The state of Maine has teamed up with the feds to try to speed up the development of tidal energy projects. Governor John Baldacci has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, known as FERC, to coordinate the review of energy-producing projects off the Maine coast.  FERC has signed similar agreements in with Oregon and Washington but this MOU is the first of its kind on the east coast.

"The state is interested in encouraging the development of new tidal energy technologies," says Dana Murch, who supervises hydropower projects at Maine's Department of Environmental Protection, And FERC has been working to create a process for licensing short-term pilot projects -- essentially test projects.  So FERC and Maine have co-ordinated their efforts through this MOU."

The agreement requires Maine and FERC to notify the other as soon one becomes aware of a potential applicant for a preliminary permit, pilot project license or a full operating license. They've also pledged to work together to process applications as early as possible.

"The news is encouraging," says Arthur Faucher, town manager of Wiscasset, a mid-coast community which is exploring the possibility of having its own offshore tidal generator.

"It also means that we're on the right track of doing what we think is best for the municipality, for us to have the ability to research tidal power," Faucher says.  "And if there is a good outcome, it will be good for the community, and what's good for the community will good for the region and what's good for the region will be good for the state of Maine."

In June, Wicasset and the Chewonki Foundation - a non-profit that promotes sustainable living - received preliminary approval to study the potential of tidal currents in the Sheepscot River. With the help of Maine Maritime Academy and the University of Maine, the partners have three years to submit a full license application.

They hope the project might eventually involve 40 turbines in the water, harnessing enough energy to supply power to 3,000 homes at peak times.

Also encouraged by the agreement is John Ferland from Ocean Renewable Power Company, which is likely to be providing the technology for the project.  "What it shows is that the state of Maine and the federal government are trying to be in alignment about how they will regulate an emerging industry that's going to have very positive economic benefits for the state."

Ferland was speaking on his cell phone on the road from Eastport, Maine, where Ocean Renewable Power is getting ready to test a prototype turbine this fall.  The company has recently submitted a pilot project license application with FERC.
This would enable it to have five megawatts of tidal generation in place by 2011, producing enough electricity for 1,500 homes.

Ferland, though, thinks the Downeast coast, with its particularly strong tides, has the potential to eventually produce 20 times this amount of power.