All the News that's Fit to Print

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Maine WInd News Wrap up for December 2011 - New Year

 

 


Plans for Maine’s first offshore wind turbine moving quickly

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A deep water wind farm off Maine’s coast moved closer to reality Thursday as state and federal officials got a more detailed look at a Norwegian energy company’s proposal.

Statoil North America Inc., a division of the Norwegian company Statoil ASA, submitted an application in October for a commercial lease to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for an area of ocean that’s about 22 square miles for full assessment of environmental impacts, sea bed conditions and wind speeds. The lease area is about 12 nautical miles offshore of the Boothbay area.


 

R.M. Beaumont Corp provides engineering solutions for global ocean energy market

Just four years out of school, Ryan Beaumont is the owner and founder of R.M. Beaumont Corp. in Brunswick.

Providing cutting technology, His firm has been involved in testing and development of the offshore wind turbines under development by a consortium of businesses and an experimental tidal energy project in Eastport, which is being led by Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power Co. Beaumont and his employees have written one-of-a-kind software that helps coordinate the components of a larger mechanical system. Early success has resulted in to two factors: his firm’s unique dual capabilities in computer programming and mechanical engineering, and being small enough to respond to clients’ needs quickly.


 

 

2 Oxford County Wind Projects Go Online
Two wind turbine projects in Oxford County are operational and on schedule for completion by the end of 2011. Record Hill Wind LLC in Roxbury, which is a 50.6 megawatt project with 22 wind turbines, has commissioned almost all of its turbines and will complete its tests on the rest in a week or two.


 

Newport Fabrication to Provide TidGen Support Frame

Newport Industrial Fabrication Inc. has been selected as the fabricator for Ocean Renewable Power Company's TidGen bottom support frame.  This structure makes excellent use NIF’s space frame experience and coatings expertise.  With this project NIF expands their experience in tidal and wind energy development that will help reduce our need for fossil fuels in the future.

For more on NIF go to http://nif-inc.com

 

 

First WindFloat Successfully Deployed Offshore

Principle Power, Inc. (Principle Power) and Energias de Portugal (EDP) announces the successful offshore deployment of a full-scale 2-megawatt (MW) WindFloat off the coast of Aguçadoura, Portugal. The project is the first offshore wind deployment worldwide which did not require the use of any heavy lift equipment offshore. All final assembly, installation and pre-commissioning of the wind turbine occurred on land in a controlled environment.

In parallel activities Principle Power is working with the University of Maine and the Maine Composites Alliance to develop advanced material application to their design to reduce cost, weight and improve life cycle efficiencies. These activities are supported through a grant from the Maine Technology Institute.


 

 

 

Coast Guard to study future of boat traffic, wind farms

In part to determine how planned offshore wind farms could affect maritime navigation, the U.S. Coast Guard is undertaking a large-scale study of government, commercial and pleasure boat traffic up and down the Atlantic coast.

While the Coast Guard routinely looks at vessel traffic on a port-by-port basis, the study that's now under way is the first to examine waters beyond port entrances, from Maine to Florida. The outcomes could be far-reaching, including recommendations for new international agreements or vessel-routing measures where none exists.


 

The Innovators in Maine Have Plans to Power the Entire State with Offshore Wind

Debates over new sources of energy revolve around trade-offs—and those tradeoff are becoming increasingly desperate. From “drill, baby, drill,” to fracking to the Alberta tar sands commentators tell us that we must accept dirtier and dirtier and riskier and riskier solutions to fulfilling our energy needs….

…What is the greatest opportunity to replace fossil fuels in this country? According to Dr. Habib Dagher of the Advanced Structures & Composites center, it’s offshore wind and Maine turns out to be in a sweet spot for wind energy.

He proposes to partner with and transform the Maine shipbuilding industry into a floating turbine industry. Simply put, the 300 ft tall towers can be built in dry docks at shipbuilding facilities and then floated out into position.

Read The Full Story: http://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykosner/2011/12/16/frack-that-the-inno... ">http://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykosner/2011/12/16/frack-that-the-innovators-in-maine-have-plans-to-power-the-entire-state-with-offshore-wind/

 

 

Maine Wind Blade Challenge Experiences Record Growth in 2012

This year marks the fourth consecutive year for the Maine Wind Blade Challenge and record growth in participating schools. 65 teams registered from 28 Maine schools will compete to design and construct composite wind blades to be tested at U-Maine. With the growth over the 4 years the Wind Blade Challenge one of the most participated STEM events in the region.

The event is a collaborative effort that incorporates STEM guidelines in the classroom and applied composites and energy education in the field. Students are match up to work directly with Maine businesses to use advanced construction techniques to build their blades.


 
paul
01/09/2012 - 7:50am
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Maine Wind Blade Challenge Experiences Record Growth in 2012

This year marks the fourth consecutive year for the Maine Wind Blade Challenge and record growth in participating schools. 65 teams registered from 28 Maine schools will compete to design and construct composite wind blades at the University of Maine in April when teams will then test those blades to see how much energy each design can produce. With the growth over the 4 years the Wind Blade Challenge one of the most participated STEM events in the region.

 

Building students’ interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has become a priority for the State of Maine. But building interest is just the beginning, once students are educated in these fields’ graduates need to know how the education translates to jobs. One of the unique aspects of this event is the direct partnership between industry and education that gives students that additional insight.

 

Maine Composites Alliance, Maine Wind Industry Initiative, and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center had both STEM education and industry in mind when they created the Maine Wind Blade Challenge. The event is a collaborative effort that incorporates STEM guidelines in the classroom and applied composites and energy education in the field. Students are match up to work directly with Maine businesses to use advanced construction techniques to build their blades.

