Solutions everywhere: Maine will have tidal power project

Washington County, Maine, is about to have its own tidal energy plant.  The project will start with 138 kilowatts and increase as the strength of its equipment is increased.  The project is being developed by Ocean Renewable Power Company.  

Tidal power is scarcely a new idea.  People in the Middle Ages who lived by the sea sometimes used tidal power to turn water wheels, which ground grain into flour. 

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, "It doesn't cost much to operate tidal power plants, but their construction costs are high and lengthen payback periods. As a result, the cost per kilowatt-hour of tidal power is not competitive with conventional fossil fuel power."

Guess it all depends on what you consider the "cost" of fossil fuel.

Photo from Peter Kaminski's photostream at Flickr.