It Works! Company Says It Can Generate Usable Electricity from Tidal Currents

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A Beta Power System created by Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) has successfully demonstrated that it can generate usable electricity from tidal currents, company officials say. The Beta Power System, which includes the company's proprietary Turbine Generator Unit, is capable of producing up to 60 kW of power at its

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location in Cobscook Bay in Eastport, Maine, according to a Reuters news article. Lessons learned from the Beta Power System trial will be used to enhance ORPC's commercial TidGen Power System which the company plans to deploy in Eastport late next year. It will be connected to the New England electric grid and is expected to generate enough electricity for 50 to 75 homes. Chris Sauer, ORPC president and CEO, said the successful test is "... a huge milestone for America's ocean energy industry. It reaffirms the limitless opportunities to advance the nation's renewable energy agenda and ensure a more sustainable future."

Quick Take: The technology may work, but it’s hard to gauge its true potential without some cost analysis.

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