 

On the day of the event Maine industry leaders in composites, engineering, alternative energy, construction, and boat building, gather to support and judge the contest. This year 300 Maine students are expected to gather to compete in the Wind Blade Challenge and the partnering Wind Storm Challenge floating wind platform competition.

 

 

For more information about the event you can visit Maine Wind Blade Challenge website: www.mainewindbladechallenge.com, or www.windstormchallenge.com.   
paul
01/05/2012 - 4:58pm
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News Round up for November -December 2011

Application Submitted for Ocean Wind Energy Project by Statoil

On November 30, federal regulators announced they have received a completed lease application for a pilot-scale wind power project in deep water south of Boothbay. State and federal members of the Maine Task Force of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will meet to review the unsolicited request for a lease for a wind-energy project from Norwegian-based gas and oil company Statoil on December 8 at the Marriot Hotel in South Portland, at 9:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public, with limited opportunity for public comment.

 

The project is considered the first-of-its-kind prototype of a floating-platform turbine wind farm. In 2009, Statoil erected the first floating wind turbine off the coast of Norway. This project would be considered small in scale in comparison to other wind projects, but would be the largest floating turbine project in the world, according to Statoil spokesman Ola Morten Aanestad.

Full Article at:


 

 

Main(e) International Consulting LLC releases updated Floating Offshore Wind Report

Main(e) international Consulting LL has released an updated overview report detailing the efforts to design and develop floating wind platforms in the United States, Japan and Europe. The report identifies and catalogues the industry consortia and projects in each region. According to Annette Bossler, Principal at Main(e) International Consulting and author of the report, “It is important to understand the amount of activity and rate of technology development globally for floating wind. In the next 2 years we will see numerous full scale pilots launched in addition to the scale model tests already planned or ongoing. Floating technology is approaching the commercial application stage and should no longer be considered niche and an unreachable goal”.


 

 

Iberdrola Engineering starts erecting its first wind turbines in the US

Iberdrola brands itself as the US’s second largest wind operator, already possessing over 5 GW of wind capacity across the country. Now its engineering subsidiary, Iberdrola Engineering and Construction, is moving into wind farm construction in the US.

 

Iberdrola Energy Projects Inc. first facility is being built in Groton in the State of New Hampshire.  The facility will comprise 24 model G-87, 2 MW wind turbines manufactured by Gamesa.

 

The Groton contract is a further addition to the project that was recently awarded to the Company's subsidiary to provide audit & compliance services for the MPRP (Maine Power Reliability Program) project commissioned by Central Maine Power, a company belonging to Iberdrola USA. Iberdrola Engineering also recently implemented its launch of an integral service model for grid projects at Iberdrola USA.

 Full Article at:


 

New CMP line preps area for turbines

Billed as a stepping stone to accommodate the future integration of wind-generated electricity, Central Maine Power Co. began construction this week of a transmission line between Moscow and Benton.

Full Article at:


 

Newport Industrial Fabrication delivers Hyundia wind components

Newport Industrial Fabrication Inc. of Newport Maine recently completed and delivered an order for Hyundai Heavy Industries. The order included embedment plates and template rings for towers being installed as part of the 2MW Hyundai wind turbine “The Independence” being installed by Kingston Wind Independence in Kingston Massachusetts. This is the largest turbine erected in Massachusetts to date.

Newport Industrial Fabrication Inc. is a steel fabrication and manufacturing company with experience providing wind products such as embedment plates, and coating services for components including hubs and shafts.

 

 

Oakfield OKs First Wind TIF

Residents in the northern Maine town of Oakfield have approved a tax increment financing agreement with First Wind for its $300 million wind farm.

 

The TIF is expected to provide the town with $16.5 million in benefits over 20 years, and result in $200 million in new taxable developments, the Bangor Daily News reported. As part of the agreement, Evergreen Wind, a First Wind subsidiary, will establish a community benefits fund with the town, which Oakfield can use at its discretion to fund new or existing community and economic development programs. Residents voted 81-22 in favor of the TIF.

 

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection in January 2010 approved the 34-turbine wind farm, though the company later amended the project to include 50 turbines. The DEP is still reviewing the amended project. First Wind hopes to secure additional permits over the winter and begin building the project next year.

Full Article at:


 

First Wind Announces Agreement with Vestas

to Purchase 77 V100-1.8 MW Turbines.

As part of the purchase agreement with Vestas, First Wind will deploy 19 V100-1.8 MW turbines to First Wind’s proposed 34 MW Bull Hill Wind project on Bull Hill and Heifer Hill in Hancock County, Maine. The Bull Wind project will generate enough clean, renewable electricity to power approximately 15,000 New England (or Maine) homes. The output produced at Bull Hill will be sold to NSTAR via a long-term power purchase agreement which was approved in August 2011.

 

In addition to the Bull Hill project, 58 V100-1.8 MW turbines will be deployed to the company’s 105 MW Palouse Wind project in Washington.

Full Article at:
paul
12/06/2011 - 1:33pm
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Maine Industry Delegation Explores Wind Tower Manufacturing

Maine Delegation at DSTN11/30/2011 A delegation of Maine businesses and organizations recently toured the new DSTN-DSME Wind Tower Manufacturing plant in Nova Scotia. Organized and led by the Maine Wind Industry Initiative (MWII) to evaluate opportunities for Maine companies to be part of the supply chain network for DSTN, the delegation also explored future tower production capabilities in Maine.

 DSTN-DSME Trenton, a partnership between Daewoo shipbuilding and the Province of Nova Scotia, manufactures wind towers and blades in Trenton. Tower production began this year, and blade production is expected to begin in 2012.

