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1st tidal power delivered to US power grid off Maine

Fox News -- A tidal power project is delivering electricity to the U.S. power grid for the first time, energy officials said Thursday.

Ocean Renewable Power Co.'s first underwater turbine, off eastern Maine, was delivering to the grid the first commercially produced tidal power on Thursday afternoon, said Bangor Hydro Electric Co., which operates the grid where the tidal power connects.

"This historic moment elevates the U.S. to the world stage," said Chris Sauer, president and CEO of Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power, which has invested $15 million in the project.

The amount of power is modest for now. The first underwater turbine generator unit, installed last month in Cobscook Bay, produces enough electricity for 25 to 30 homes, company spokeswoman Susy Kist said. Two more turbines

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Submitted Sep 15, 2012 By: LetemEatCake

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The_DR Champion Author New Jersey Posts:2,790 Points:586,040 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Sep 16, 2012 3:29:18 AM Ignore The_DR Report Abuse ok
DrCashFlow Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:7,074 Points:1,628,200 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 16, 2012 1:51:38 AM Ignore DrCashFlow Report Abuse Got to start somewhere
LetemEatCake Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:5,609 Points:1,206,455 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 9:19:24 PM Ignore LetemEatCake Report Abuse Thanks for your great comments!
ber5 All-Star Author Chicago Posts:664 Points:132,445 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:42:40 PM Ignore ber5 Report Abuse wavey power.. instead of ac / dc..
Eugenian Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,872 Points:364,080 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:27:32 PM Ignore Eugenian Report Abuse It's a good start. We need many more of these.
PDQBlues Champion Author San Diego Posts:7,079 Points:1,449,300 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 6:20:19 PM Ignore PDQBlues Report Abuse boldrph: with more practice the cost will come down As it will with greater production.
boldrph Champion Author Topeka Posts:18,382 Points:3,452,615 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 10:58:09 AM Ignore boldrph Report Abuse with more practice the cost will come down
DanMtz Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,360 Points:1,244,300 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 9:15:42 AM Ignore DanMtz Report Abuse Interesting, but it seems awfully expensive.
jbrad4 All-Star Author Dallas Posts:801 Points:477,295 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 8:38:58 AM Ignore jbrad4 Report Abuse Tidal power, like wind, works day and night.
Radar1992 Champion Author Florida Posts:1,330 Points:311,140 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:46:48 AM Ignore Radar1992 Report Abuse Hmmm...Interesting...how long to recoup the startup costs?
eye-spy Champion Author Quebec Posts:4,593 Points:2,419,570 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:43:36 AM Ignore eye-spy Report Abuse Thumbs Up!!
jimbeaux53 Champion Author Kansas City Posts:5,089 Points:968,485 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:41:44 AM Ignore jimbeaux53 Report Abuse "Lets see. $15,000,000 invested, 25-30 homes lets give them the benefit of the doubt at 30, 20 payback, $62,500/month revenue to re-coup, thats $2,083 monthly average power bill. Yeah sounds about right for the government getting involved. And by the way the credits they will be getting to offset carbon emmisons will probably be in the neighborhood of a gazillion. " Wow, impressive numbers but no logic.
HorizonChaser Champion Author Montgomery Posts:1,989 Points:456,785 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:38:00 AM Ignore HorizonChaser Report Abuse Just hope it doesn't upset the sea life.
knutzAL Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,248 Points:372,680 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:37:49 AM Ignore knutzAL Report Abuse Lets see. $15,000,000 invested, 25-30 homes lets give them the benefit of the doubt at 30, 20 payback, $62,500/month revenue to re-coup, thats $2,083 monthly average power bill. Yeah sounds about right for the government getting involved. And by the way the credits they will be getting to offset carbon emmisons will probably be in the neighborhood of a gazillion.
batloverNM Champion Author Albuquerque Posts:3,938 Points:1,393,365 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:37:15 AM Ignore batloverNM Report Abuse Thank you President Obama for supporting clean green renewable energy.
Pramodsharma Champion Author Richmond Posts:1,974 Points:388,140 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:33:47 AM Ignore Pramodsharma Report Abuse Gift with love from sea
