Utility Grids

Utility Grids

Around the world, major utility companies are taking part in large-scale renewable energy projects, driving down costs and increasing the amount of renewable electricity supplied to regional grids. Marine renewable energy turbines generate clean, predictable and reliable electricity that is easily accessible from many densely populated areas and major utility grids near coastlines and along large rivers.

The Bay of Fundy, located on the border between eastern Maine in the United States and Canada, is one of the most robust tidal energy resources in the world. Each day, 100 billion tons of water flow in and out with enormous force and tidal ranges of up to 50 feet or more.

At its mouth, offshore of Eastport and Lubec, Maine, ORPC made history in 2012 when we sent electricity generated by the prototype TidGen® Power System to the Emera Maine utility grid, the first grid-connected tidal power project in the country. ORPC has partnered with Emera Maine in signing the first long term contract for the sale of tidal power, a major milestone in the industry. The Maine Tidal Energy Project will eventually generate enough electricity to power every home and business in down east Maine with clean tidal energy.