MAINE PUBLIC • November 1, 2022
On a sunny day in 2010, a boat full of dignitaries watched as Ocean Renewable Power Co.’s team lowered a tidal turbine into the waters near Eastport. The demonstration turbine operated for eight months. Now, after 16 years of operating in Maine, and nearly $40 million in federal funds, the company still has no tidal turbines producing power in Eastport. Or anywhere else. Company president John Ferland said there are market factors at play that have delayed some of its projects. “Supply chain issues and increased cost of component issues that are affecting virtually every segment of the economy." He said a small-scale power system will be installed in Eastport in the first quarter of 2023 “as a stepping stone to the full size system.”