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Title: Maine officials to mark tidal power advances

EASTPORT — Gov. John Baldacci, Rep. Mike Michaud and the Coast Guard commander in northern New England are celebrating a Maine company's success in harnessing tidal power this week.

The gathering will be held Tuesday in Eastport, where Ocean Renewable Power Company last week announced its 60-kilowatt turbine-generator successfully produced grid-compatible electricity. That same unit will be used for a 60-day demonstration project for producing power for use by the Coast Guard's Eastport Station.

To view full story: http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Maine-tidal-power-Eastport-ocean-renewable-energy.html

Name: paul
Post date: 08/24/2010 - 12:50pm

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Title: Statoil adds Maine to floating wind farm list

UNITED STATES: Norwegian energy company Statoil is considering Maine as a location for a commercial floating wind farm.

See Full Article at: http://www.windpowermonthly.com/go/winduscan/article/1023066/?DCMP=EMC-WindpowerUSandCanada

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Post date: 08/23/2010 - 2:52pm

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Title: Clean energy loses a champion: Matt Simmons dies at 67

The movement to shift away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy lost a champion this week when Matthew Simmons, 67, died suddenly on Sunday.

Simmons, founder of the oil investment firm Simmons & Company, was an unlikely ally of green energy as a longtime Republican steeped in the fossil fuel business. However, he found a compelling reason to develop renewables in the looming possibility of peak oil.

Full story at: http://www.greenbang.com/clean-energy-loses-a-champion-matt-simmons-dies-at-67_14993.html

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Post date: 08/11/2010 - 6:30am

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Title: University of Maine and University of Dayton Part of the team to improve Wind Tower Technology

UDRI and a consortium of companies in Ohio, as well as the DeepCwind Consortium of companies and universities spearheaded by the University of Maine’s (UMaine) AEWC Advanced Structures and Composites Center (Orono, Maine), on projects that could open new doors for composite use in wind turbine towers.

Looking to expand their reach, wind power developers are pushing for wind turbine towers that rise to new heights, capturing the high-quality wind found at higher elevations. These towers likely will surpass the current height standard of 80m/265 ft for 3-MW turbines, growing to between 100m and 150m (325 ft and 492 ft) in height for turbines of 5-MW to 7-MW capacity, particularly in deepwater offshore wind farms. As a result, traditional steel designs for utility-grade towers are being pushed to their limits and beyond. Many see in this an opportunity for composites to vie with steel for a piece of the tower market.

Read the full stoy at: http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/blades-yes-towers-maybe

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Post date: 08/04/2010 - 12:47pm

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Title: Proposed Underwater Powerline Would Stretch from Searsport to Boston

As Congress struggles to craft some form of energy bill, the developer of a proposed underwater transmission line from Searsport to Boston is pressing the need for the New England Region to tap the full wind power potential of Northern Maine.

View the Full Article:http://www.mpbn.net/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3478/ItemId/13055/Default.aspx

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Post date: 07/30/2010 - 10:53am

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Title: Former Maine defense site eyed for wind

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – A former Cold War-era radar site and timberland not far from an existing wind farm are the latest sites in Maine that are being considered for large wind energy projects.

The Penobscot Indian Nation is in the process of purchasing land where a former Air Force “backscatter”’ radar station was located in the central Maine town of Moscow. The radar system, which could peek over the Earth’s horizon to detect enemy planes and missiles, was shut down in 1997 after Cold War tensions eased.

Full Story at: http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/northeast/Former-Maine-defense-site-eyed-for-wind-98050064.html

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Post date: 07/29/2010 - 1:28pm

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Title: SGC is now part of the Senergy Group of companies

SGC, A Senergy Group Company

July 28, 2010

We are pleased to announce that our business transaction with Senergy was completed on July 27, 2010. SGC is now part of the Senergy Group of companies, made up of over 500 employees and 20 offices around the world. We are excited to be joining Senergy as its first acquisition in the US. SGC will reside within the Alternative Energy Group of Senergy led by Nial McCollam.

We will continue to operate under the name SGC and the senior management team will stay intact. Doug Morrell and Tim Patch will continue as Co-Presidents of SGC and Mark Girard will continue as Chief Financial Officer with additional responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer.

Senergy has established a US corporate entity named Senergy Alternative Energy Inc., a Delaware Corporation. The shareholders of that entity are Senergy, Doug and Tim. The entity will conduct business through a Board of Directors made up of Nial McCollam, Mark Girard and Chris de Goey.

