AUGUSTA – Today, the Department of Energy selected the University of Maine for additional funding for offshore wind research, but declined to move forward at this time for a full demonstration project in the State.
The DOE instead selected three projects, in New Jersey, Virginia, and Oregon, for full demonstration funding, while selecting Maine as an alternative proposal that could receive funding if one of the three selected projects does not move forward. The grants will be used to construct grid-connected systems in federal and state waters by 2017.
“The decision from the Department of Energy that the Maine AquaVentus technology is meritorious and should be provided additional design funding is a testament to the commitment of University students and engineers, and the partnership with the world-class companies of Cianbro and Emera," said Energy Office Director Patrick Woodcock. "While the announcement that the proposal was not selected at this time as one of the three finalists is disappointing, I am encouraged the DOE has determined that additional funding is warranted to continue design work of the technology. The Administration will continue to support the University in developing new and clean energy technology, which will reduce rates for Mainers. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the University to advance this research and position the technology for private investment and additional federal opportunities.”
The demonstration grants were awarded to advance innovative offshore wind technologies in support of the federal goal to develop a competitive, sustainable, world-class offshore wind industry in the U.S.
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