Maine company ready to install tidal power unit

[jpak]

http://bangordailynews.com/2012/03/04/news/down-east/maine-company-ready-to-install-tidal-power-unit/

PORTLAND, Maine — With its federal license in hand, a Maine-based tidal energy company is ready to install its underwater power system for the first time on the floor of the ocean.

Ocean Renewable Power Co. aims to begin installation of its first grid-connected power unit in mid-March at a 60-acre site in Cobscook Bay at the nation’s easternmost tip.

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Eventually, Ocean Renewable hopes to install more units to bring its electrical output to 4 megawatts at sites off both Lubec and Eastport. Ocean Renewable holds permits for three sites in the area, one of the world’s best tidal sites, where twice a day the tide rises and falls 20 feet.

All told, the company sees up to 50 megawatts of tidal power potential in the Eastport and Lubec areas, enough to power thousands of homes, Sauer said.

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[cbayer]

1. Very cool. I hope it works as predicted.

[madokie]

2. An area that has a 20 foot tide has got to have a lot of potential

Having not spent much time on or around the ocean I couldn't imagine a 20 foot tide twice daily

[Cassandra]

3. In high school...

I had the opportunity for a sailing trip along the Eastern coast of Nova Scotia. At one port, at what turned out to be low tide, the people on the dock lowered a 15-20 foot ladder down to the deck so we could climb up. We shopped for groceries in town, went to dinner, and by the time we came back, it was high tide and we stepped from the dock directly onto the deck without the ladder.

[madokie]

4. Thats just amazing to me

Just think of the tons of water thats moving in and out and all the energy thats carried with it. We sure should be harnessing as much of that as is possible before we do coal or nuclear.