PORTLAND, Maine — A tidal power project is delivering electricity to the U.S. power grid for the first time, energy officials said Thursday.
Ocean Renewable Power Co.’s first underwater turbine, off Maine, was delivering to the grid the first commercially produced tidal power on Thursday afternoon, said Bangor Hydro Electric Co., which operates the grid where the tidal power connects.
“This historic moment elevates the U.S. to the world stage,” said Chris Sauer, president and CEO of Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power, which has invested $15 million in the project.
The amount of power is modest for now. The first underwater turbine generator unit, installed last month in Cobscook Bay, produces enough electricity for 25 to 30 homes, company spokeswoman Susy Kist said. Two more turbines will come online next year.
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The pilot program calls for more units to be installed off the Lubec and Eastport region at the nation’s easternmost tip within four years, bringing production to 4 megawatts, enough power to keep more than 1,000 homes running.
All told, the company sees up to 50 megawatts of tidal power potential off Lubec and Eastport, home to one of the world’s best tidal sites, where the tide rises and falls 20 feet twice a day.
