Offshore wind energy offers Maine the potential for long-term job creation and economic development, supply chain and port infrastructure investments, and renewable power to help meet the state’s energy needs and statutory requirements.
Through the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative, launched in June 2019 by Governor Janet Mills, Maine is exploring opportunities for the responsible development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine. The Initiative seeks to balance offshore wind development with existing marine uses to ensure sustainable preservation of the economic activity and natural resources of the Gulf of Maine. Key areas of focus for the Initiative include:
- Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap
- Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium
- Gulf of Maine Research Array
- Maine Offshore Wind Solicitation
To keep the public informed of Initiative activities, Maine launched a separate offshore wind website at maineoffshorewind.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Maine pursuing offshore wind?
-
Maine has a world class offshore wind resource off the coast, and the Gulf of Maine represents one of the state’s largest untapped clean energy resources. Proven around the world, offshore wind can lead to economic growth and provide clean energy that combats climate change and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
As a renewable energy source for Maine, offshore wind also has other advantages. According to the National Renewable Energy Lab, the wind velocity in the Gulf of Maine is consistently stronger than the wind velocity onshore, which makes offshore wind a highly reliable and consistent energy source. Wind velocity in the Gulf of Maine is strongest during the winter months, which aligns with peak demand for energy in Maine.
Maine’s coastline and ocean waters are facing the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, warming temperatures, and ocean acidification, which are threatening Maine’s coastal communities and maritime industries. Increasing renewable energy from offshore wind is part of Maine’s strategy to reduce fossil fuel emissions, a leading cause climate change.
- How can offshore wind provide economic benefits to Maine?
-
Maine’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy identifies offshore wind as a key opportunity to grow the state’s economy and encourages the state to maximize economic benefits while creating a culture of innovation that serves as a foundation for this growing industry. Creating good paying offshore wind jobs is central of the state’s offshore wind initiative. Workforce development, training, and other related programing are critical to maximizing the economic potential of the industry.
Maine has more than a decade of experience in floating offshore wind innovation, in particular through the work at the University of Maine. Advancing this work could make Maine a magnet for talented engineers, scientists, manufacturers, and others to capitalize on cutting-edge research and development. Maine's unique public and private assets and infrastructure will help fuel new opportunities for marine-related jobs.
- What is the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative?
-
Launched in June 2019 by Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative is pursing responsible development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine and positioning Maine to benefit from the industry. The Governor’s Energy Office received a $2.16 million federal grant to develop an economic roadmap to advance offshore wind through enhanced port facilities, supporting Maine-based contractors and supply chains, and expanding workforce development and training.
The Roadmap took a broad, stakeholder-based perspective to chart the best path to develop offshore wind responsibly and cost-effectively. The roadmap considered topics such as renewable energy market projections; economic development strategies; supply chain analyses; and research needed to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to existing marine users and the environment.
- What is Maine's offshore wind goal?
-
The State of Maine, through bipartisan support in the legislature, established several laws to fight climate change, promote renewable energy, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The state is required to have 80 percent of Maine’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and a goal of 100 percent by 2040. Offshore wind is one of several important renewable energy resources needed to meet the state’s growing clean energy needs. The Maine legislature’s commitment to this goal was affirmed with the passage of An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources, which set a procurement goal of 3 GW of offshore wind installed in the Gulf of Maine by 2040.
- How will offshore wind co-exist with maritime industries?
-
The Initiative will work to develop offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine through thoughtful, data-driven strategies in collaboration with Maine’s heritage industries such as fishing and tourism. Maine’s coastal communities depend on a thriving fishing industry, which is critical to the state's economy and cultural heritage. Existing users must continue to have access to the Gulf of Maine as Maine seeks to benefit from new opportunities in emerging industries.
Maine must be thoughtful in considering where offshore wind projects are located and work to minimize any impacts on current and historical uses. As innovation and technology allow for better utilization of Gulf of Maine wind resources, Maine must promote these new opportunities while ensuring sustainability for all.
- What studies exist about offshore wind as a climate change strategy?
-
There is consensus in the scientific community that greenhouse gas emissions from human activity are the primary driver of climate change. The U.S. Department of Energy and Department of the Interior released a National Offshore Wind Strategy document (PDF) in September 2016 and another report, Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States (PDF) in 2015, that provide background on the value of offshore wind as a climate mitigation strategy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Vision Report, the power sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions.
- How will the installation and operation of submarine cables affect the environment and ocean users?
-
The installation and operation of submarine cables must avoid, minimize, and when necessary mitigate potential impacts to the environment and existing ocean users. The Offshore Wind Submarine Cabling Overview, published by the Fisheries Technical Working Group in advance of the New York Bight increase in submarine cables, is particularly helpful in providing background information on submarine cables in offshore wind projects.
Another helpful resource is the “Learn From the Experts” recording on Offshore Wind Submarine Cabling, put on by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Resources
- BOEM and NOAA North Atlantic Right Whale Strategy
-
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s strategy to protect and promote endangered North Atlantic right whales while developing offshore wind energy.
- BOEM Office of Renewable Energy Programs
-
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)'s page on their Office of Renewable Energy Programs.
- Northeast Ocean Data Portal
-
The Northeast Ocean Data Portal is a free, user-friendly resource that provides access to expert-reviewed interactive maps and data on the ocean ecosystem, economy, and culture of the northeastern United States. It includes locations and the status of current offshore wind projects on the east coast (see current issues).
- Tethys – Environmental Impacts of Wind and Marine Renewable Energy
-
Tethys is a searchable database of research pertaining to the environmental effects of wind and other marine renewable energy technologies.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
-
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducts fundamental wind energy science research, development, and validation activities. Learn more by watching this YouTube video: Overview of Floating Offshore Wind