The delegation that included representatives from MWII, Cianbro, Bath Iron Works, Newport Industrial Fabrication, and the Maine International Trade center were given a full tour the facility that was converted from train car manufacturing to tower manufacturing. The full process of receiving raw materials, steel rolling, assembly and finish was demonstrated. DSTN pointed out specific component and process opportunities that Maine companies may be able to fulfill.

 Tower manufacturing may represent an opportunity for local large scale wind product manufacturing in Maine. Tower designs and technologies are not as technically complicated as wind turbine and blade work. In addition, Maine has a strong steel fabrication sector that includes many companies with the necessary skill sets. However, the initial capital investment in the equipment and buildings to roll, assemble and finish the huge tower sections (some as large at 14 feet in diameter) would need to be very large. Any local effort to establish such work would require a mature market to sell into. This market may form as continued onshore wind development is augmented by the development of offshore wind projects along the Atlantic coast.

The visit to DSTN-DSME follows a visit by a DSTN/Daewoo delegation to Maine in September to see supply chain resources and market opportunities in Maine. MWII coordinated meetings with the University of Maine, steel and composite manufacturing companies, groups representing wind energy development, and workforce skill development entities.

As a result of both delegation visits, parties agreed that the location and resources found in Maine and Nova Scotia have strong partnership possibilities that will be further developed in the coming months.       

        

Picture Caption: DSTN and Maine Businesses meet in Nova Scotia: (Left to right) Brad Murray, DSTN; Matt Proctor, Cianbro; Bill Follett, Cianbro; Dan Gerry, Newport Industrial Fab.; Lisa Read, Bath Iron Works; Jennifer Henderson, DSTN; Daniel Kim; DSTN, Paul Williamson, MWII; taken by Annette Bossler, Maine International Trade Center.

 
paul
12/02/2011 - 2:52pm
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Registration opens for Maine Wind Blade Challenge

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Maine Department of Education | Leave a comment
Registration for the 2012 Maine Wind Blade Challenge is now open, and students are encouraged to sign up for the competition that challenges them to design wind blades and work with composites professionals to perfect the finished product.


The competition takes place on April 27, 2012, at the University of Maine in Orono.


The Maine Wind Blade Challenge is a program developed by the Maine Composites Alliance (MCA) and Maine Wind Industry Initiative (MWII) to inspire today’s high school students — the next generation workforce — to explore alternative energy and advanced materials, while participating in hands-on applications of math, science and engineering.


In 2011, the competition included 40 teams and 227 students. Teams traveled to the event in Orono from all over Maine: including Sanford, Eastport and Presque Isle.


In preparation for the 2012 competition, teams of student participants will work between December and April on the design and construction of their wind blades.  Schools will be assigned partners with a Maine composites manufacturing business to complete the composite production of the blades.


For more information and a registration form, please contact Stacey Palmer with the Maine Composites Alliance: wbc@mainecompositesalliance.org. Information is also available on the Maine Wind Blade Challenge website at http://mainewindbladechallenge.com/.
paul
11/16/2011 - 10:36am
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Maine Wind News Round up for October 2011

Maine to Host Regional Wind Conference

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the Maine Wind Industry Initiative (MWII) and Renew are pleased to announce the first Northeast Regional Wind Energy conference.  In an effort to meet growing interest and demands to explore the specific issues related to wind energy development in the Northeast US, AWEA,MWII and Renew have partnered to provide a comprehensive technical conference. The conference will include information integral to the development of both onshore and offshore wind within the Northeastern region. The partnership is exploring the opportunities to host the conference in the early fall, 2012. More information to come soon.

 

 

Wind Power Economics Discussed at UMaine

The economic costs and benefits associated with wind energy as compared with other energy sources were analyzed at a University of Maine forum on Wednesday, October 26, by economists, an energy analyst, and an electricity transmission expert from Central Maine Power.

Read the full story:


 

 

Coalition wants 20% of Maine power from renewable energy sources

Representatives from three Maine businesses, an electricians union and environmental groups held a press conference at Bangor Public Library on Thursday to announce the start of a petition drive for a ballot initiative that would require Maine’s utilities to increase the percent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Read the full story:


 

Wind on Air

Former Governor Angus King of Independence Wind and Paul Williamson from MWII discuss Maine wind energy issues on WLOB radio. To listen to the interviews

Click here (interviews immediately follow 19 hints)
paul
11/11/2011 - 11:58am
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Maine Wind News Wrap up for September 2011

Maine Displays Wind Business Competence at National Event

September 29, 2011

Maine Wind Industry Initiative (MWII) leads Maine wind industry exhibit at the AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER.

PORTLAND, ME, September 29, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Maine Wind Industry Initiative (MWII) is diligently working to develop Maine's competitive advantages and to attract business opportunities for Maine companies in the wind industry sector. On October 11-13, MWII will spearhead a Maine wind business exhibit at the AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, taking place at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland.

Read the Full Story – or for more on exhibiting businesses click on links below.


 

Europeans look to UMaine for answer to wind energy problems

ORONO, Maine — European officials are looking to the University of Maine’s offshore wind efforts to boost the amount of wind power produced on the continent and to ease public distaste for wind turbines.

Officials from Italy, Germany and Norway visited UMaine’s Offshore Wind Laboratory on Tuesday to get a preview of plans to install a 500-megawatt floating wind turbine farm in the Gulf of Maine by 2020.


 

Eastern Maine wind project approved

A Down East wind farm that would produce enough electricity to supply the needs of 12,000 to 15,000 homes was approved Wednesday by Maine development regulators.

 The Land Use Regulation Commission voted 6-0, with one absentee, to approve the $78 million energy project. It is to be built on 100 acres of private land owned by a forestry firm, Lakeville Shores.


