December 2007 marked the successful launch of the ORPC Maine “Energy Tide 1”, a 20 by 48 foot barge with an ORPC tidal turbine-generator unit (TGU) deployed 30 feet below for testing in the tidal currents of Western Passage, on the Maine/New Brunswick border off Eastport, Maine.
The technical feasibility of the TGU - the core component of ORPC’s proprietary OCGen™ technology - was successfully proven in April 2008 and the results independently verified by Maine Maritime Academy as independent observers. Since then, additional testing has brought continued success. Through its tidal development efforts, ORPC Maine has proven not only its TGU design but also the economic development benefits of tidal energy.
"One of my priorities for this region of Maine is to encourage sustainable economic development and I recognize and appreciate the significant contributions made by ORPC Maine in their efforts to bring the environmental and economic benefits of tidal energy to the region. Creating jobs and emission-free electricity is a winning combination."
Maine Second District Congressman Michael H. Michaud
