Maine Delegation Applauds Key Milestone for Maine Tidal Energy Project

Statement

U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins and Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree today applauded news that the Ocean Renewable Power Company's (ORPC) Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Project is officially delivering electricity to the power grid, as verified by Bangor Hydro Electric Company. According to ORPC, this is the first power from any ocean energy project, including offshore wind, wave and tidal, to be delivered to an electric utility grid in the United States, and it is the only ocean energy project, other than one utilizing a dam, that delivers power to a utility grid anywhere in the Americas. In February, the delegation hailed approval of a critical permit for the project by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

"Today's announcement that the latest and largest iteration of the TidGen Power System -- the first commercial-scale in-stream tidal device -- is delivering electricity to the grid represents a monumental achievement which is a testament to the collaboration and ingenuity of one of Maine's growing companies," said Senator Snowe. "Not only has a visionary company tirelessly worked to develop a technology that can seize the power of Maine's tides, but the entire Eastport community and the State of Maine have been stalwart supporters of this clean energy achievement. Maine has tremendous renewable resources and I am encouraged that Ocean Renewable Power Company has successfully achieved the distinction of being the first to directly power homes and businesses right here in Maine with the power of our tides."

"I am excited to see that the Ocean Renewable Power Company's tidal power project in Cobscook Bay is now officially sending power to the grid," said Senator Susan Collins. "I have worked hard to secure federal funding to support marine and hydrokinetic technology designed to deliver clean, reliable electricity to Maine consumers, and I am thrilled that the first commercial, grid-connected ocean energy project in the United States is being installed here in Maine. Our state is well positioned to lead the nation in tidal energy development. This project 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."

"This is an important and historic milestone in the diversification of Maine's energy sources. It also represents another important chapter in the advancement of clean energy nationwide. I applaud ORPC for their extraordinary work in the tidal energy field. This step is not only good for the company, but will make a positive impact on the economic development of Washington County and beyond," said Congressman Michaud.

"ORPC should be proud of this accomplishment today and Maine should be proud of ORPC. Not only are Maine homes and businesses getting clean, renewable tidal power, but n the process ORPC has created good paying jobs right here in Maine," said Congresswoman Pingree.

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