Ocean Renewable Power Co. recently announced that its CEO and co-founder, Chris Sauer, plans to retire on Jan. 17, 2020.
Sauer and two others started ORPC in September 2004. After initially serving as chief technology officer, Sauer took on the duties of CEO in 2006. Under his leadership, ORPC developed its proprietary marine renewable energy technology, which converts the energy in water currents (both tidal and river) into clean, reliable supplies of renewable electricity, from an initial concept to a proven renewable energy product. The first commercial installation of the company’s RivGen Power System is currently operating in Igiugig, Alaska.
“I am most proud of the motivated, innovative and caring professionals who comprise the ORPC team,” Sauer said in a statement. “The core values which are the backbone of ORPC’s team culture and our way of doing business are exemplified in our mission to improve people’s lives, and their environment, through sustainable energy solutions.”
John Ferland, ORPC’s president, noted: “Chris has been—and will remain—an inspirational leader to our team. I have worked directly with him for twelve years and know first-hand the positive impact he has had on each and every employee, board member and investor. ORPC would not be where it is today without his vision.”
ORPC has been based in Maine since 2006 and established its headquarters in Portland in 2008 with its first three hires. Today, the company has 30 employees across three countries on two continents and has become a respected leader in marine renewable energy worldwide.
Sauer will continue to be involved in ORPC as an advisor and looks forward to spending more time enjoying life in Maine, especially at his family home on Moose Pond in Denmark, Maine, according to a news release. The company expects to announce his successor in early January.
