Pingree says Maine clean energy company to get $5.4 million federal grant

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) headquartered in Portland is getting a $5.35 million Department of Energy grant to finish development of the commercial design of its TidGen Power System.  The new design will be tested, operated and monitored in Washington County.  This DOE funded project is a critical next step in the eventual deployment of the company's proposed 5MW Maine Tidal Energy Project. 

"ORPC is a company that is creating and supporting jobs in every corner of our state," Pingree said.  "And this grant puts them a big step closer to finishing the design of the next generation of their innovative tidal power technology.  Not only is ORPC creating jobs but at the same time they are building a new source of clean energy produced right here at home."

ORPC President Chris Sauer said the federal grant, along with matching private funding that must be secured, will allow the company to complete the commercial design of the TidGen Power System.  The new design features a buoyancy wing that allows the unit to be positioned at optimum depths to take advantage of the strongest current.