In January and February of 2010, Instream, with BC Hydro and Powertech Labs, conducted a test program in the discharge channel of BC Hydro’s Duncan Dam to install and operate a hydrokinetic generation system comprised of an array of four 25kW-rated turbines and associated systems developed by Powertech Labs.  The objectives of the project were to demonstrate the technology as a viable renewable energy generating technology and to gather operational data per BAE Systems’ instructions to facilitate the development of an advanced generating system designed exclusively for freshwater environments.
 
The project concluded successfully in March 2010.  Powertech Labs completed a review of the project data and compiled the results in a confidential report owned by Instream.  The first of its kind, the program produced a body of highly valuable intellectual property in the form of trade secrets, providing insight into the real-world operational aspects of the technology and implications for multi-turbine systems.  This report forms the basis for the design of an advanced hydrokinetic generating system, which will be owned exclusively by Instream.