ORPC, operator and developer of renewable energy assets that harness energy from tidal currents, announced this Wednesday it proposed a tidal energy project in Alaska; the company proposed the project to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Firstly, ORPC proposed the installation of a tidal energy project in the East Foreland, Cook Inlet, in Alaska. According to the proposal, once built and installed, ORPC will collaborate with Homer Electric Association to sell them the output from the project.
Secondly, ORPC intends to develop a 5 megawatts pilot tidal energy project on the site; however, first it needs to verify the technical performance and environmental compatibility of the area.
Thirdly, one this pilot project proves to be viable, ORPC intends to build a 100MW commercial-scale project on the site. In fact, this is not the first time the developer evaluates the region for energy developments. It has conducted characterization and environmental studies in the area in the past.
Moreover, securing the regulatory permits would allow ORPC to work closely with FERC and federal officials to advance in scalable technology to harness the energy from tidal waves; therefore, pushing the U.S. one step forward towards its sustainability goals.
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ORPC with tidal energy projects in Alaska
In fact, according to the International Energy Agency, marine energy could create as much as 680,000 jobs and save more than 500 million tons of CO2.
Furthermore, ORPC was the provider of a unit installed in the Kvichak River at the remote Village of Igiugig, Alaska; there lays the longest operating tidal energy converter of the Americas. And a second unit will be installed this summer.
Consequently, the region will reduce its diesel consumption by a 60 or even 90%; therefore, ORPC would be the perfect supplier and developer of more tidal wave energy projects in the region.
On the other hand, ORPC’s CEO, Stuart Davies, said about the project. “Cook Inlet is the premiere tidal resource in the U.S. Harnessing clean, renewable, reliable energy from it will help the U.S. achieve its ambitious goals of a 100% clean energy economy and also net-zero emissions.”
Finally, Brad Janorschke, General Manager at HEA, commented. “Homer Electric Association supports ORPC’s FERC application; also, wishes it well as it develops these technologies. HEA has developed a robust net metering program that is available to individuals and businesses seeking to create renewable projects.”
