The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded grants to two entities to enable a deeper dive into tidal energy generation. In this episode of Grid Talk, host Marty Rosenberg talks with Nate Johnson who is the Vice President of Development for ORPC. The Maine based firm will deploy two devices in Cook Inlet, Alaska to further study tidal generation.

“For decades folks have been trying to harness marine energy and I would say it’s still new because there’s only a handful of companies around the world that have achieved that and it’s a harsh environment, it’s complex,” said Johnson. 

The first phase of the study is being paid for with a $3 million DOE grant with a goal generating between one and five megawatts of power. 

“Alaska has an opportunity to produce way more than it needs and produce other forms of electricity, transportable electricity from tidal energies. In Cook Inlet alone in Alaska, we have the potential for 18 gigawatts.”

ORPC and the other grant recipient, a team led by Orcas Power and Light Cooperative in Washington, aim to raise the profile of potential tidal power. 

“A lot of folks aren’t aware that there are technologies out there than can produce electricity from tides or from rivers that aren’t dammed so we really focus on not only getting the device in the water but working with communities or customers to build awareness in different regions and try to grow that marketplace. That’s a big part of what we do.”

Nate Johnson leads ORPC’s development activities and the implementation of its innovative power systems in cost effective, environmentally responsible ways. A native of Long Island, Maine, Nate has a diverse background that includes renewable energy, commercial fishing, aquaculture, groundwater exploration and development, construction management and environmental engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Applied Science from Tufts University.