jimbeaux53 Champion Author Kansas City Posts:5,089 Points:968,485 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:25:49 AM Ignore jimbeaux53 Report Abuse This is one of many alternative sources of renewable energy that can diversify, decentralize and secure our national energy production system. We can expect those with vested interests in a singular, centralized and vulnerable national energy production system to fight progress every step of the way. As this plugs into the national grid, it can have a ripple effect across the cournty. Coupled with other alternative sources of renewable energy, we can evolve from a national energy system dominated by behemoth corporations with a stranglehold on our economy to a more decentralized and competitive energy system. [Edited by: jimbeaux53 at 9/15/2012 10:32:00 AM EST]
leraar2 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:3,769 Points:788,655 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 7:10:28 AM Ignore leraar2 Report Abuse just wait until the barnacles get at those turbines.
Goatroper Champion Author Dallas Posts:6,604 Points:1,295,435 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 6:41:24 AM Ignore Goatroper Report Abuse They've been talking about this since the 60's, glad to see it finally put in place.
swepson Champion Author Greensboro Posts:5,478 Points:1,553,325 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 6:34:32 AM Ignore swepson Report Abuse Great for coastal areas.
jcotaxi Champion Author South Bend Posts:1,765 Points:361,055 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 5:59:19 AM Ignore jcotaxi Report Abuse Sounds pretty expensive at $15 mil per turbine.
ss70 Champion Author Detroit Posts:9,669 Points:1,871,075 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 5:54:40 AM Ignore ss70 Report Abuse way to go ...
BBopp Champion Author Dayton Posts:6,844 Points:1,939,430 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 5:17:08 AM Ignore BBopp Report Abuse Very interesting. I wonder how many of these turbines it would take to power both coasts.
mossimo36 Champion Author St. Louis Posts:2,670 Points:498,700 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 4:56:38 AM Ignore mossimo36 Report Abuse Very interesting! Good job.
brbaritone Champion Author Virginia Posts:2,068 Points:1,698,810 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 4:40:50 AM Ignore brbaritone Report Abuse Clean, efficient power - every little bit helps.
el_fr Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:3,342 Points:746,425 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 4:37:12 AM Ignore el_fr Report Abuse Better than Cape Wind?
ClarkSC Champion Author South Carolina Posts:3,083 Points:1,012,380 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 4:20:42 AM Ignore ClarkSC Report Abuse Promising.
Luckylindy Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:4,519 Points:1,128,795 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 4:11:03 AM Ignore Luckylindy Report Abuse How many centuries is the payback for this.
kenji554 Champion Author Charlotte Posts:1,217 Points:514,395 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 4:07:08 AM Ignore kenji554 Report Abuse interesting
Palantas All-Star Author Indianapolis Posts:803 Points:414,595 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 3:51:31 AM Ignore Palantas Report Abuse Hmmm, neat.
leeac Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,601 Points:434,880 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 3:45:11 AM Ignore leeac Report Abuse Thank-you President Obama for supporting green energy.
danny999 Champion Author Florida Posts:8,728 Points:1,640,035 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 3:34:48 AM Ignore danny999 Report Abuse And how much did that cost to make itper home?
grandpadon28110 Champion Author Charlotte Posts:4,721 Points:1,143,285 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 2:42:11 AM Ignore grandpadon28110 Report Abuse Its a start!
StArrow68 Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,266 Points:1,362,400 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 2:41:53 AM Ignore StArrow68 Report Abuse Free for harvesting, the eternal optimist. Free until you factor in the effects of salt water on the equipment, and the distribution system in addition to those monitoring the system and maintaining it. Ah, free power, it is such a nice dream.
greywolves Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:8,676 Points:2,429,200 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 2:27:33 AM Ignore greywolves Report Abuse tide,baby,tide! one small step for maine...
JCI46009IN Champion Author Indiana Posts:2,129 Points:439,570 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 2:13:06 AM Ignore JCI46009IN Report Abuse Great
