Maine DEP Unsupportive of Renewable Energy Project

With the emphasis on clean and renewable energy, Tidewalker Associates might think that they could expect some state support for their tidal power proposal for Half Moon Cove, just south of Pleasant Point, Maine. Apparently, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has a different take on this issue. During a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission meeting about the project on 24 June, 2009, DEP official Dana Murch described the project as “highly problematic” and unlikely to receive state approval.

The developer describes the Cobsook Bay project on their website as follows:
“ The entrance to Half-Moon Cove which borders Perry and Eastport (Maine) is the focus of this interest due to its narrow and relatively deep cross-section which would enable the harnessing of the tides for the production of electricity. In this case, the investigation will concentrate on the construction of a barrage (dam) to maximize production by utilizing tidal exchanges which average 18 feet during a typical lunar cycle. Tidewalker Associates will also investigate the use of current driven (or hydro-kinetic) devices as a secondary / supplementary and less effective manner for tapping the energy resources of downeast Maine.

In the case of the tidal barrage, the project with a capacity of 16 megawatts (MW) would generate approximately 38 million kilowatt-hour (kWhr) in a normal year which is equivalent to the annual demand of electricity for roughly 10,000 consumers. In comparison, a current driven turbine with a diameter of 16 feet installed at the entrance to Half-Moon Cove would generate approximately 120 thousand kWhr per year for a unit with an installed capacity ranging from 0.10 - 0.20 MW. In terms of equivalency, nearly 300 current driven turbines or hydro-kinetic devices would be needed to match the production of the tidal barrage.”

A 25 June, 2009 article in the Bangor Daily News stated that the DEP objections to the project centered around a potential 2-3 foot rise in the water level at low tide in the cove. This water level change would only affect the low tide height and would not effect the levels at high tide. Murch also expressed concerns about the economic viability of the project.

First of all, why is the economic viability of this privately funded project of any concern to the Maine DEP? Their agency has no jurisdiction on the funding or profits of a privately funded company. They are supposed to be there to oversee environmental regulations but apparently they believe this gives them authority over all areas.

This type of project would provide a major economic boost to this depressed area of the state. A source of cheap electricity is a major draw for any potential business. Estimates are that electricity rates from this project would be $0.13 to $0.15 below the state average per kwh. The project itself would create jobs for the area, business relocation to the area would create jobs, dependence on foreign fuel would be reduced and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced.

The Maine legislature needs to rein in the DEP on these energy production issues. Our society needs energy production in order to function and thrive. Every means of production has environmental drawbacks whether it be wind, solar, nuclear, fossil fuels, or tidal power. We need to decide what environmental cost and economic cost that we will pay. If the dependence on foreign suppliers for fossil fuels is to risky and the greenhouse gas emissions are going to kill us all, then perhaps a couple of feet rise in the low tide mark is a price that is o.k. in order to power our homes and industry.