– Orbital Marine Power Ltd confirmed as technology partner for OPALCO’s proposed site
– Deployment of Orbital O2 floating tidal energy turbine in Rosario Strait
– Growing global interest in floating tidal stream technology demonstrated by Orbital Marine Power’s progress
Orbital Marine Power Ltd has been confirmed as the technology partner for Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) in their proposed site off Blakely Island, Washington State. This partnership follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2021 and comes after the US Department of Energy shortlisted two marine energy projects for funding. If chosen, OPALCO plans to deploy an Orbital O2 floating tidal energy turbine in Rosario Strait to provide a local power supply.
Andrew Scott, CEO of Orbital Marine Power, is pleased with OPALCO’s progress and their commitment to deploying Orbital technology. The Rosario Strait site was chosen due to its strong tidal flows and proximity to OPALCO infrastructure for interconnection. Foster Hildreth, Managing Director of OPALCO, emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse technologies for a sustainable energy future, with floating tidal stream energy being one of those options.
The global renewable energy industry is closely following the developments between Orbital Marine Power and OPALCO. The latest issue of Energy Global magazine features articles on battery storage, renewables in Europe, electrical infrastructure, turbine monitoring, battery technology, coatings, and more. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the advancement of floating tidal turbine technology in the United States.