Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power Co. will launch a demonstration project of its proprietary tidal turbine generator technology by early next year in Cobscook Bay, and expects to connect its first full-scale turbine to the power grid by the end of 2010.

"Once launched, the Energy Tide 2 will deploy the largest ocean energy device ever installed in U.S. waters," said Chris Sauer, president and CEO of ORPC in a release. A prototype was launched in 2007 and tested for more than a year.

The project incorporates several new advances in tidal power technology, including turbines made of 100% composite materials, a hybrid magnet generator and an electronics system that converts variable generator output to grid-compatible power, according to the release. The project does not use dams or impoundments in its electrical generation.

For more on Ocean Renewable Power Co., go to "Surging ahead," in the Sept. 9 Mainebiz >>