We are beginning another chapter in SGC’s history. We believe that we have created an opportunity for an exceptional future for the benefit of our employees and clients.

We wanted to choose the very best partner that would preserve the SGC culture and create a promising future. We believe that Senergy is an ideal choice for SGC.

We look forward to working with you as SGC, A Senergy Group Company!

Dick Hall

SGC , A Senergy Group Company

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Post date: 07/28/2010 - 5:07pm

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Title: Senate Subcommittee Approves $10 Million For Deepwater Offshore Wind Program

A Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on energy and water has initially approved a $10 million appropriation to support the University of Maine's (UMaine) deepwater offshore wind energy research and development, according to the DeepCwind Consortium.

Senate Appropriations Committee member Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, requested the funding.

Full article can be read at : http://www.nawindpower.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.6281

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Post date: 07/28/2010 - 2:35pm

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Title: US politicians propose stand-alone offshore regulator

US: Republic senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, both of Maine, and 7 other East Coast congressmen and senators have proposed removing offshore wind energy from the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE).

Full Story:http://www.windpowermonthly.com/go/winduscan/article/1017355/?DCMP=EMC-WindpowerUSandCanada

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Post date: 07/26/2010 - 8:51am

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Title: New England, eastern Canadian leaders set joint efficiency goals

New England states and eastern Canadian provinces agreed to pursue cross-border energy efficiency goals and joint ocean energy development during a meeting of governors and premiers earlier this week.

In addition, Maine and Nova Scotia signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on ocean energy. The two governments plan to share information on tidal energy and offshore wind power and explore ways to bring together academics, researchers, policymakers and private developers working in the sectors.

Full story at: http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx?xmlpath=RSSFeed/HeadlineNews/ElectricPower/6179146.xml www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx

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Post date: 07/14/2010 - 10:59am

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Title: Collins visits stimulus beneficiaries at Mack Point

Searsport — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins visited the Mack Point cargo port in Searsport July 8 to get a firsthand view of how a $7 million federal grant would benefit the facility. It was the senator's first visit to Mack Point, and she lauded the port as a source of jobs and a conduit for alternative energy sources.

Full story at: http://capital.villagesoup.com/news/story/collins-visits-stimulus-beneficiaries-at-mack-point/337560

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Post date: 07/12/2010 - 10:33am

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Title: Iberdrola achieves record wind output in U.S.

Iberdrola Renovables announced Friday that it increased its wind energy generation in the United States by 31.7 percent between April and June to reach 2,962 million kilowatt hours — a record for what Bloomberg New Energy Finance has ranked the world's largest wind company.

Full sttory at: http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2010/07/iberdrola_achieves_record_wind_output_in_us.html

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Post date: 07/12/2010 - 9:21am

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Title: GE Expands On and Offshore Wind Presence

Published: June 30, 2010

Liverpool, England & Idaho, United States -- GE announced plans to install up to five offshore demonstration wind turbines through two separate partnerships. Both initiatives will feature the largest wind turbine in GE's fleet, a 4.0-megawatt machine that includes a 110 meter rotor. GE's 4.0-110 incorporates advanced drive train and control technologies and GE's innovative technology that eliminates the need for gearboxes.

Full story at: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/06/ge-expands-on-and-offshore-wind-presence?cmpid=rss

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Post date: 07/12/2010 - 6:41am

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Title: Interior and Energy Sign MOU to Spur Offshore

WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of the Interiorand the Department of Energy today announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen the working relationship between the two agencies on the future development of commercial renewable offshore energy projects on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

“Renewable energy development holds great promise for our clean energy future and our economy,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “This joint framework with DOE will bring together resources and expertise from both agencies as we pursue the environmentally responsible development of these valuable renewable energy resources.”

“We have a major opportunity to tap the energy in waves and offshore wind. Increasing cooperation between our agencies will help make clean, renewable energy a reality," said Secretary Steven Chu.

Together, DOI and DOE will use this agreement to spur the development of future commercial-scale offshore wind and water energy projects. The wind and water resources off the United States’ coasts offer a vast yet largely untapped energy potential. According to DOE’s 20% Wind Energy by 2030 report, offshore wind alone has the potential to produce 54,000 megawatts by 2030. The MOU between DOI and DOE will facilitate the development of these domestic energy resources by pursuing priority leasing and efficient regulatory processes for sites with high, commercial-scale offshore wind and water power development potential.

