First ocean energy delivered to the U.S. network

ORPC of TidGen-power system, in this rendering has begun the makes up to the grid to provide Cobscook Bay (Maine).
Credit: ORPC

The first grid-connected tidal power project in the United States project now supplies electricity to the utility grid of a underwater power system in Cobscook Bay (Maine). Bangor hydro electric company checked on 13 September that electricity generated by an underwater turbine generator to their mains of ocean renewable power of company (ORPC flows) Cobscook Bay tidal energy project. The project is funded by an investment banks as well as private investors technology from $10 million from the Department of energy and the Maine.

The device is called a TidGen to operate in shallow tidal or developed deep river sites at depths of 50 to 100 feet and has a maximum output of 180 kW. This quantity is enough power makes 25 to 30 houses per year. In April of the Maine Public Utilities Commission approved a 20-year power purchase agreement for the ORPC Maine tidal energy project (includes the Cobscook Bay project) with three utilities: Maine central power, Bangor hydro electric company and Maine public service. Two additional TidGen devices at ORPC the Cobscook Bay project Web site be installed, in the autumn of 2013, and together, the three device power system makes enough energy to the 75 to 100 apartments. The devices connect directly with an onshore substation by a single underwater transmission line. Output of EERE network news and the energy, see the Web page of the ORPC press release of May 9, Department water power program site.

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