The US' first commercial tidal power project launching in Maine
The US' first commercial tidal power project launching in Maine
The Ocean Renewable Power Company and US Department of Energy have announced the country's first commercial, grid-tied tidal power project is to be built in Eastport, Maine. The city's Cobscook Bay will see undersea turbines installed as part of the appropriately-named TidGen Cobscook Bay project.Famed for its strong tidal currents, Cobscook Bay is an ideal location to pilot the (relatively) green energy initiative. The TidGen Power System will initially generate enough electricity to power only 75-100 homes, but there are plans to expand the project to provide electricity to 1,200 homes and businesses. Given Eastport's population was just 1,131 in 2010, the project will likely make it one of the most energy-sustainable cities in the country.