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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Guidelines Revised for U.S. Wave Energy, Ocean Current Technologies

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on July 19 announced revised guidelines for developers pursuing technology testing and commercial development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The revisions further clarify the regulatory process and help streamline the process for authorizing research and testing of marine hydrokinetics—energy developed from waves and ocean currents.

The revised guidelines replace 2009 guidelines; they also provide information about agency responsibilities and how best to navigate the process for obtaining a marine hydrokinetic lease and license on the OCS. They cover topics such as provisions for obtaining leases and licenses, fee structures, and hybrid (e.g., wind and marine hydrokinetic) project considerations. The guidelines were developed as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of the Interior and FERC. Under the Memorandum, BOEM and FERC will coordinate to ensure that marine hydrokinetic projects address public interest, including the adequate protection of fish, wildlife, and marine resources and other beneficial public uses. See the BOEM press release and the complete guidelines.

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NOAA approves plan for offshore energy development, job creation and ocean stewardship Rhode Iceland

22 July 2011

NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, PhD. joined Rhode Iceland Governor Lincoln Chafee, U.S. Ocean today Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and other national and State leaders to the groundbreaking Rhode Iceland special area management plan (Ocean SAMP) recognize. This new, innovative ocean management plan improved State reviewed and guidelines for the development of offshore projects facilitate, which could result in that the creation of hundreds of wind energy jobs and balance energy development with transport, fisheries, recreation and environmental responsibility along State coast and adjacent waters of the Federal Republic.

"Through the development of this plan, Rhode Iceland as a national leader in the management of coastal and ocean management arose", said Lubchenco, recognize the leaders at the coast of Narragansett Bay today State of plan approval joined. "This plan all ocean account used for the growth of commercial, recreational and ecological objectives." "This plan is presented to President Obama what in the national policy in the ocean, and it is a good example for other coastal States."

Ocean SAMP area extends over some 1,467 square miles across parts of block Iceland Sund, Rhode Iceland sound and the Atlantic Ocean. It was developed grant program coastal resources management Council in the course of two years of Rhode Iceland with support from the University of Rhode Iceland, Rhode Iceland sea and Roger Williams University, along with significant input from many other State, federal, tribal, and local agencies, and other interested parties and the public.

NOAA consent of State Ocean SAMP on coastal zone management will Rhode Iceland the first State to a comprehensive ocean special area management plan included in its coastal zone management program. This approval means that enforceable policy in the ocean of SAMP for the protection of existing activities such as fishing, important habitats and archaeological resources and identify areas for energy projects, Federal Republic can be applied to actions in federal waters.

"Once again, the ocean State leads that help to create nation in establishing a plan for the use of marine resources and preserve jobs, renewable energy, build our State and continue to preserve historic fishing, transport, recreation and other uses of the ocean, Rhode Islanders so treasure", Governor Chafee said. "This plan is our state its 15 percent reach renewable energy target and this drive tourism protect our continue to assist coastal regions."

By using the best available science, Ocean SAMP offers a comprehensive understanding of Rhode Iceland complex and rich ecosystems. It covers topics including renewable energy and other offshore development, marine transport and infrastructure, cultural and historical resources and global climate change. To view the ocean SAMP, please visit: http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/oceansamp/.

NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth environment from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the Sun, and that conservation and management of our coastal and resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.

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