The two agencies will exchange information on resources and technologies, conduct stakeholder engagements, and collaborate on research projects. These activities will augment the scientific and technical exchanges that already occur between the two Departments. By facilitating the development of offshore clean energy, this agreement will further the Obama Administration’s goals of creating clean energy jobs, expanding the nation’s renewable energy portfolio and easing America’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The MOU states that within 30 days of its signing, an interagency working group will develop an Action Plan covering the following areas:

Development of attainable deployment goals for offshore wind and marine and hydrokinetic energy on the OCS

Siting and Permitting

Resource Assessment

Technical Standards

Data Exchange and Public Engagement

full text of the MOU can be found here:http://www.doi.gov/whatwedo/energy/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=37040

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Post date: 07/06/2010 - 11:51am

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Title: Mainers full of gusto for wind power, survey finds

Maine residents overwhelmingly support wind power development, chiefly because it cuts dependence on fossil fuels and creates jobs, according to the first survey released by the industry.

In a statewide telephone poll of 500 registered voters, 88 percent supported wind power in Maine. Calls to residents in seven rural "rim" counties, from Aroostook to Oxford, where most wind power projects are built or planned, showed 83 percent in support.

Read full Article:

http://www.pressherald.com/news/mainers-full-of-gusto-for-wind-power-survey-finds_2010-06-29.html

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Post date: 06/29/2010 - 11:05am

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Title: Mainers full of gusto for wind power, survey finds

Maine residents overwhelmingly support wind power development, chiefly because it cuts dependence on fossil fuels and creates jobs, according to the first survey released by the industry.

In a statewide telephone poll of 500 registered voters, 88 percent supported wind power in Maine. Calls to residents in seven rural "rim" counties, from Aroostook to Oxford, where most wind power projects are built or planned, showed 83 percent in support.

Read full Article:

http://www.pressherald.com/news/mainers-full-of-gusto-for-wind-power-survey-finds_2010-06-29.html

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Post date: 06/29/2010 - 11:05am

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Title: Voters scrap wind power moratorium

Clifton residents defeated a wind energy moratorium at a special town meeting Thursday, clearing the way for a proposed four-tower wind farm on Pisgah Mountain.

Bangor businessman Paul Fuller and his wife, Sandy, purchased 270 acres on the mountain to build a wind farm along with their business partner, Mike Smith, according to the Bangor Daily News. The developers want to spend $15 million to erect four 1.6- or 2.5-megawatt GE wind turbines on the mountain, and offered the town a $5,000 stipend per megawatt, which would equal $32,000 to $50,000 annually.

The moratorium was proposed by opponents of the development who wanted more time to study the impact of wind farms. Voters denied the measure, 86-75.

View Full Article: http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/146271.html

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Post date: 06/21/2010 - 11:38am

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Title: Company wants hydropower facility in Cobscook Bay

6/9/10

By Sharon Kiley Mack
BDN Staff

EASTPORT, Maine — A tidal power company has proposed building a $62 million hydropower research and demonstration facility at Half Moon Cove in Cobscook Bay.

Halcyon Marine Hydroelectric, with offices in Utah and Washington, D.C., is willing to fund the project, but ownership and 85 percent of the revenues would be retained by the city of Eastport, according to a company official.

Halcyon founder Ramez Atiya said Wednesday that his company is a finalist in bidding on construction of a massive tidal power system in the United Kingdom. He said he also has wanted to build a demonstration and research facility to help promote his new technology worldwide.

That’s where Cobscook Bay and its astronomical tides came in. Atiya said in a telephone interview from his office in Utah that the bay became the perfect location to build the demonstration project.

Atiya said the company has invented a new construction method that reduces building costs for tidal hydropower systems to one tenth of conventional construction expenses and that allows for much longer lasting facilities.

He explained that his innovative “tidal wing” is a new type of hydropower system that generates power through the ebb and flow of the tides. It uses “parallel cycle,” a power generating sequence developed by Halcyon, which holds patents for such projects in the U.S., Australia, China, Mexico and the Russian Federation.

“By combining power generation on the flood and ebb tides with pumping, the tides within the cove rise and fall to their natural levels, just as they would if the tidal wing were not there,” Atiya said.

