Since 2004, ORPC has been hard at work developing breakthrough technology and projects that use ocean and river currents to produce clean, predictable electricity to power our homes and businesses while protecting our environment. We believe that our ocean and river power systems not only can, but must, be designed to preserve the world’s marine ecosystems. They should provide renewable supplies of clean energy that are both reliable and affordable. They should be compatible with other marine industries, and should create quality, sustainable jobs and other economic opportunities in their surrounding communities.

ORPC is advancing commercial development of three proprietary power systems (TidGen™, RivGen™ and OCGen™), which all use our patented, core device, the turbine generator unit or TGU. In 2012, ORPC delivered the first power to the grid from our federally-licensed Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Project utilizing our TidGen™ Power System, designed for use at shallow to medium-depth tidal sites. The only ocean energy project not using a dam that delivers power to a utility grid anywhere in the Americas, the project also boasts the first long term power purchase agreement for tidal energy in the U.S. ORPC’s RivGen™ Power System is designed for use at river and estuary sites, especially those on isolated grids that depend on diesel for electrical generation. Through a partnership with the Village of Igiugig, Alaska, we will demonstrate the commercial viability of the system in two phases. First, ORPC will test the TGU and pontoon support structure in Nikiski, Alaska, and then the complete RivGen™ power system will be deployed in the Kvichak River in Igiugig. The OCGen™ Power System, designed for use in deep tidal and offshore ocean current sites, will be installed during our next phase of operations at our permitted sites in Maine.

ORPC is committed to protecting marine life and understanding the interaction between the marine environment and our power systems. Our industry leading approach to environmental monitoring includes the development of innovative monitoring technologies and methodologies, informed modifications to monitoring through adaptive management, and the establishment of best management practices. We are pursuing these techniques in collaboration with federal and state agencies through an Adaptive Environmental Management Plan.

Every ORPC project is carried out in collaboration with local communities, universities, environmental agencies, fishing industry groups, and other major stakeholders. ORPC’s Maine Tidal Energy Project has already brought more than $21 million into the state economy, and has created or helped retain more than 100 jobs in 13 Maine counties. These same benefits will be realized in Alaska and Nova Scotia, where we are also actively working with local groups to make tidal and river energy a reality.

ORPC has developed its proprietary power systems and project sites simultaneously, which means that as our systems reach commercial scale, some of North America’s best tidal energy sites are already licensed and ready for project installation. We’re partnering with local utilities and community-based renewable energy developers and obtaining the required permits to install our power systems in world-class tidal resources in Maine, Alaska and Nova Scotia. Combined, our sites have the potential to generate more than 300 megawatts of clean, predictable electricity.

Going forward, ORPC will be forging new strategic and financial partnerships that will allow us to expand our operations in North America, and eventually offer our technology and expertise to ocean and river energy projects worldwide.