An Energy Tide 2 (ET2) turbine generator unit (TGU) will be launched in Cobscook Bay, Maine early next year to demonstrate the performance of the commercial design of the Ocean Renewable Power Company's system, it was announced last week. The new installation follows a year-long demonstration program in 2008, and is expected to be followed with the installation of the first full-scale, grid-connected tidal TGU in Maine by the end of 2010.

"Once launched, the ET2 will deploy the largest ocean energy device ever installed in US waters," said Chris Sauer, president and CEO of ORPC. "We're excited to make such advancements to our unique technology, expanding our project development efforts in the nation's most promising tidal and river energy resources, and delivering the ongoing benefits of tidal energy to our host communities."

The demonstration project, says the company, incorporates significant new advancements and technological innovations in the TGU, including its proprietary turbine engineered with 100 percent composite materials, its proprietary "hybrid" underwater permanent magnet generator, a TGU support frame incorporating significant use of composite materials, and a power electronics system that will convert the variable generator output to grid-compatible power.

The company holds FERC Preliminary Permits and is in the process of obtaining FERC Pilot Project Licenses for the most robust and viable tidal energy and river current sites in the US, including Western Passage and Cobscook Bay in Maine, as well as Cook Inlet and the Tanana River in Alaska. ORPC's tidal energy sites in Maine and Alaska are world-class tidal resources as designated by the World Energy Congress; the Tanana River is one of the most robust river sites in North America with direct access to the Alaska power grid.