WASHINGTON — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Monday approved a 300-kilowatt tidal energy project in Cobscook Bay near Lubec and Eastport, according to members of Maine’s congressional delegation.
The FERC permit allows Ocean Renewable Power Co. to install turbine generator units on the ocean floor and operate the project for eight years, according to a joint press release from the delegation.
Ocean Renewable Power has been engineering and field-testing its turbine designs in waters off Eastport since 2004. It now wants to submerge five turbines in 82 feet of water with a 61-acre footprint between Goose Island and Grove Point. Each of the units is 98 feet wide and would extend 31 feet above the ocean floor.
According to Ocean Renewable Power, construction of the tidal facility will commence as early as March.
The announcement positions the Portland-based firm to be the first in the country to operate under the pilot program.
The permit requires close environmental monitoring by state and federal officials.
“Something as momentous as this does not happen without the incredible dedication of all of those in the state of Maine who have been so supportive over the years leading up to this,” said Christopher Sauer, Ocean Renewable Power’s president and CEO.
U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe praised the company in the joint release for continuing “to set the standard for a growing industry … Ocean Energy represents a tremendous opportunity for our state and this critical permit for tidal energy development will ensure Maine remains on the vanguard of producing these advanced technologies. This truly is a tremendous development for the economy of the Eastport region and for Maine’s renewable energy future.”
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said in the release, “Ocean Renewable Power Company’s tidal power project in the Eastport area is one example of the type of actions we need on a national scale to stabilize energy, prevent energy shortages, and achieve national energy independence.
U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree also lauded the announcement, with Michaud stating that the permit “represents another significant step forward in expanding this form of clean energy.” Pingree commented on how Ocean Renewable Power had “already been creating good paying jobs right here in Maine” and how the firm “is a true national leader in helping build the clean energy systems that will be part of the solution to our energy needs.”
Department of Energy gave ORPC $10,000,000 for 300 kw and congressional earmark gave $2,000,000 for environmental studies. With other costs, the project represents an investment of more than $40,000 / kw. How many wind mills could you install for this investment and how many jobs could be created from this commitment of funds? Someone should start questioning the use of taxpayer dollars for this type of project which flows by without any real accountability or fiscal assessment.
From what I understand from research this type puts out more power potentially than wind power. The tides are always running. It is also well hidden. This is new technology based on old knowledge and as everyone knows, start up costs are high. BUT, this money is out there for the taking. Always was and most likely will stay out there for anyone to use on a project with potential. It is not as if the Gov’t just mails a check upon request. This project has and will continue to impact the local area with jobs and trickle down economics into the local shops. We have already noticed this. I say good work and keep it gooing. Unlike the southern part of the state, money doesn’t always make it to us. I say, “Good on ’em”!” The money was going to be grabbed by someone, I’m glad it was someone that will help our economy for a change. We need it.
If you want to complain about wasted tax money start with the study of why American men in Sthn Calif go to Tiajuana bars done by USC a few years back. Oddly enough the reason was drinking and women. Who would have guessed that? But it was a Federal grant so the college students could go drinking in Mexico on our dime.
And how much $$$ do we subsidize the oil industry with major tax breaks every year?? I’d rather have my dollars spent here on renewables.
Whoops. Can’t delete
Quite a big footprint, 41 acres of bottom…no lobstering, etc…..hmmm.
Will the B D N dig out the actual power produced vs. potential power of the test turbine connected to the Coast guard?
How will these turbines be serviced if they are ‘fixed’ to the bottom?
Wouldn’t a tidal barrage have taken up less bottom and provided a more stable platform and reliable power?
The problem is there were no alternatives proposed so we will never know.
There are actually two barrage systems in design. Neither has met FERC requirements as to impact so far. The briefs for them were a bit sophomoric in my opinion. And probaly to FERC too seeing as they said no. I guess the proposers felt it was too far above teh locals education level to explain. The ORPC rigs are detachable and can be “floated” up for maintenance according to one of their first council briefings.
Awesome. Power 24/7. Expensive, but not as expensive, in money and lives, as maintaining the military we have to “protect” our oil interests in the Mideast.
Any kind of way forward always seems to elicit such mighty howls of anguish. Makes you wonder how humanity ever advanced at all?