52MPG Champion Author Dayton Posts:7,272 Points:1,742,905 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 1:53:01 AM Ignore 52MPG Report Abuse If the generation is based on tides does that mean that when the tide changes the power stops?
teafortwo Champion Author Washington Posts:22,132 Points:1,387,015 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 1:40:32 AM Ignore teafortwo Report Abuse It really helps to read the article. And remember that once you have your equipment, Mother Nature provides free energy for harvesting. Thanks for sharing Cake ;0} FROM THE ARTICLE: The amount of power is modest for now. The first underwater turbine generator unit, installed last month in Cobscook Bay, produces enough electricity for 25 to 30 homes, company spokeswoman Susy Kist said. Two more turbines will come online next year. The pilot program calls for more units to be installed off the Lubec and Eastport region at the nation's easternmost tip within four years, bringing production to 4 megawatts, enough power to keep more than 1,000 homes running. All told, the company sees up to 50 megawatts of tidal power potential off Lubec and Eastport, home to one of the world's best tidal sites, where the tide rises and falls 20 feet twice a day. Maine's congressional delegation praised the achievement.
KE4YBZ All-Star Author Knoxville Posts:578 Points:559,810 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 12:43:50 AM Ignore KE4YBZ Report Abuse It's a good start. I just hope technology gets developed through this project that will make it more lucrative, than simply providing power to a few homes. More research & development is obviously needed... but as I say; a good start!
wz Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,494 Points:1,278,290 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 12:43:11 AM Ignore wz Report Abuse Tidal power is underwater, so it avoids the noise and sight pollution of wind turbines; and it is steady, unlike solar or wind projects. It just needs something to get over the hump while the tides are changing direction. If they can commercialize it on a large scale, it could replace the fossil fuel plants throughout the northeastern coastline. Did they have to do an environmental impact study to determine (or guess) its effect on marine life (capturing rare species of fish in its turbines)?
StArrow68 Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,266 Points:1,362,400 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 12:28:25 AM Ignore StArrow68 Report Abuse It never really discusses the scale of each generator but predicts power to 1,000 homes with just several more units. That means the current one can power more that the current 25-30 homes. The reporting is either just lame or they aren't getting any details and are too timid to ask. Let's hope it scales up as predicted.
nstrdnvstr Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:36,860 Points:3,985,930 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:44:44 PM Ignore nstrdnvstr Report Abuse That is a lot of money to power 30 homes!
wally52 Champion Author Little Rock Posts:27,483 Points:816,460 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:44:05 PM Ignore wally52 Report Abuse Why so much just to run so few homes?
HEMI4x4OH Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:5,394 Points:609,525 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:43:52 PM Ignore HEMI4x4OH Report Abuse ...or
pepinoNC Champion Author Raleigh Posts:2,159 Points:659,765 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:43:09 PM Ignore pepinoNC Report Abuse This can power 20 homes or one of Romney's mansions.
TXryder Champion Author Texas Posts:2,720 Points:434,680 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:33:10 PM Ignore TXryder Report Abuse 15 million $ just to get it going plus unknown costs of keeping it running for electricy to just 25-30 homes. How high will their electric bill have to be to pay for all of that? Cute, nice try but not nearly a magnitude for solution. There is endless and massive power of the tide and is free but apparently the cost to capture it is a prohibition.
teafortwo Champion Author Washington Posts:22,132 Points:1,387,015 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:31:30 PM Ignore teafortwo Report Abuse This has the potential of being an important part of our clean energy pie. Thanks for sharing Cake mon ;0}
Bud122CA Champion Author California Posts:7,476 Points:1,607,050 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:20:01 PM Ignore Bud122CA Report Abuse We need all of the power sources we can use.
menagerie1013 Champion Author San Diego Posts:2,365 Points:690,740 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:16:47 PM Ignore menagerie1013 Report Abuse I'd like to know what affect does it have on the ocean and marine life?
Scoutca All-Star Author Orange County Posts:525 Points:1,587,285 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:14:18 PM Ignore Scoutca Report Abuse Good to see a start for another source of renewable energy!! Go for it !!