Atiya said the company plans to construct a tidal wing at Half Moon Cove as a demonstration project.

He said the wing has no significant environmental impact and would preserve Half Moon Cove’s intertidal zones.

“This tidal wing would be the first of its kind,” Atiya said Wednesday. “Maine would be at the forefront.”

Such a facility would provide jobs, attract tourists, provide low-cost power to Eastport and, Atiya said Wednesday, could bring in up to $4.8 million in annual revenue to Eastport.

Atiya said his company’s interest in the project is solely as a demonstration site for its construction technology and as a research facility.

Atiya said the project would be financed through a U.S. Department of Agriculture or Energy loan.

Atiya recently proposed the project to the Eastport City Council, which has not yet taken a stance or held a workshop on the idea.

Chairman of the council Robert Peacock said the issue will likely be discussed at the next council meeting 7 p.m. Monday, June 14.

Atiya said a tidal wing should have an economic life of 120 years. During its first 30 years, Halcyon would take 15 percent of net revenues, leaving the greatest share of revenues for the city. He said that when the debt on the tidal wing is retired, the city should be collecting revenues for the next 90 years.

“It not only becomes a major, long-term source of revenue, but will provide low-cost power for the community,” he said.

Atiya said a tidal wing has a low-visual impact, rising 15 feet at mean water level. It will be constructed of concrete and can be colored to look like natural rock. It would be 400 meters long and contain four generators.

A full packet of information describing the project in more detail is available at the Eastport City Hall.

Atiya said he would provide a copy of the company’s plans to anyone who contacts him at atiya@xplornet.com.

Name: paul
Post date: 06/10/2010 - 2:41pm

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Title: Maine Joins Offshore Wind Consortium

Partnership Will Work to Streamline Development of New Energy Resource

Other Related News at: http://news.discovery.com/earth/on-world-oceans-day-a-us-plan-for-wind.html

&

http://www.enewspf.com/index.php/latest-news/science-a-environmental/16816-doi-signs-agreement-with-10-east-coast-governors-to-establish-atlantic-offshore-wind-energy-consortium

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci has joined with the Governors of nine other States and the U.S. Department of Interior to Establish an Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium.

The Governors and Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to streamline the process for siting deep-water wind energy systems on the Outer Continental Shelf.

“This is an important step for coordinating the efforts of coastal states and the federal government to develop offshore wind energy,” Governor Baldacci said. “Work going on in Maine and at the University of Maine positions our State to be a national leader in the development of offshore wind technology. With this agreement, Maine also has the potential to showcase a new streamlined permitting process that could significantly reduce the amount of time required for review.”

Secretary Salazar announced the agreement at Capitol Hill Oceans Week 2010 in Washington, D.C.

“I am very pleased to be joining with the governors of Atlantic coastal states to promote the safe and environmentally responsible development of the exceptional wind energy resources off our coasts,” Secretary Salazar said in a Department of Interior press release. “Appropriate development of Outer Continental Shelf wind power will enhance regional and national energy security and create American jobs through the development of energy markets and investments in renewable energy technologies.”

To advance the efficient, safe and responsible development of offshore wind, the participants will work cooperatively to produce specific recommendations for an improved process.

The nine other states are: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

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Post date: 06/09/2010 - 9:17am

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Title: Governor Celebrates Landmark Energy Legislation

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci today recognized the Maine Legislature and the many public and private partners that worked to further Maine’s aggressive goals to achieve energy independence. He ceremonially signed five bills that take critical next steps to achieve these clean energy goals.

“Maine’s energy, environment and economic landscape will be improved for generations to come, and Maine people will benefit by being healthier and more economically secure thanks to your support of green energy development,” said Governor Baldacci. “For far too long we’ve been dependent on fossil fuels to heat our homes, power our industries and transport goods and people. Together, we are pursuing clean, renewable, home-grown energy that will enable us to kick the oil habit.”

The Governor ceremonially signed five key pieces of energy legislation:

· LD 1786, "An act Regarding Energy Infrastructure Development"

· LD 1535, "An Act to Create a Smart Grid Policy in the State"

· LD 1717, "An Act to Increase the Affordability of Clean Energy for Homeowners and Businesses"

· LD 1504, “An Act to Provide Predictable Benefits to Maine Communities That Host Wind Energy Developments”

· LD 1810, "An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Governor's Ocean Energy Task Force"

Governor Baldacci said that Maine has been a leader in demonstrating energy efficiency, weatherization and development of renewable energy.

