The following projects are headed by the Ocean Renewable Power Company.³
The Bay of Fundy, Maine
This project began in 2006. Currently located in The Bay of Fundy in Maine, this is one of the largest tidal energy resources in the world. This project is headed by the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC).
This tidal energy source has accomplished many incredible feats during its lifespan already. This source has 100 billion tons of water flow in and out of it on a daily basis. Tidal ranges at this location can reach up to 50 feet. This can generate a flow of over 1,000 engines!
This sole project has provided electricity to the enitre Emera Maine utility grid! This location was also the FIRST ocean energy project in both South and North America to provide a public grid with power. What has made this project so successful is the communication between ORPC and the communities that are receiving the power supply. Open communication has allowed for more progress on this system to be made.
ORPC is attempting to expand this project to to produce even more power than it already does within the next 20 years.
Igiugig, Alaska
Located to the southwest of Anchorage, this location has a population of only 56 people. Due to the small size, these individuals do not have full access to a legitimate power grid. Individuals living here would have to pay 15 times the normal amount of the power than if they lived in a more populated area!
ORPC installed a power generator called the RivGen Power System, that was designed specifically for remote communities with no centralized power system. This system is able to produce large amounts of energy while serving as a green alternative.
This system can generate:
- 25kW of energy in a 2.25 meter/second current
- 95kW of energy in a 3.5 meter/second current