydrokinetic solutions for near-shore tidal and inland waterways.
Instream works with local partners and project developers to deliver turbines for renewable power generation projects in communities of all sizes.
Instream is proud to be contributing to the creation of a sustainable, secure and clean energy future.
Company History
Since its inception, Instream has developed an advanced market knowledge, a strong pipeline of potential commercial sales, and key strategic technology relationships. Instream, with design partner BAE Systems, has developed a patent-pending high efficiency hydrokinetic turbine and demonstrated its viability in projects with major waterway owners and utilities such as BC Hydro and the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR).
Instream was founded in 2008 by Ken Miller. Ken is the President and visionary behind the Company and provides hands-on direction to its operations. He is dedicated to building a clean energy future as demonstrated by his constant advocacy for the adoption of our innovative technology. His relentless work attracted experts from the renewable energy sector enabling him to craft an all-star management team with over 60 years of combined industry experience.
In 2008, Instream developed a strategic relationship with BAE Systems, a global defense, aerospace and security company employing over 88,000 people worldwide. This strategic relationship resulted in a technology partnership agreement that enables Instream to leverage BAE Systems’ significant capabilities in hydrodynamics, maritime systems, information technology, system modelling and design. This design work has led to a 71% increase in turbine efficiency.
In 2009/ 2010 Instream worked closely with BC Hydro, to develop a project at the Duncan Dam in B.C. BC Hydro provided access to the Duncan Dam for the purposes of the project and provided support services on a contract basis through Powertech, BC Hydro’s clean energy subsidiary that specializes in clean energy consulting, testing, and power solutions. This collaborative project with BC Hydro and BAE Systems enabled Instream to deploy the world’s first array of vertical axis hydrokinetic turbines in a dam outflow channel.
In 2012, Instream began a relationship with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), which resulted in a multi-year site use agreement for a hydrokinetic demonstration at the Roza Canal. Instream was the first to develop and install a spanning structure and turbine system in an operational canal, and was the first company to receive a multi-year facility-use agreement for a hydrokinetic power project with USBR. Ongoing research at this facility is being performed in collaboration with Sandia National Labs and aims to develop a tool to accurately predict hydrokinetic impacts to canals.
Instream has established numerous other strategic relationships and collaborations, and has accumulated a wealth of operational data which continues to guide the development of its unique power generation solution. As a result, Instream has been awarded demonstration and pilot sites in multiple jurisdictions.
It’s in the Water
The movement of the world’s water – whether in open water or inland – provides a vast store of kinetic energy, which can be harnessed to generate electricity. An unprecedented opportunity exists to capture untapped in-stream resources that were previously unattainable in canals, rivers and marine environments. Instream’s technology allows customers to use renewable energy in a cost-competitive manner with minimal environmental impact, resulting in a smarter way to generate clean electricity.
A Better Solution – Hydrokinetic Power Generation
Instream is developing a complete hydrokinetic power solution consisting of groupings (or “arraysâ€Â) of vertical access hydrokinetic turbines (VAHTs), simple, low-cost devices that convert the kinetic energy in moving water into electricity.
Instream hydrokinetic power generation technology has the ability to produce energy without the need for dams, diversions, or reservoirs. This allows for a water-based renewable energy source with less environmental disruption, a lower cost of engineering, construction and maintenance, less safety risk, and reduced regulatory issues.
Instream’s pilot projects provide valuable insight into the interactions between multiple turbines. The data obtained will allow Instream customers to optimize multi-turbine installations specific to their location needs.
The Engineered Advantage
Instream’s versatile technology is applicable in both inland water and near-shore tidal applications inaccessible to conventional technologies. The use of smaller turbines and standardized support structures allow for commoditization and cost effective deployment and maintenance. Networking devices together allows projects to scale to any size. A non-submerged system is more cost effective and simplifies deployment. Instream’s turbines have the drivetrain and electronics above water which reduces risk and improves access for maintenance.
Technology Highlights
• BAE Systems design – 71% increase in efficiency
• 16% increase in array performance
• Third party validation
• 100% IP ownership
• Patent-pending