Since 2003, Maine State government has modeled various energy efficiency efforts and used green energy to heat buildings. In the last year, Maine obtained significant opportunities for residential weatherization and business and industrial energy efficiency as a result of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funds and federal Recovery Act funding.

Last year, the Legislature passed the Governor’s comprehensive energy package that established the goal to weatherize all residences and 50 percent of businesses by 2030 and reduce the State’s consumption of liquid fossil fuels by at least 30 percent by 2030. The State has also established a goal of 3000 megawatts of wind energy by 2020 and put all energy efficiency programs together under one roof.

LD 1786, "An act Regarding Energy Infrastructure Development," the energy corridor legislation, is a major step forward in ensuring a reliable energy infrastructure and process for its use. It calls for the designated corridors to be used only if likely to reduce electric rates and otherwise benefit the long-term public interest of the State, including not adversely impacting renewable energy generation in Maine. The revenues from the use of State assets are also directed to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy, including alternative transportation.

Building on the infrastructure reliability is the bill LD 1535, “An Act to Create a Smart Grid Policy in the State.” The bill will ensure that all Maine ratepayers benefit from smart grid technology that saves energy, increases reliability, reduces costs and provides consumers with more options. This bill gets Maine ready for a future where we can utilize electric storage and peak-reduction strategies including plug-in electric and hybrid electric vehicles in a sophisticated and energy-efficient manner.

LD 1717, "An Act to Increase the Affordability of Clean Energy for Homeowners and Businesses," helps Maine property owners make affordable energy efficiency upgrades to their homes and businesses. Maine towns and cities can establish a property assessed clean energy (PACE) program to assist property owners with the up-front costs of weatherization and efficiency upgrades that often prevent them from making such improvements. This legislation complements the recent award from the U.S. Department of Energy of $30 million to Maine for a Retrofit Ramp-up program that will help to aggressively weatherize Maine’s older housing stock in a way that works for Maine people.

The bill LD 1504, “An Act to Provide Predictable Benefits to Maine Communities That Host Wind Energy Developments,” clarifies that as we seek to aggressively pursue wind power in Maine, that minimum benefits to ratepayers in host communities are demonstrated. As part of a permit application, expedited wind energy development projects must demonstrate a community benefits package valued at no less than $4000 per year per wind turbine, in addition to property tax benefits and jobs created by the project.

LD 1810, based on the recommendations of the Ocean Energy Task Force, advances development of Maine’s vast renewable ocean energy resource as quickly as possible, yet in an environmentally responsible way. The bill establishes a State goal of 5 gigawatts of energy generation from facilities located in coastal waters by 2030. A competitive process will be conducted by the Maine Public Utilities Commission for long-term contracting from one or more deep-water offshore wind energy pilot projects up to 25 Megawatts or tidal demonstration projects up to 5 Megawatts. The bill enacts a clear permitting system for projects in State waters and clarifies leasing of submerged lands for ocean energy projects.

The Governor said this legislative success also complements the June bond question that would provide $11 million for research and development of ocean wind demonstration sites and wind energy components manufacturing in Maine.

“Our success is built on innovative leadership and public-private partnerships,” said Governor Baldacci. “We can also take pride in the fact that we in Maine recognize the issue of a clean energy future is not a partisan one. I am hopeful that in Maine, we will continue to take the opportunity to work together, because when we do, Maine people benefit.”

For more information on the energy legislation passed in this Legislative session, visit http://www.maine.gov/legis

Name: paul
Post date: 06/04/2010 - 1:58pm

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Title: The 2010 Maine WindBlade Challenge Video

The 2010 Maine Wind Blade Challenge attracted a large crowd this year doubling in sized, both for particiaption and also audience members. To see a round video of thos years event click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRtoaT3W0FM&feature=related

Name: paul
Post date: 06/02/2010 - 11:41am

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Title: Iberdrola sells off gas assets to boost Maine wind transmission

Spanish energy giant Iberdrola is selling three natural gas distribution subsidiaries to raise $1.3 billion for 500 miles of new transmission lines to help bring online more wind farms in Maine.

The company said this week it is close to starting one of the biggest US transmission projects of the next few years, a $1.4 billion project to be part-funded by New England rate payers.

