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Testing Ocean Energy in Maine

In order to facilitate the development of alternative ocean energy in Maine, the Governor’s Ocean Energy Task Force recommended and drafted L.D. 1465 (.pdf), which was passed unanimously by the Maine State Legislature in June 2009. 

The legislation directed the Maine Department of Conservation, in consultation with the Maine State Planning Office, to select up to five locations within Maine state waters to be designated as "Ocean Energy Testing Areas."

Through comprehensive review of available map information and numerous meetings with the public and interest groups, three sites were designated by MDOC on Dec. 15, 2009. 

The information on this website is meant to inform and educate about the MDOC’s site selection process, the many different facets of ocean energy and Maine’s potential to be a regional, national, and world leader in alternative energy production. 

 


OCEAN ENERGY DEMONSTRATION AREAS

Three Ocean Energy Demonstration sites were designated on Dec. 15, 2009.


Boon Island Ocean Site map (.pdf)

Damariscove Ocean Site map (.pdf)

Monhegan Island Ocean Site map (.pdf)


These sites were refined from seven original Planning Areas.  The Planning Areas for this project were locations that met several basic criteria:

  • wind speed (17 mph annual average);
  • depth (primarily 60 meters or more);
  • within state-controlled waters;
  • and free of obstructions.

Original Planning Areas (.pdf)


You can use our interactive mapping system to review the original Planning Areas, final Ocean Energy Demonstration Sites, and some of the key map criteria considered in selecting the final sites:


Interactive Map

 

Information on the siting process:


Overview of the Siting Process

Site Selection Methodology (.pdf)

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (.pdf)

Future Opportunities for Wind Power in Maine

What Does Ocean Energy Look Like?

 


For Additional Information, contact:

Dan Prichard, Submerged Lands Program, Maine Department of Conservation
(207) 287-4919
Dan.Prichard@Maine.gov


Robert Marvinney, Maine State Geologist, Maine Geological Survey
(207) 287-2804
Robert.G.Marvinney@Maine.gov

Kathleen Leyden, Director, Maine Coastal Program, Maine State Planning Office
(207) 287-3144
Kathleen.Leyden@Maine.gov

 

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