Clean energy advances in Maine

By U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud
(D-Maine)
    There is a lot of great work being done in Maine to help move our clean energy economy forward. This August, another important advancement was made.
    On Aug. 18th, Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) announced that it had successfully generated grid-compatible power from tidal currents at its Cobscook Bay site in Eastport. And on August 24th, I joined Governor Baldacci and Coast Guard Commander Captain James McPherson for a visit to ORPC’s Eastport operation for a demonstration of how tidal energy can be delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard for use at its Eastport station.
    This initiative with the Coast Guard is historic, because it represents the first time that a federal agency has been able to demonstrate the real world application of tidal power. But it’s only one example of the public and private sector partnering together to advance clean energy in Maine. Whether it’s the ongoing development of deepwater offshore wind power or the recent expansion of biomass use in community facilities and factories, Maine has become a leader in clean energy on the national stage.
    The demonstration in Eastport was impressive. And it’s clear why these energy advancements are so important to our state’s future – they will create jobs that can’t be outsourced, provide Mainers with cleaner sources of energy and reduce pollution, which is so important to the air we breathe and the water we drink.
    I have been proud to support these efforts through securing funding for tidal energy research and development at the University of Maine. Last year, I was able to secure $1 million, and I am pleased to report that the 2011 energy and water appropriations bill contains an additional $700,000 that I worked to include.
    Our nation needs to be making these energy strides, and the connection to job creation can’t be overlooked. According to ORPC, they’ve created 80 jobs in 8 counties in Maine since 2007. Advancements toward commercializing tidal power are helping to provide a brighter economic future for Eastport and our entire state.
    ORPC’s partnership with the Coast Guard is an important step forward and will serve to highlight and demonstrate the ocean energy advancements made in Maine to the world. But it could be just the tip of the iceberg as tidal, wind, biomass and other homegrown Maine clean energy sources further advance and are commercialized.
    Mainers know a good opportunity to create jobs here in our state when we see it, and I have been proud to join with all of our state’s partners to support the growth of our clean energy sector. We can’t let China and other countries beat us to the punch. Advancements like the one in Eastport will help drive our national and state economy to a greener and more competitive future.