A new Maine bill will help procure up to 3 gigawatts of wind energy, enough to cover half of the state’s electricity requirements. With this legislation, Maine has become the seventh state to pursue a competitive offshore wind energy program.
Federal lease sales will begin next year, and the state will release requests for proposals to operate wind turbines starting in 2026. Maine government officials report that the bill will allow for lower energy prices and more jobs for Maine residents while helping address climate change.
The Gulf of Maine’s steady winds provide an excellent location for wind turbines. But, since the water is too deep to anchor traditional wind turbines, Maine officials are hoping that floating turbine technology, developed by the University of Maine, will soon be licensed. The university has been pioneering precast floating turbines, and prototypes have already been tested off the coast.
Finally, the bill accounts for Maine’s robust lobster industry by providing incentives to developers to steer clear of fishing areas.
The U.S. offshore wind energy industry has gained momentum, especially as the Biden Administration announced a target of 30 GW of offshore wind energy generation by 2030. Earlier this year, The Business Network of Offshore Wind released a report which outlines domestic supply chain development for the burgeoning offshore wind industry.
Maine has been a part of offshore wind development for nearly two decades, and the bill marks a culmination of the state's work since the establishment of the Ocean Energy Task Force, established by Governor John Baldacci in 2008. More recently, Governor Janet Mills launched the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative to explore the thoughtful development of offshore wind projects in the area.
“Offshore wind, done responsibly, offers Maine the opportunity to secure abundant clean energy, stable energy prices, good-paying jobs, and a healthier environment for future generations,” said Governor Mills in a press release announcing her approval of the legislation. “I thank the legislators and stakeholders who, through collaboration and compromise, have positioned Maine to pursue offshore wind in a manner that puts all Maine workers and businesses on a level playing field, invites investments in critical port infrastructure, and importantly, respects those who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. I am pleased with the outcome of this legislation and proud to sign it into law.”
