Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 13, Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC), a firm specializing in marine energy solutions, has submitted a draft pilot license application to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the East Foreland Tidal Energy Project. This initiative is set to take place in Cook Inlet, Alaska, a location ORPC identifies as having exceptional potential for tidal energy development in the United States. The company aims to use this site to advance the commercial viability of tidal energy.

Ocean Renewable Power Company’s TidGen technology

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office is backing this effort through the American Tidal Energy Project. ORPC highlights that the project supports a January 20, 2025, Executive Order from President Trump titled “Declaring a National Energy Emergency.” The order emphasizes the need for a dependable and varied energy supply to support sectors like defense, manufacturing, and agriculture, listing “the kinetic movement of flowing water” as a key resource, which ORPC’s technology harnesses.

Stuart Davies, ORPC’s President and CEO, remarked: “Harnessing the power of Cook Inlet aligns with Alaska’s vision for its energy future. We’re thrilled with the enthusiastic response and support received from Kenai Peninsula stakeholders, and the state as a whole, and look forward to continued work in partnership with them.” This reflects strong local backing for the project.

Since receiving a preliminary FERC permit in 2021, ORPC has been evaluating the East Foreland site. In 2024, with a Phase 1 grant from the Energy Department, the company began studying the feasibility of generating local energy for the Kenai Peninsula. ORPC plans to deploy its TidGen technology alongside Proteus Marine Renewable’s AR Series tidal turbine, both chosen for their compatibility with Cook Inlet’s conditions.

The draft application submission follows consultations with state and federal regulators, using an adaptive management approach refined from prior ORPC projects. This step initiates a 30-to-60-day FERC review and public comment period. ORPC is also in contention for $29 million in additional funding from the Energy Department’s Water Power Technologies Office to advance the American Tidal Energy Project, with a decision anticipated soon.

Ongoing surveys at East Foreland will guide final engineering plans, leading to a formal pilot license application to FERC. Approval would mark ORPC’s second FERC pilot project license as a tidal energy developer and technology provider, reinforcing its role in expanding renewable energy options. The project aims to deliver sustainable power to the region while contributing to broader energy goals.