 

An Update on the Maine Ocean Energy Pilot Project

From Paul Williamson

I recently met with the Maine Public Utility Commission to discuss the current development of the Maine 25MW Offshore Wind and Tidal Energy Pilot project. They were able to provide the following information on the progress of the project. 


 

University Of Maine Receives Grant To Develop Longer Offshore Wind Blades

The U.S. Commerce Department has awarded a $3 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the University of Maine to help equip the Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center with state-of-the-art wind energy technology.


 

Maine Firms to get over $5 million for clean energy research

The Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) and the engineering firm Stantec will get over $5 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) to help conduct new research to speed up the development of new offshore wind energy.

BRI, in Gorham, Maine, will get a $4.5 million federal grant to conduct new research on the movement of marine life in areas where new wind turbines could be built.

Stantec in Topsham, Maine, will receive $600,000 from the DOE to develop new technology to monitor bird and bat activity around proposed offshore wind developments.


 
paul
10/06/2011 - 10:37am
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An Update on the Maine Ocean Energy Pilot Project

From Paul Williamson

I recently met with the Maine Public Utility Commission to discuss the current development of the Maine 25MW Offshore Wind and Tidal Energy Pilot project. They were able to provide the following information on the progress of the project. 

The Maine PUC issued a request for proposals for offshore wind energy pilot projects and tidal energy demonstration projects September 2010.  The Maine PUC received serious bids from wind and tidal developers on May 1, 2011 and the Maine PUC staff has been involved in evaluating these proposals and meeting with bidders throughout the summer.   

Although the specific terms of the bids and the identities of the bidders are considered confidential at this time, the Maine PUC staff is continuing to work with the bidders to refine the details of the proposals and the pricing with the intention of developing term sheets for consideration by the full Commission.  The MPUC process is moving forward with the expectation that, by year end, the MPUC will be in a position to formally consider proposal term sheets and identify any proposals and developers with whom the PUC staff will proceed with long-term power purchase contract negotiations.
paul
10/06/2011 - 9:46am
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AWEA Offshore Wind Conference

MWII is exhibiting at AWEA Offshore in Baltimore, Oct 11-13 in the Maine Wind Pavilion.  If you are going to this exhibition & conference come visit us at booth 331.   Click Here for more on our Exhibiting Businesses
paul
09/29/2011 - 10:50am
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Maine Wind News Round up for August 2011

A brief news round up with links to full articles.

 

University Of Maine Receives Grant To Develop Longer Offshore Wind Blades

The U.S. Commerce Department has awarded a $3 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the University of Maine to help equip the Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center with state-of-the-art wind energy technology.

According to the EDA, the project will establish the U.S.' only facility capable of designing, manufacturing and testing prototype wind blades of up to 70 meters in length.


 

Department of the Interior Secretary Salazar visits the Advanced Structures and Composites Center

Senator Susan Collins invited U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Salazar to see first-hand the deepwater offshore wind research at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Dr. Habib Dagher led Salazar, Collins, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Ned Farquhar, Director of National Park Services John Jarvis, Director of the Maine Office of Energy Independence Ken Fletcher, and University of Maine President Paul Ferguson through the new Offshore Wind Laboratory. The tour highlighted the laboratory’s capabilities and the progress of the DeepCwind Consortium’s Research Program.

After the tour, Secretary Salazar expressed to the students, staff, and press his impressions of the tour. With new understanding of the economical, academic, and industrial potentials of deepwater offshore wind, Salazar promised to help streamline the leasing of federal waters for research and development of test sites and farms. “I don’t want to wait six months and I don’t want to wait a year,” he said. “Time is of the essence.”

For more information: www.deepcwind.org.

 

Plarad and NMCC train using advanced Tool Systems

Following up an a significant donation of advanced torque wrench systems to the Northern Maine Community College Wind Turbine Technician Program, Plarad visited NMCC this August to train staff on proper use of the tools. The tools are some of the most advanced in the industry and are design to capture labor efficiencies while ensuring quality and providing a automatic record of work completed.

For more on Plarad tools, www.plarad.com;


 

Maine Maritime Museum hosts wind exhibition

History has a way of repeating itself as a new age of harnessed wind has begun on the Maine coast.

From staff reports

BATH — The latest exhibition at the Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., demonstrates how for centuries, Maine residents have harnessed wind to propel commerce and how the desire for environmentally friendly energy sources has us turning toward the wind yet again. "Aloft! Topsails to Turbines" is on view from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 27.

 


Or for more information: 443-1316; mainemaritimemuseum.org

 

Record Hill Wind Components Arrive

WEST PARIS — A 240-foot wind turbine tower headed north on Route 26 recently was the third of 22 headed to the Record Hill wind project in Roxbury.

The towers, bases and blades are now being transported as they arrive by ship in Searsport, just northeast of Belfast on the Midcoast.

The wind farm is expected to produce 122 million kilowatt hours per year. The project was approved by the Department of Environmental Protection in 2009 and is expected to be producing green energy by the end of the year.


  

Maine Wind Project Wins $102 Million U.S. Loan Guarantee

The U.S. Department of Energy finalized a $102 million loan guarantee that will support construction of a 50.6-megawatt wind power plant and an 8-mile-long transmission line in Maine.

The Record Hill Wind project plans to add advanced sensor systems and processing technology to 22-turbines, which will allow them to operate in rough weather when other turbines would have to shut down.


 


Hurricane Irene and its Impact on Wind Farms

In the past decade, wind turbines have sprouted up along the East Coast in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York and Delaware. As more wind farms are built in coastal areas and even offshore a common question has been: How will turbines withstand hurricanes? Through the anecdotal stories below, we can conclude that wind turbines along the East Coast performed exceptionally well before, during and after Irene.


