WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

the total Canadian installed hydropower capacity
(table 3).The small hydropower sub-sector contributes
with CAD$ 150 million (approx. US$145 million dollars)
to the Canadian economy annually through local and
overseas projects. Annual investments in new small
hydropower generation capacity represent an
estimated CAD$200 million (approx. US$193.33
million dollars). The typical investment costs range
from CAD$3000 to CAD$5000 per installed kW, with
an overall cost of energy of CAD$0.07 to CAD$0.10 per
kWh. However, capital costs for low-head projects or
projects in remote areas are usually much higher and
can exceed CAD$6000 per kW. 6
Table 3
Installed small hydropower capacity in Canada
(Megawatts)
Province/
territory
AB BC MB NB NL NS NT NU ON PE QC SK YT Total
Capacity 424 568 23 43 803 469 67 .. 498 .. 345 7 127 3 372
Source: Statistics Canada 7
Notes: AB – Alberta, BC - British Colombia, MB – Manitoba, NB – New Brunswick, NL – Newfoundland and Labrador, NS – Northwest Territories, NU
– Nunavut, ON – Ontario, PE – Prince Edward Island, QC – Quebec, SK – Saskatchewan, YT – Yukon. Data from 2009.
Most small hydropower facilities provide decentralized
power and are connected to local grids. These sites
can respond quickly to demand fluctuations and are a
reliable source of electricity for rural and remote
communities. Small hydropower production also plays
an important role in providing clean electricity to
remote communities thus replacing costly and
air-polluting diesel generation.
SHP installed capacity (10 MW)
SHP potential (10 MW)
SHP installed capacity (50 MW)
SHP potential(up to 50 MW)
SHP potential(up to 50 MW)
n/a
1049 MW
3372 MW
7500 MW
(economic)
15000 MW
(gross)
0 5000 10000 15000
Figure 2 Small hydropower capacities in Canada
Note: Data from 2011.
The Canadian small hydropower industry includes
around 20 equipment manufacturers and close to 70
engineering firms. Canada’s small hydropower sector
is fully developed, covering a wide number of
technologies, products and services across the small
hydropower value chain.
Canada’s identified small hydropower potential is
estimated at about 15,000 MW (figure 3 and table 4).
Under the current socio-economic conditions, about
15 per cent of the identified small hydropower
potential is expected to be attractive for development
using currently available state-of-the-art technologies.
Another 10-15 per cent of the feasible potential could
be available with improved technologies (e.g.
ultra-low-head new technology). Innovative
technological advances are needed to improve the
economic feasibility and address the high
environmental/ecological requirements. Thus, the
practical potential for additional capacity lies between
2,250 MW and 4,500 MW. The greatest potential for
new small hydropower is located in British Columbia,
where it is estimated that under half of the total
potential could be developed for CAD$0.07 per kWh.
The cost for the remaining sites in Canada is higher
and varies from province to province.
There is significant potential for low-head hydropower
in Canada, a portion of which could become
economical viable with a reduction in equipment costs.
A recent study of hydro potential in Ontario identified
over 4,000 MW of low-head hydro potential, which
includes some sites above 50 MW. 9 Outside of Ontario,
at least 2,700 MW of low-head hydro potential has
been identified in past studies (including only sites up
to 25 MW). Low-head hydro potential mainly exists in
sluice gates, irrigation canals, drinking water
pressure-release valves, and municipal wastewater
outfalls on numerous rivers. There are approximately
10,000 existing low-head dams and hydraulic
structures for flood control and water supply or
irrigation, which offer significant opportunities to add
hydropower generation. 10 An overview on the overall
small hydropower potential in Canada is given table 4.
Many existing sites require assistance or upgrade in
maintenance and refurbishment. There are over 600
small and medium hydropower plants with units
installed before 1965 which have a total refurbishment
potential for increased capacity estimated at 1,000
MW, assuming an increase in plant production of 15
percent. 11
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