
A BETTER SOLUTION - HYDROKINETIC POWER GENERATION
ABOUT INSTREAM
Instream Energy Systems is a pioneering developer of hydrokinetic systems for 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 for deployment in multiple markets.

OUR VISION
Instream’s vision is to lead the industry in hydrokinetic solutions for tidal and inland waterways.
We are proud to contribute to creating a sustainable, secure, and clean energy future.
COMPANY HISTORY
Instream was founded in 2008 by Ken Miller. He was the President, and visionary behind the Company Committed creating innovative technology for a clean energy future.
Since its inception, Instream has developed advanced market knowledge, a global pipeline of commercial deployment opportunities, and critical strategic technology relationships. With design partner BAE Systems, Instream has developed a patented high-efficiency hydrokinetic turbine and demonstrated its energy production viability in projects with significant waterway owners and utilities such as B.C. Hydro and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR).
In 2008, Instream developed a strategic relationship with BAE Systems (BAE), a global defence, aerospace, and security company employing over 88,000 people worldwide. This strategic relationship resulted in a technology partnership agreement that enabled Instream to leverage BAE’s significant hydrodynamics, marine systems, information technology, system modelling, and design. Design work with BAE has led to a 71% increase in turbine efficiency and has been independently validated by Sandia National Labs.
In 2009/ 2010, Instream worked closely with B.C. Hydro, to develop a B.C. project at the Duncan Dam. B.C. Hydro provided access to the Duncan Dam for the project. It provided support services on a contract basis through Powertech, BC Hydro’s clean energy subsidiary specializing in clean energy consulting, testing, and power solutions. This collaborative project with B.C. 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 the USBR. Ongoing research at this facility is being performed in collaboration with Sandia National Labs and aims to develop a tool to predict hydrokinetic impacts to canals accurately.
In the past five years, Instream has built upon those strategic relationships and collaborations and has accumulated a wealth of operational data which continues to guide the development of its unique power generation solution. The most significant effect has been the ability to produce our turbines at a significantly affordable cost. As a result, Instream has been awarded demonstration and pilot sites in multiple jurisdictions, enabling the organization to transition to a commercialization strategy.
In 2021 Dave Dennis was named President and CEO. He brings successful leadership experience in executing strategic transformations and will be leading the team along with Ken Miller, who will assume V.P. Global Strategic Relationships as they execute a global commercialization strategy.