See the Full Story Here: http://www.brighterenergy.org/11098/news/wind/iberdrola-sells-off-gas-assets-to-boost-maine-wind-transmission/

Name: paul
Post date: 06/01/2010 - 10:24am

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Title: Wind Farms: Are All the Best Spots Taken? "The Maine Opportunity"

Jostling for position: Where does wind development go from here?

by Elisa Wood, US Correspondent

Published: May 31, 2010

The wind sector is suffering from its own success. In the last decade the industry has expanded from a handful of wind farm developers to a plethora. These companies have left hardly a stone unturned – or rather a breeze unmeasured – in their quest for prime, onshore wind power sites.

The Maine Opportunity

The state of Maine is in a lucky position. Poised at the northern -most point of the power hungry US Northeast, the state has a ready market for the power it generates. While Maine has large, wind and desolate swaths of land ideal for wind power, its neighbors to the south – particularly Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island – have little room for wind farms. These heavily populated states need wind energy, or at least the renewable energy credits the projects generate. The three states have aggressive state mandates to add a growing percentage of renewables to their power portfolios each year.

Read The Full Artticle Here: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/05/wind-farms-are-all-the-best-spots-taken

Name: paul
Post date: 06/01/2010 - 9:36am

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Title: Vinalhaven students harness the wind

by Kris Osgood

Got wind? It's a slogan you may have heard lately, or seen on a bumper sticker. For Vinalhaven School's science classes, the answer is "yes."

Students in the 7^th and 8^th grades spent six weeks last fall studying wind power and building their own wind turbines, and the 11^th and 12^th grade physics class is currently working on the Maine Wind Blade Challenge to be held at the University of Maine at Orono in May.

For the Full Article: http://www.workingwaterfront.com/online-exclusives/Vinalhaven-students-harness-the-wind/13732/

Name: paul
Post date: 04/29/2010 - 4:12pm

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Title: Ocean Energy Development: Market Climate and Potential Opportunities

Authored for MWII by:

Annette Bossler

Owner and Managing Director,
Main(e) International Consulting LLC

Global overview of the offshore wind industry, including statistical analysis and overview of major players and their locations. Up-to-date report on deep water offshore wind R&D and test projects.

Name: paul
Post date: 04/09/2010 - 3:37pm

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Title: Panel backs near-shore wind, tide power bill ; Members of the committee vote unanimously to set targets and restrictions for how the state can capitalize on these natural resources. Thursday, March 25, 2010 12:53 PM

(Source: Portland Press Herald) tracking By ETHAN WILENSKY-LANFORD

Lawmakers voted Wednesday to encourage the state, the University of Maine system and other supporters of offshore wind energy to buy it at a premium rate to help absorb the extra cost of producing it. Initially wind and tide power is expected to cost more than the standard cost of electricity.

Click here to read the full article:http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3976103

Name: paul
Post date: 04/02/2010 - 9:51am

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Title: Nine Offshore Wind Farms Announced will Offset 40 to 80 Million Tonnes of CO2 per Year

BWEA, the trade body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries, recently welcomed The Prime Minister’s announcement of the next generation of offshore wind farms. The industry body called on the Government to ensure that UK manufacturing benefits through support for skills and training, the identification of coastal manufacturing hubs and upgrades to the UK’s electricity grid.

This announcement of nine vast new offshore wind farm zones with a total capacity of 32GW would, if fully developed, will be enough to power every home in the UK. With between 5,000-6,000 turbines installed Round 3 would result in carbon savings of between 40 – 80 million tonnes annually.

Te see the full article: http://www.oceanpowermagazine.net/2010/03/08/nine-offshore-wind-farms-announced-will-offset-40-to-80-million-tonnes-of-co2-per-year/#more-1132

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Post date: 03/09/2010 - 9:28am

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Title: Beyond power: Will offshore wind development bring jobs?

by Suzanne Pude and Gillian Garratt-Reed

Chad Allen, of Cianbro, inside of wind turbine tower.

Chad Allen, of Cianbro, inside a wind turbine tower.

State legislators and industry advocates have been heralding the coming benefits of offshore wind development: it will reduce Maine's costly addiction to imported fossil fuels, lower the state's ecological footprint, and provided a much-needed stimulus to the state's struggling economy. According to Dr. Habib Dagher, director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, the State's goal of developing five gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 stands to create more than 15,000 jobs.

