Maine targets 3GW of floating wind and terminal in sweeping US Atlantic play

The US state of Maine passed a sweeping bill today (Wednesday) mandating 3GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040 while also setting the rules for developing an assembly and staging port intended to position it at the centre of regional giga-scale floating development.

The bill will now go to governor Janet Mills, an offshore wind supporter who is expected to sign it into law.

The act would require the state to hold its first solicitation no later than 1 June 2025 for at least 600MW of floating wind capacity, with successive rounds held within 24 months of each other.

Offtake contracts for at least 1GW must be signed by 1 February 2030 and a cumulative 2.8GW by that same date in 2035. The law would see the entire 3GW mandate fulfilled by 2040, enough to power 900,000 homes and supply half of the state’s total electricity demand.

“We see floating wind as a major source of renewable energy not just for Maine but for New England,” said the bill’s sponsor, state senator Mark Lawrence, a Democrat.

This procurement bill “starts the development process, because any of these developers investing billions of dollars need to show that they have a customer,” he added.

The consolidated bill includes separate measures governing development of a floating wind port, likely at Searsport, some 52 miles (84 km) from the capital at Augusta.

The call area encompasses mostly deep water to 700 metres, and industry expects all development to be floating. BOEM is expected to offer leases in the Gulf of Maine as early as next year.

“This bill is our chance to ensure that this new industry is being built with high standards for job quality, for the environment and wildlife, and for Maine's fisheries,” said Jack Shapiro, climate and energy director for environmental group Natural Resources Council of Maine.

In contrast to its neighbours in southern New England region, Maine has taken a more cautious approach to the sector, as reflected in lengthier timeline for completion of capacity installation.

Massachusetts mandates 5.6GW contracted by 2027, while Rhode Island is aiming for 100% renewable energy – mostly offshore wind – by 2030.

“This bill will allow Maine and the broader US to become leaders in floating offshore wind technology,” said Carol Oldham, northeast director for trade group Business Network for Offshore Wind.

“We encourage Maine to work closely with neighbouring states to develop the robust supply chain and port infrastructure necessary for these projects,” she added.

The array will allow Maine “to address critical questions – such as on fishing and environmental impacts - prior to potential commercial development,” according to its website.

BOEM recently issued its environmental assessment (EA) for the site, setting it up for a lease sale. Any project developed there will need to undergo a more thorough environmental impact statement.

A separate research project is also under development in state waters near Monhegan Island.

This project consists of a single turbine and is being developed by UMaine and DOW, but outside of permitting and other regulatory duties, does not directly involve the state.