 

 

 

 
paul
09/07/2011 - 3:09pm
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Maine Wind News Roundup: July 2011


A brief round up in Maine Wind Industry News:

 Maine wind energy near 22 percent of 2015 goals
July 26, 2011

Maine is poised to surpass a milestone of 200 wind turbines by year's end with four grid-scale wind farm projects built in Maine. Two wind energy projects more are under construction.

After last week's ribbon-cutting at the Rollins wind farm in Penobscot County, Maine has four major wind farms, also including Kibby Mountain, Mars Hill and Stetson Mountain. Construction is under way at two more, Spruce Mountain in Woodstock and Record Hill near Rumford.

The Maine Renewable Energy Association says power produced from the entire completed or approved wind farm projects will put the state past 21 percent of the 2,000 megawatt wind power goal set by state law. Two other proposals for large wind farms are in permitting reviews.


 


July 21, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) rolled out legislation to provide critical financial incentives for the investment in offshore wind energy. Joining the Senators as cosponsors are Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

The Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act improves market stability by providing investment tax credits for the first 3,000 MW of offshore wind facilities placed into service. Senator Snowe: "This legislation provides a clear and consistent tax credit that will put our nation on the path to achieving our goal of operating 20 percent wind energy by 2030...”


 

Researchers Investigate Historical Objects at the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site

UMaine with Pemaquid Art & Science, Inc. and Ocean Surveys Inc. conducted a survey of the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site for potential submerged archaeological objects, such as remains of shipwrecks. They analyzed areas in the test site with water depth greater than 60 m (200 ft.) primarily using marine magnetometer and side scan sonar geophysical survey equipment. They also conducted high (chirp) and low (boomer) frequency sub-bottom profile surveys to identify sediment thickness.

The official report cited one possible artifact outside of the test site and construction area, but recommended, instead of further historic archaeological study, creating a buffer around the object.

For more visit www.deepcwind.org

 

DeepCwind Consortium’s First Internship Program a Success

The DeepCwind Education and Outreach team is conducting exit interviews with the interns and hosts who participated in the first consortium-wide internship program.

If your company or organization would like to participate in the program by hosting an intern during the summer of 2012, contact James Passanisi, Project Coordinator for Renewable Energy Curriculum at the University of Maine: 207.581.2249 and james.passanisi@umit.maine.edu.

For more visit www.deepcwind.org

 

Wind blade repair: Planning, safety, flexibility

An important challenge that is getting more attention among wind farm managers and the composites industry: wind blade maintenance and repair. These structures are exposed constantly to mechanical and heat load cycles. Each is struck by lightning at least once in its lifetime, must withstand the force of wind and all the debris it brings with it and, thus, must be regularly maintained to remain functional.

 

Tackling maintenance and repair issues and their increasing complexity were two speakers at CompositesWorld’s 2011 Wind and Ocean Energy Seminar, held in April in Portland, Maine: Malcolm Rosenow and Juan Borges.


 

This Month’s Maine Wind Company Profile:

Sargent Corporation is a 75 year old, family owned company that specializes is massive earthmoving projects. Over the years projects including Wind Power, Highways, Landfills, Environmental, Airports, Retail, and Utilities projects in New England and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Sargent has or is currently Constructing the following wind power projects: Mars Hill, Stetson I, Lempster NH, Kibby Mtn., Stetson II, and Record Hill Wind. Sargent provides consultant services to Owners and Developers prior to permit submission along with budget estimates.

See More about Sargent and other Maine Wind companies here:


 
paul
08/02/2011 - 2:18pm
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Maine Sen. Snowe & Delware Sen. Carper : Tax Credit Bill to Promote Offshore Wind Energy

July 21, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) rolled out legislation to provide critical financial incentives for the investment in offshore wind energy. Joining the Senators as cosponsors are Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). 

The Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act improves market stability by providing investment tax credits for the first 3,000 MW of offshore wind facilities placed into service. These tax credits are important because there is a much longer lead time for the permitting and construction of new offshore wind turbine technologies, compared to onshore wind energy. Companies awarded the tax credit have five years to install the project. It will not be possible to combine the tax credit with other related tax credits. 

"Offshore wind is an American resource that has enormous electricity generation potential that is more consistent than onshore wind while located adjacent to major cities," said Senator Snowe, "This legislation provides a clear and consistent tax credit that will put our nation on the path to achieving our goal of operating 20 percent wind energy by 2030 and develop an incentive for energy companies to invest in this breakthrough technology. I applaud Senator Carper's leadership in developing this legislation and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Finance Committee to enact this bill into law." Senator Snowe is a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee which provides oversight over tax issues. 

"This legislation is essential to encourage the continued growth of this fledgling industry," said Sen. Carper. "Guaranteeing these tax incentives for the first 3,000 MW will spur the industry to get these projects up and running, and encourage further development even in these challenging economic times. This support will allow companies like NRG Bluewater Wind to continue to invest in clean, stable wind energy off our nation's shores in places like Delaware. Harnessing our nation's offshore wind will give us reliable, clean energy; create good-paying American jobs in manufacturing and construction; and reduce harmful pollution that damages our lungs and impacts our climate." 

The potential environmental and economic benefits for the US are impressive. The University of Delaware calculates the winds off the Atlantic Coast have the potential of generating 330 Giga-watts of power. That is equal to approximately 300 nuclear or large coal power plants. The University of Maine estimates that as many as 15,000 new jobs can be created by reaching the official state goals of 5 GW of offshore wind.  