When, and in which sectors, those jobs might materialize, however, are two major questions.

For an in depth look at the answer see the full article here: http://www.workingwaterfront.com/online-exclusives/Beyond-power-Will-offshore-wind-development-bring-jobs/13695/

Name: paul
Post date: 03/05/2010 - 11:03am

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Title: SNOWE, COLLINS TOUT BILL TO BOLSTER DEVELOPMENT OF DEEPWATER WIND FACILITIES

March 3, 2010

Washington, D.C. -

U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Susan Collins today announced the Deepwater Wind Incentive Act, bipartisan legislation to provide a critical long-term renewable production tax credit for developing deepwater wind facilities.

Read the Full article: http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=25bae7ae-802a-23ad-44bc-87e972f7ce09&IsPrint=true

Name: paul
Post date: 03/04/2010 - 11:56pm

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Title: Tidal generator unveiled

Tidal generator unveiled

The company that is planning to harness the power of the tides off Eastport is preparing to launch its tidal generator unit.

Click here to see the full news story and Video

http://www.wcsh6.com/video/default.aspx#/Local/Tidal+generator+unveiled/49383985001/49452227001/69578318001

Name: paul
Post date: 03/03/2010 - 12:13pm

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Title: Feds Plan Offshore Wind Consortium With 11 Atlantic States

Feds Plan Offshore Wind Consortium With 11 Atlantic States

WASHINGTON, DC, February 22, 2010 (ENS) - The federal government and 11 Atlantic

Coast states have taken a first step towards forming a "wind consortium" to expedite

offshore wind permitting processes and electricity transmission planning efforts for the

Atlantic Coast.

"America's offshore wind potential holds great promise for our clean energy future," said

Secretary Salazar at a meeting of the governors of Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf states on

Friday.

Read the full Article: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2010/2010-02-22-094.html

Name: paul
Post date: 02/24/2010 - 12:16am

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Title: Harvard School of Public Health Documents Health Benefits from Wind Energy:

Harvard School of Public Health Documents Health Benefits from Wind Energy:

http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/Windpower/DE-Qs/IRP-KempLevy-Health.pdf

Name: paul
Post date: 02/20/2010 - 10:16pm

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Title: Business Wind Seminar Series

Maine Businesses attend three day seminar series to learn about new opportunities with the growing wind industry.

Click Here to view the story:

http://www.wcsh6.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=61508809001

Name: paul
Post date: 02/20/2010 - 12:52am

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Title: Governor Baldacci Meets with Secretary Salazar and Atlantic Coast Governors

GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE

CONTACT: David Farmer, 287-2531
(cell) 557-5968
Joy Leach, 287-2531

(cell) 837-4885

Feb. 19, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor Baldacci Meets with Secretary Salazar

and Atlantic Coast Governors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Governor John E. Baldacci this afternoon met with United States Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar and a number of other governors representing East Coast states to discuss U.S. strategy on offshore wind power development.

The meeting with the leaders of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf states and Secretary Salazar signified a proactive first step in forming an Atlantic Wind Consortium that will ensure cooperation of the states and the federal government to speed up permitting of off-shore wind facilities. Planning, siting and permitting of offshore wind will also provide lessons for transmission issues. The Secretary credited the governors in attendance for being in the forefront of the efforts to harness offshore wind to achieve in energy independence.

“I appreciate the energy and enthusiasm that Secretary Salazar has brought to bear to realize the great potential to create jobs and clean energy through a focused approach to offshore wind development,” said Governor Baldacci. “Maine has strong potential to become a national leader in offshore wind development and the federal support for our efforts is critical, especially in regards to streamlining permitting.”

Governor Baldacci credited the Obama Administration for its strong focus, financial support and attention to reducing regulatory burdens such as permitting for clean energy production. While a broad mix of renewable energy sources is necessary to provide secure energy supplies and jobs, Governor Baldacci told the Secretary that ocean wind should continue to receive attention and support from the federal government.

Maine is particularly well-placed to be a leader in offshore wind energy generation due to favorable geography, broad-based support including public-private partnerships and the technological and workforce strengths that the State has tirelessly built. Maine’s deep ocean waters relatively close to shore, combined with our extensive maritime industry infrastructure and proximity to large northeastern regional energy markets, makes the Gulf of Maine the ideal location to lead vital deepwater offshore wind development efforts for the nation.

