Freezing Maine eyes floating wind as US state seeks hot options for green power
Roadmap puts offshore turbines centre stage as chilly region prepares to load new demands on electricity network with heat pumps and EVs
Maine put floating wind at the heart of its plans to meet future power demand growth, as one of America's coldest states looks to push fossils out of its energy mix without freezing up in the process.
Governor Janet Mills recently put forward a bill that accelerates the state's targets to generate 100% of its power from renewable sources by 2040, up from earlier goals of 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2045, by when it wants to have a net-zero economy.
It is in the top four coldest states in the US, with a heavy reliance on oil for some 60% of its heating needs, for an annual cost of over $4bn. Maine is looking to see 100,000 oil heaters replaced with heat pumps as soon as 2025, which along with electric vehicles will greatly expand power demand over future years.
“The time has come to be bolder” in state climate action, she said during a federal summit on floating wind Thursday.
“Offshore wind when done thoughtfully and responsibly, in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders will be an important part of that effort,” she added.
“Maine has the tremendous potential to become a global leader in offshore wind and that means more, good paying jobs, cleaner, cheaper energy, and a healthier environment,” she said.
Maine already generates nearly three-quarters of its power from renewable sources, mostly hydropower and wind as well as biomass, including wood, and electricity generation is responsible for only 7% of statewide emissions.
But the push for decarbonisation and electrification will see demand grow rapidly.
Responsible development
The state is not rushing into commercial development, but instead, is promising “responsible” offshore wind growth by first trialling a research array to “unlock further understanding of how floating wind will integrate with both the marine environment and existing ocean uses,” the roadmap said.
The array will see 10, 15MW turbines mounted on VolturnUS concrete foundations developed by UMaine.
Stakeholder engagement
Crucial to successful development will be getting key stakeholders on board, particularly its fisheries, which are a half-a-billion-dollar annual industry.
The roadmap would see the state set procurement targets and evaluating economic opportunities by 2025. The state would then begin constructing the US first Atlantic floating wind port at Searsport while intensifying engagement with BOEM, neighbouring states Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and stakeholders on industry development.
UMaine's Habib said he expects the research array to be commissioned in 2026, and the roadmap foresees commercial development after 2030.
The lightly populated state relies heavily on its coastal economy, making it particularly vulnerable to climate change. Maine stands to suffer some $20bn in property damage from the effects of rising seas and worsening storms, with 25,000 jobs at risk, according to state reports.
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