The Coast Guard yesterday announced plans to test an underwater turbine in Eastport, its first tidal power project in the country.

The $100,000 project in Eastport will evaluate tidal power technology the Coast Guard hopes to use to provide electricity to isolated stations in Alaska, according to the Associated Press. The Coast Guard chose Ocean Renewable Power Co. of Portland to work on the project. ORPC has been testing underwater turbines in the Eastport area since late 2007, and will install a larger prototype in the water in January for the Coast Guard. (For more on ORPC's tidal energy project in Eastport, read the latest Mainebiz cover story, "Surging ahead.")

The Coast Guard plans to use tidal power to light its pier and heat rescue boats, but won't use it to power communications equipment until testing shows no potential problems, according to the AP.

While the Coast Guard uses wind and solar power to generate electricity and lighting for its stations, buoys and lighthouses, this is the first time it will venture into tidal power.