In an April 14, 2005 order, FERC permitted Verdant Power to test its new "damless" hydropower technology without a license on Roosevelt Island in the East River in New York City. At the end of an 18-month test period, Verdant must return to FERC and seek a new license in order to continue operating.
FERC contends that nothing in its ruling establishes new precedent. It makes three key findings that differentiate this project from any other project:
- The technology is truly experimental.
- The technology needs a short-term testing period to determine viability.
- The project will not contribute power to the grid.
The final finding was a change to Verdant's proposal, which included supplying power to nearby commercial customers. The Order affirmed that such a project still requires a preliminary permit and that in order to contribute power to the grid, the project must ultimately obtain a license.
In the meantime, at the request of resource agencies, FERC stated that nothing in its order absolves the project from obtaining necessary state and federal permits.
The Coalition is watching to see whether FERC's order is effectively encouraging new technologies while protecting rivers and maintaining its responsibilities under the Federal Power Act. Stay tuned.
- Read FERC's order.
- Read FERC's press release, "Commission Order Aims to Promote Development of New Submarine Hydropower Technology" here.