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."