FERC signs tidal power agreement with Maine
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said it signed the agreement with the state of Maine to coordinate procedures and schedules for review of tidal energy projects off the state's coast.
"It's my hope that with the leadership of states like Maine, we can get some of these tidal energy projects into the water so their effects can be measured and their benefits demonstrated," FERC Commissioner Philip Moeller said in a release.
Several companies are racing to generate clean power by building machines with turbines that turn with the natural cycles of the tides.
Ireland's OpenHydro said recently it sees full-scale tidal power plants operating before 2014 as it builds pilot projects for utilities in the United States, Canada and France. The company's tidal "farms" would have each a capacity of 50 megawatts or greater, with individual turbines of 1.5 to 2 MW.
Previously the FERC signed agreements on tidal power with the states of Oregon and Washington.
Related News

Britain's energy security bill set to become law
LONDON - The British government said that plans to bolster the country's energy security, diversify away from fossil fuels and protect consumers from spiralling prices are set to become law.
Britain's energy security bill will be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday and includes 26 measures to reform the energy system and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and exposure to volatile gas prices.
Global energy prices have skyrocketed this year, particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine which has led to many European countries trying to reduce reliance on Russian pipeline gas and seek cheaper alternatives.
The bill will help drive 100 billion pounds…