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The Rural Maine Reporting Project is made possible through the generous support of the Betterment Fund.

New developers propose tidal power project on Cobscook Bay

Another developer wants to construct a tidal power dam at the mouth of the Cobscook Bay to generate renewable energy.

Pembroke Tidal Power Project LLC, a subsidiary of a company known as Nestar Energy, filed preliminary federal permit applications last month for a tidal power plant on the Pennamaquan River near Pembroke.

It's not the first time that tidal power has been pursued in the region. Halycon Tidal Power envisioned a similar project about 10 years ago, in a similar location as the Nestar Energy proposal. The Ocean Renewable Power Company tried unsuccessfully with underwater turbines more than a decade ago. The company has since resumed testing in Eastport and Lubec, a spokesperson said.

If built, the developers say the Pembroke Tidal Power Project would generate 87,000 megawatt hours of electricity a year, according to the applications filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Pembroke selectmen have requested intervenor status for the project, citing concerns about potential impacts on native fish species.