Verdant Power
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Renewable energy, Hydroelectric power, Tidal power |
| Headquarters | Roosevelt Island, New York City , United States |
| Products | Tidal and hydroelectric energy systems, underwater turbines (kinetic hydropower) |
| Website | verdantpower |
Verdant Power, Inc specializes in the development and installation of tidal and hydroelectric energy systems, focusing mainly on underwater turbines that resemble three-bladed wind turbines. These devices capture energy from tidal flows and river currents. The company markets its innovation under the term "kinetic hydropower," distinguishing it from traditional dam-based tidal and hydroelectric installations. Its premier initiative is the Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project situated in the East River of New York City.
Location
Verdant Power's main office is situated on Roosevelt Island, which lies between Manhattan and Queens within the East River—a tidal channel linking Long Island Sound to Upper New York Bay.
RITE Project
The Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy (RITE) Project, developed by Verdant Power, holds the distinction of being the first tidal energy project to receive licensing from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Positioned eastward of Roosevelt Island, its southernmost turbine is approximately 100 meters north of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.
The initial phase, spanning 2002 to 2006, focused on prototype trials; phase two commenced with a demonstration phase involving two prototype turbines installed between late 2006 and early 2007, though these units encountered operational challenges. In May 2007, six full-scale turbines were deployed on the riverbed arranged in three rows spaced about 100 feet apart, with five outfitted with 35 kW generators. This installation marked the world's inaugural grid-connected tidal turbine array, delivering electricity to a Gristedes supermarket and a nearby parking facility on Roosevelt Island. The testing period ended in October 2008 after producing close to 50 MWh.
In February 2012, Verdant secured federal approval to install 30 turbines expected to generate 1.05 MW by 2015. Despite experiencing blade wear problems, a successful trial of a new 16-foot diameter turbine in September 2012 reinforced plans to complete the turbine array within five years. By August 2013, Verdant intended to add two more turbines within a one- to two-year timeframe.
In October 2020, Verdant introduced a "TriFrame" platform equipped with three fifth-generation turbines rated at 70 kW each, supplying electricity to Con Edison's local grid. After six months of operation, one turbine was upgraded with a Gen5 model incorporating thermoplastic blades developed in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Performance evaluations were carried out by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) following International Electrotechnical Commission standard 62600-200 for tidal energy converters.
Morlais project
Verdant Isles, in partnership with Duggan Energy, is preparing to install grid-connected turbines at the Morlais site located in northwest Wales. In September 2023, Verdant Isles was awarded a Contracts for Difference agreement to deliver power to the Great Britain grid. The initial phase aims to provide 4.9 MW of capacity, with commissioning planned for 2027 or 2028.