Tidal Energy Project Takes Shape in New York’s East River

Verdant Power has been testing blade designs for its tidal power units since 2002. Early testing focused on creating a durable and efficient blade design. Since then, through support from the DOE, Verdant has been able to develop blades and turbines that “ are stronger and more reliable – allowing them to capture more energy from faster currents at greater depths and at a lower cost.”

Now, the company has received a 10-year pilot license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to generate 1,050 kilowatts of power from New York’s East River. This is the first commercial license for tidal power in the U.S., and FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff called it a “major step in the effort to help our country meet our renewable energy goals.”

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