Canada's Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has announced the USD 10.5 million (EUR 9.97 million) HydroAware Project, aiming to expand hydroelectric energy and protect habitats using AI-powered fish monitoring. This project addresses the challenge of complying with fish protection laws while maximizing energy production in Canada. HydroAware utilizes fish tracking to mitigate infrastructure impact, ensuring fish safety and conservation.
"AI in fish tracking technology, manages the movement of fish around hydropower infrastructure, supports the sustainable growth of an industry, and create economic benefits and jobs in the process," said Kendra MacDonald, CEO, of Canada's Ocean Supercluster
This project involves major partners such as the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE), BigMoon Power, Nova Scotia Power Inc., New Brunswick Power Corporation, and DeepSense, all with a common goal: improving oceanic efficiency. Canada's Ocean Supercluster takes the lead with Innovasea technology, contributing USD 5 million (EUR 4.75 million) through PCAIS Program.
HydroAware will enhance the availability of fish tracking information from remote locations through AI. The project will improve this technology using AI, allowing companies to gather evidence of safe fish passage, expedite regulatory approvals, and promote renewable hydroelectric energy generation in the country. This aligns with Canada's clean energy goals and presents market opportunities in the oceanic sector.
The technology development effort will be led by Innovasea, based in Bedford. A project they are passionate about not only for its objectives but also for the overall opportunities it creates.
"Incorporating AI capabilities to our existing fish tracking technology will help ensure that hydropower producers in Canada and beyond can meet their green power goals in a manner that safeguards habitats and minimizes impacts to marine life," said Mark Jollymore, President of Innovasea. "AI will enable us to monitor fish activity in environments that were previously too remote or inhospitable. This ultimately serves as a catalyst for the next generation of hydro and tidal power facilities."
Canada's Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions. Some of their fields are the energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while attracting ocean talent. As national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth. Concretely, their Ambition 2035 wants to achieve a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. SC approved 85+ projects worth $400M, creating 200+ Canadian ocean products, processes, and services for global markets.
Innovasea, driven by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to research and development, leads the aquaculture revolution. With 275+ global employees, they offer comprehensive solutions. Some of the includes durable equipment or innovative products, ensuring sustainable oceans and freshwater ecosystems for generations to come.
