Kennebec Tidal Energy Project Dropped

Mainebiz:

"Maine Tidal Energy Co., which had proposed a tidal energy project in the Kennebec River near Bath, has dropped its proposal because of 'local hostility,' according to The Times Record.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted Maine Tidal a preliminary permit to study the area of the Kennebec between Bath and Woolwich for a potential 100-megawtt tidal energy project. However, Mike Hoover, general counsel for Washington, D.C.-based Oceana Energy Co., Maine Tidal's parent firm, said the company is surrendering its preliminary permit after finding that 'insufficient development potential exists for pursuit of either a full development or pilot project there,' according to a letter he sent to FERC dated May 31, 2009."

Wiscasset Tidal Project Progresses

Mainebiz:

"Federal regulators today have granted initial approval to a tidal power project proposed by the town of Wiscasset and the Chewonki Foundation.

The Federal Energy Regulation Commission has issued a preliminary permit to the town and the foundation to study using tidal currents in the Sheepscot River to generate electricity, according to a press release. The permit will allow town and Chewonki officials to collect data on how much electricity could be generated, data needed in order for the town and Chewonki to apply for a full license application. Wiscasset has three years to submit that application. If the project receives final approval, it would include four to 40 turbines and a 6-mile-long underwater transmission cable.

Wiscasset first applied for the permit last November, according to the release."

Kittery Windmill to be Removed

A windmill in Kittery will be taken down because it did not generate the expected power.

Portland Press Herald:

"The maker of a windmill in Kittery will refund the town nearly $200,000 and remove the turbine after a disappointing eight-month demonstration project, the town announced today.

The 50-kilowatt wind turbine on top of a hill at the Kittery Waste Transfer Station has been in operation since October, but generated less than 15 percent of the expected electricity, Town Manager Jon Carter said in a news release.

The turbine, manufactured by Entegrity Wind Systems of Boulder, Col., has a solid track record in the Great Plains, according to Carter. Its underperformance at the Kittery site was most likely due to ground clutter -- trees and buildings -- that caused significant wind turbulence, he said."