The Governor’s Energy Office has submitted an application to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to lease a limited, 15.2-square-mile site in the Gulf of Maine for the nation’s first floating offshore wind research site in federal waters.
- Read the announcement.
- Read the full application (PDF).
- Get more information about how the preferred site was identified.
- Read FAQs about the project.
- View a nautical map of the site (PNG).
- Get current information on the application’s status with BOEM.
With offshore wind energy representing a significant opportunity for Maine’s energy and economic future, the State has announced its intention to establish the country's first offshore floating wind research array in the Gulf of Maine.
The State is taking this action now because there is significant interest in commercial development of offshore renewable energy in the Gulf of Maine, and because it believes the proposed research array is the right, prudent step to take before commercial scale floating offshore wind development occurs in the Gulf of Maine.
Research will allow the State, the fishing industry and many others to learn about potential impacts of floating offshore wind together, in order to ensure Maine develops this industry in a manner that capitalizes on our innovative technology and abundant resources, while protecting our interests, industries, environment and values.
The Governor’s Energy Office, in collaboration with other partners, has held 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 have covered 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. Past webinars are recorded and available on our YouTube channel (link).