"Offshore wind has great promise to generate tremendous amounts of clean, affordable energy," said Senator Menendez. "This targeted, temporary incentive will be critical in jumpstarting the industry and creating thousands of jobs." 

"An investment in offshore wind energy is an investment in our country's economic future and national security," said Senator Coons. "I've seen the opportunities from the NRG Bluewater Wind project off Delaware's coast and understand the hurdles this company and many other developers are facing to get their projects off the ground. However, I'm encouraged by this bipartisan legislation to expand offshore wind energy through targeted tax incentives. By tapping the offshore wind energy sector, we are further ensuring our country remains a leader in clean, renewable energy development that will create a wealth of new high-tech jobs in the region." 

"While offshore wind has the potential to create good jobs, limit our dependence on foreign sources of energy, and reduce carbon pollution, the industry needs the long-term planning horizon this bill would provide," said Senator Whitehouse. "Sites such as Quonset Point in Rhode Island stand ready to create jobs by building turbines for offshore wind farms, creating a new domestic manufacturing industry and bringing much-needed economic development." 

 There are offshore wind projects proposed and being permitted in Delaware, Rhode Island, and New Jersey Massachusetts, Maine and the Great Lakes states.
paul
08/02/2011 - 1:45pm
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DeepCwind Consortium's Classroom Activity Receives Teacher Feedback

K-12 teachers from around Maine gathered at the Engineering in STEM Education: Pedagogy, Pathways, and Planning Conference June 21 in Northport where representatives from the DeepCwind Consortium discussed their program. The team shared progress of the high school summer internship program and Windstorm Challenge, and then presented the Inventing a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Platform Activity. Teachers had the opportunity to comment about the curriculum: how it integrates into the classroom, cooperation with the Maine Learning Results, and ways to improve statewide accessibility of the programs.


FMI visit deepcwind.org.
paul
07/12/2011 - 1:48pm
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First Wind pursues plan for farm on Bowers Mountain

LINCOLN, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --- State regulators are holding public hearings on a company's plan to build a new wind project.


 


First Wind, an energy company based in Boston, wants to place 27 wind turbines on the Bowers Mountain ridge line from Carroll Plantation to Kossuth Township.


Read the Full Story


 


 
paul
07/12/2011 - 1:46pm
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Researchers Investigate Using Composites to Lower Floating Offshore Wind Costs

DeepCwind Consortium researchers at the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center are integrating composite materials into deepwater floating offshore wind structures. Many wind turbine components are composed of steel, which is both heavy and expensive. As offshore turbines grow larger, the substructures are expected to increase in size and therefore cost. Researchers believe that composites may be a suitable alternative to steel by lightening the weight of the larger turbines, which will have a trickle down effect on the weight and resulting cost of the substructure. In addition to weight savings, composites offer the increased corrosion resistance and durability in a marine environment.


FMI visit deepcwind.org
paul
07/12/2011 - 1:43pm
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Ocean Energy Conference in Portland Draws Hundreds

06/14/2011


The two-day conference is drawing participants from across the globe for a look at all aspects of offshore renewable energy.


Hundreds of stakeholders from the ocean energy industry converged on Portland this morning for the start of a two-day international conference looking at every aspect of offshore renewable energy.


 Many regard Maine as a leader in the field of offshore wind power, thanks largely to research being done at the University of Maine.


 The conference's keynote speaker, Dr. Christopher Hart, offshore wind manager with the U.S. Department of Energy, says securing large-scale investment is key to achieving this goal.


Read the Full Story


 
paul
07/12/2011 - 1:38pm
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Economic development in offshore power touted at closing day of Energy Ocean International conference

 


     Gov. Paul LePage's energy czar on June 16th said the administration sees economic development potential from the development of offshore energy. 


     In recent weeks, there have been various media reports on exactly where LePage's administration stood on the development of offshore wind, in particular. At the closing day of the EnergyOcean International 2011 conference, Kenneth Fletcher, director of the governor's Office of Energy Independence and Security, spoke to clarify the administration's stance.


"I think the real opportunity we see, the administration sees, is through our research and development, manufacturing and assembly - we would like to have Maine become the pre-emptive leader, at least on the East Coast," said Fletcher.


Read the Full Story


 
paul
07/12/2011 - 1:33pm
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2011 Wind Blade and Wind Storm Challenge Winners

University of Maine and Maine Composites Alliance Announce Winners of the 2011 Maine

Wind Blade Challenge and DeepCwind Consortium’s Windstorm Challenge.

ORONO, Maine –May 13, 2011- The University of Maine’s AEWC Advanced Structures and

Composites Center and the Maine Composites Alliance (MCA) with the Maine Wind Industry

Initiative (MWII) welcomed students from schools all across Maine to the third annual Maine Wind

Blade Challenge and to the first DeepCwind Consortium’s Windstorm Challenge on Friday, May 13.

More than 300 students from over 30 schools competed at the events.

 

The Maine Wind Blade Challenge was developed by Maine Composites Alliance in partnership with

the Advanced Structures and Composites Center and the Maine Wind Industry Initiative to inspire

student exploration of alternative energy and advanced materials by participating in a hands-on

application of math, science and engineering. The Wind Blade Challenge partnered high school

teams with Maine advanced composites manufacturers to research, design, and manufacture model

wind blades. Each team competed to generate the most energy over a 2-minute period and their

presentations illustrating their research, design, and engineering processes were judged.

 

The Windstorm Challenge asked teams of middle and high school students to design and construct

a floating platform for a scale model wind turbine and deliver a business plan and sales pitch to a

panel of expert judges. Teams were critiqued on technical feasibility and aesthetic design of their

platform, as well as the quality of their sales pitch.

