Research Array Work Sessions and Webinars

Maine Offshore Wind Webinar Series
Winter/Spring 2021

Offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine represents an important opportunity for Maine’s energy and economic future. The State of Maine has embarked on two ambitious initiatives to advance floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine in a thoughtful and considered approach. The Research Array will allow Maine to conduct further research and answer critical questions about floating platforms – from fishing to environmental impacts - prior to potential commercial developments. The Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap process will take a broad, stakeholder-based, statewide perspective to chart the best path to develop Maine offshore wind responsibly and cost-effectively for the State. The roadmap will consider topics such as renewable energy market projections; economic development strategies; supply chain analyses; and fisheries and wildlife considerations.

The Governor’s Energy Office, in collaboration with other partners, will be offering a series of workshops to share information and engage with a variety of audiences about floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine. This rapidly growing industry is a part of Maine’s renewable energy portfolio and economic development strategy, but there is a great deal to learn to help better inform our dialogue as Maine moves forward.

Webinars are being planned to cover a variety of topics including technology to regulatory process to economic opportunities to lessons learned from the UK. Please check back often as we update our offerings.

Please join us for the webinars! All past webinars are recorded and available on our YouTube channel (link). 

Research Array Work Sessions - Winter/Spring 2021

The next scheduled public meetings about the Gulf of Maine floating offshore wind research array are work sessions on data, siting and research approaches. Work sessions will be split into two tracks: fishing and wildlife. Each track includes two, 3-hour work sessions, offline reading, and one or two final meetings to review materials, integrate feedback, and identify issues. We recognize this is a significant investment of time and effort, and welcome anyone to join work sessions on either track.

By participating in the working sessions, you will:

• Review existing data in detail;
• Help identify future data needs and processes;
• Detail impacts and issues;
• Help influence where the array is sited and how it is configured;
• Shape the research approach;
• Share and gain expertise and knowledge for the future.

Please consult this website for meeting details or email offshorewind@maine.gov about your interest. Please note fisheries and/or wildlife sessions.

The findings of these work sessions will be carried into the state’s broader offshore wind roadmap effort coming this spring, which will have various working groups continuing to review these topics and more.

Wildlife Work Sessions Process (PDF)

Fisheries Work Sessions Process (PDF)

Past and Scheduled Work Sessions - All past work sessions are recorded and available on our YouTube channel (link to site)