Regulatory approval pushes tidal project one step further for Big Apple
Federal authorities have approved a plan to install six turbines in the East River of New York in a $3.5 million tidal energy experiment.
Having received FERC approval, Verdant Power, based in Arlington, VA, hopes to install as many as 300 turbines on the river bed in a 1.6 km long, 100 m wide array. The company still requires approvals from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and US Army Corps of Engineers for the six turbines.
Verdant first proposed the project in 2002 and following testing of a prototype through to 2003, the first two turbines could be installed in June. Following by a study on possible effects on nearby marine life the additional four turbines would be installed.