 

Wind Blade Challenge results: A team of seven students from Jay High School placed 1st; a team of

two from Region 10 Technical School in Brunswick placed 2nd; and a class from Westbrook High

School placed 3rd.

 

Windstorm Challenge results: Team “Ace of Spades” from the Maine School of Science and

Mathematics placed 1st; Team “Floating Ducks” from Mt. Blue High School placed 2nd; and “Team

Syracuse” from Lake Region High School placed 3rd.

 

The two winning teams were awarded an internship worth up to $20,000. Acceptance of the

internship award requires enrollment at the University of Maine and entails four years of work at

the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. More information about both challenges can be
paul
06/06/2011 - 3:02pm
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Maine Wind Week

The second annual Maine Wind Energy Week May 9-15.

 

For the 2nd year, the second week of May is officially Maine Wind Week with a number of public activities to allow Maine citizens to learn more about wind energy in Maine. These activities include opportunities for the public to meet companies involved in creating wind energy projects as well as understand the technology involved in creating these products. The following is a brief schedule and description of events.

 

Maine Wind Blade Challenge, May 13th, University of Maine, Orono. The 3rd annual Maine Wind Blade & Storm Challenge will be hosted by the University of Maine AWEC Advanced Structures and Composite Center and the Maine Composites Alliance in partnership with the Maine Wind Industry Initiative. School Teams are invited to design and build the most efficient wind blades which will be tested in a competitive setting. For the first time this year the competition will include the Wind Storm Challenge, a floating wind turbine design competition. The event includes exhibitions and demonstrations from Maine wind and composite companies. www.mainewindbladechallenge.com; www.windstormchallenge.com.

 

NMCC Wind Technician Graduation, May 14th Presque Isle Maine. The first class of students from the new Northern Maine Community College Wind Technician Program will graduate earning recognized associates degrees. NMCC's Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the Forum.  http://www.nmcc.edu/media/download_gallery/NR11055.pdf 

 

 

2011 East Grand Adventure Race, May 14th, Danforth Maine. The East Grand Adventure Race, hosted by the East Grand High School Outdoor Education Program, is an exciting multifaceted race that includes mountain biking, orienteering, climbing and canoeing. The biking leg of the adventure runs along the magnificent highlands for the Stetson Mountain Wind Project and is sponsored by First Wind. During this leg participants enjoy a close up experience of wind turbines generating clean energy for Maine. http://www.eastgrandschool.org/adventure-race.

 

Movie Premier: Wind Energy in Maine: Clean, Renewable, and Homegrown; May 15th, Penobscot Theater, Bangor Maine.  The second Annual Maine Wind Week will culminate with the premier showing of Wind Energy in Maine, a film looking at the efforts to develop clean renewable energy here in Maine using local talents and resources with a look Maine’s future generations. The film trailer can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5VKMuyziNQ&feature=youtu.be. 
paul
05/10/2011 - 9:57am
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The University of Maine-led DeepCwind Consortium to test 1:50 scale model deepwater floating offshore wind platforms

Wageningen, THE NETHERLANDS– Students and researchers from the University of Maine are traveling to The Netherlands in April and May to test three scale model deepwater floating offshore wind platforms as part of the DeepCwind Consortium research initiative. The results will be used to design deepwater offshore wind farms in the Gulf of Maine.

Over the course of six weeks, students and researchers will subject three 1:50 scale model platforms to wind and wave testing at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN). The model design and construction was led by Dr. Richard Kimball of Maine Maritime Academy with the help of University of Maine Civil and Structural Engineering graduate student Heather R. Martin, two undergraduate students, Eulan Patterson (dual major in Electrical and Computer Engineering) and Rachael Joyce (Civil and Structural Engineering), and consultant and UMaine graduate Ryan Beaumont. All three students are Maine natives. Dr. Andrew Goupee, research engineer at the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center, is overseeing the testing.

The researchers will spend 16-hour days subjecting the scale models to scaled wind and wave tests that mimic the Gulf of Maine in side-by-side comparison tests. No such data has ever before been created. The testing is funded by a National Science Foundation-Partnerships for Innovation grant.

Contact: Elizabeth Viselli at elizabeth.viselli@umit.maine.edu

(207) 581-2831
paul
04/19/2011 - 10:48am
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Model Floating Turbine and Platform Testing Advances

The DeepCwind Consortium researchers for floating turbine design and lab testing will be taking a 1:50 scale model floating turbine and platform to Marin, a wave basin testing facility in the Netherlands. The testing will proceed in three phases: first, a fixed-base turbine with wind; second, a turbine atop a floating platform with waves; and third, a turbine atop a floating platform with combined wind and waves. The objective of the tests is to validate numerical models for floating wind turbines, which is critical to the design and optimization of these structures.

FMI visit deepcwind.org.
paul
02/07/2011 - 10:24am
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DeepCwind Wind Consortium’s Design and Testing Team Heads to MIT

The DeepCwind Consortium researchers for floating turbine design and lab testing are preparing a 1:130 scale turbine to test at the Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel on the MIT campus in Massachusetts in February. Researchers will test the turbine at a variety of wind speeds and blade pitch angles. Torque and the resulting power generation will be measured and used to inform numerical modeling and design of a 1:50 scale model to be tested in April.

FMI visit deepcwind.org.
paul
02/07/2011 - 10:23am
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JOINT UMAINE/OCEAN ENERGY INSTIUTE INITIATIVE TO HONOR SIMMONS LEGACY, FURTHER OCEAN ENERGY OBJECTIVES

Jan. 23, 2010

  

ROCKLAND -- A generous donation from the family of the late Matthew R.