Maine has been recognized by the federal government for its leadership in offshore wind development. The University of Maine DeepCwind Deepwater Offshore Wind Consortium has been awarded $25 million of federal support, including Federal Recovery Act funds, to expand efforts to develop offshore wind capacity.

In December, the Baldacci administration named demonstration sites for offshore wind technology located in Maine coastal waters, including the University of Maine testing site off Monhegan Island. The University has the goal for the first demonstration turbine to be operating in the water in 2011.

“Additional federal funding and a coordinated approach by federal agencies for siting of ocean wind and turbine projects are essential to facilitate ocean energy production in Maine,” said Governor Baldacci. “Maine is eager to lead the way to a more stable and secure energy supply that is renewable and will create jobs here in this country. I’m proud of the aggressive steps we have taken in Maine to show what is possible. We must break the vice grip of the reliance on fossil fuels to heat our homes and run our vehicles to improve our long-term economic and national security.”

Name: paul
Post date: 02/19/2010 - 5:34pm

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Title: MWII releases Essential Wind Industry and Job Information Reports

The Maine Wind Industry Initiative (MWII) and The Maine Composites Alliance (MCA) had the honor of presenting the results of two wind industry studies to Governor John Baldacci and key administration leaders.

Click to see these reports:

Employment Opportunities and Requirements

Wind Development Training In Maine

This last fall MWII/MCA commissioned the two studies better understand our states needs and to set goals for establishing a full wind industry sector in our great state: Employment Opportunities and Requirements; Wind Development Training In Maine. The information provided by these studies illustrate important patterns in the relationship between supply chain and job creation; will help us establish expectations for job growth in this sector, and catalog the available training in Maine that may prepare the workforce for this growth. Some key findings include:

Building the manufacturing supply chain is essential to capturing the full potential of job creation

The state must prepare to export services and goods beyond the Maine borders to build and sustain manufacturing

Maine already has a strong base of training and educational resources that can be utilized by this sector

The State needs to build from existing programs and leverage these resources through effective collaboration between institutes and industry members.

These studies were made possible through support from Maine's North Star Alliance and The Maine Technology Institute. Research was conducted by Main(e) International Consulting LLC, and On Point Research in cooperation with Drapeau Research Services, LLC and Katherine Sasser, MLS.

Name: paul
Post date: 01/30/2010 - 6:02pm

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Title: MWII Representation Worldwide

The AEWC at University of Maine recently attended the Off Shore Wind Conference in Stockholm, bringing information and news from the Maine Wind Industry Initiative Network.

At the September 10 North Atlantic Offshore Wind Summit in Rostock Germany, a presentation was presented on behalf of MWII by Annette Bossler of Main(e) International Consulting. Annette prepared an extensive debriefing of the summit discussions and potential opportunities for Maine Companies You can download the information here: Maine Debriefing Sept 16 2009.PDF.

Finally, MWII coordinator Paul Williamson traveled with the Maine Delegation during the Governors Trade Mission. Paul met with a number of companies specifically exploring opportunities for Maine companies to partner with European companies and investors. Paul also met extensively with a number of wind industry training entities to explore models for establishing additional certificate training opportunities in Maine. The Maine Wind And Ocean Energy guide was presented to many comapnies in Europe by Paul, John Henshaw of the Maine Port Authority, and through the Maine International Trade staff at all official events.

Name: dakers
Post date: 12/09/2009 - 2:53pm

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Title: Maine Wind and Ocean Energy Resource Guide Published

MWII has published a guide to Maine wind and ocean energy development. The guide was prepared as a informational and complimentary marketing tool to be used during the Governor's Renewable Energy Trade Mission.

The Guide was prepared, funded and published in joint collaboration by MWII partner organizations Maine Composites Alliance, Maine Port Authority, E2 Tech, Maine International Trade Center and partial funding support from Maine Technology Center.

View Maine Wind and Ocean Energy Resource Guide PDF

Name: dakers
Post date: 12/09/2009 - 2:46pm

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Title: Governors Trade Mission

Governors Trade Mission to Spain and Germany news and wrap up from MWII representative Paul Williamson: www.maineinsights.com.

You can also find a number news of articles about the mission on the Maine International Trade Center web site at: http://www.mitc.com/News-Publish.html

Name: dakers
Post date: 12/09/2009 - 2:42pm

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