Simmons, the founder and chair of the Ocean Energy Institute (OEI), along with all the gifts from friends and colleagues given to OEI in his memory, will create opportunities for the University of Maine to further the OEI objectives rooted in his visionary perspectives on the vast potential of ocean resources to provide clean energy options.

 

UMaine will establish a Matthew R. Simmons Ocean Energy Initiative Fund in its development office to pick up the OEI mantle and support work that will advance ocean energy research and development, education, commercialization and outreach efforts.

 

The Ocean Energy Institute itself will cease operations on January 31, 2011.

 

Matthew Simmons founded OEI in 2007 to create a think tank to promote the various forms of ocean energy. He was a leading oil and gas energy investment banker who saw the need for renewable ocean energy to help reduce the world's dependency on supply-dependent fossil fuels.

 

His untimely August 2010 death constituted a "major loss" for the institute, according to managing director Robert West.

 

"Matt was an internationally known visionary leader, and a major supporter of renewable energy efforts," West says. "This collaboration with UMaine will serve as a fitting tribute and will provide useful ways for OEI and its advocates to support UMaine's internationally recognized ocean energy research initiatives."

 

UMaine's relevant key initiatives include its central place in the DeepCwind Consortium, which brings together private sector concerns, nonprofits and universities to further establish Maine's national leadership role in deepwater offshore wind research and technology development.

 

"Matt's leadership was instrumental in focusing attention and resources on ocean-based energy sources," says UMaine President Robert Kennedy, who is an OEI board member.  "The initiative that bears his name will help us foster the collaborative arrangements involving public and private sector entities that will help our state continue as an established leader in this vital area.  We are proud to continue OEI's work and we are most thankful for the generosity of Ellen Simmons, the entire Simmons family and all those associated with OEI."

 

OEI will close its Rockland offices and transfer all its assets, including Matthew Simmons' library of works, to UMaine's AEWC Advanced Structures and Composites Center, which is home to UMaine's research and development activity in deepwater offshore wind.

 

"We will continue to forge ahead with Matt's vision to create ocean energy opportunities for our state, nation and world," says Habib Dagher, director of the UMaine center and the DeepCwind Consortium.

"Matt was a wonderful friend, a brilliant businessman and a great leader with whom we shared a common vision. We are particularly thankful to the Simmons family for entrusting us to carry on Matt's legacy."

 

Among its accomplishments since 2007, The Ocean Energy Institute was instrumental in identifying the vast potential for offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine and advocating for its development and use for the benefit of the people of Maine. OEI's and UMaine's early findings spurred the establishment of the Ocean Energy Task Force in 2008-2009, leading to policy, legislation, and the establishment of offshore ocean energy test sites.  OEI supported the early development of the DeepCwind program at UMaine. Its efforts were recognized in June when Simmons and the Institute received the 2010 Energy Ocean Pioneer Award for Education. UMaine received that same award in 2009.
paul
02/07/2011 - 10:21am
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A conversation with outgoing Gov. John Baldacci


By Kevin Miller, BDN Staff


Posted Nov. 19, 2010, at 11:04 p.m.

...Baldacci’s interest in working on energy issues post-governor is no secret. He has made development of renewable energy — particularly wind energy — a major focal point of his administration even before the oil crisis of 2008 when “going green” became a national trend.

The administration enacted rules to expedite the regulatory review process for land-based wind farms — much to the dismay of the industry’s critics and some landowners — and has also sought to streamline the permitting process for projects that tap into the winds and tides in the Gulf of Maine to produce electricity.

The Baldacci administration has touted the use of biomass energy and invested large sums in household and commercial weatherization projects.

“I want us to maximize those resources so that we can become more energy dependent on our own resources and not dependent on others, and I think that’s what our country needs to do more of,” Baldacci said.

“I’m very passionate about that and I care about that. So I would imagine wherever I’m located I will try to continue to espouse those themes.”

 
paul
11/22/2010 - 9:35am
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Statoil To Divest From Land Projects To Further Focus On Offshore Wind

Norwegian-based oil and gas company Statoil has decided to further focus on offshore wind turbines as part of its strategy for renewable energy. The decision reflects the strong international growth in this segment, according to the company.
 

 


 
paul
11/12/2010 - 9:31am
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Maine to Host World's Leading Ocean Energy Conference in 2011

Maine to Host World's Leading Ocean Energy Conference in 2011,

Maine Wind Industry Initiative to Partner

Houston: November 3, 2010 - Maine will once again host the EnergyOcean

International Conference, the world's premier event focused on renewable and sustainable

energy from the oceans. June 14 – 16, 2011, technologists, regulators, financiers and

policy makers from around the world will gather in Portland, Maine at the Holiday Inn by

the Bay to share and discuss opportunities for the market of renewable ocean-based

energy.

EnergyOcean International 2011 will also partner with the Maine Wind Industry

Initiative (MWII) which is focused on organizing Maine’s wind industry interests. MWII

acts as a knowledge transfer network linking opportunities to Maine companies, relates

industry needs to the state and federal government and acts as a communication hub for

representing Maine-based industrial partners in the wind energy industry.

"Maine is becoming a leader in renewable energy," said Governor John E. Baldacci. "We

have a competitive advantage with our great potential for tidal, wave, and off-shore wind

energy and I am excited about sharing our developments with the world once again in

2011."

In 2009, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) was the

platinum sponsor of the EnergyOcean International Conference which was hosted at the

Samoset Resort in Rockport. The event was deemed a great success by the organizers,

exhibitors and attendees. Nearly 600 people attended the event, a 90 percent increase

from the year before.

"Hosting EnergyOcean 2009 was a tremendous accomplishment for Maine," said DECD

Commissioner Thaxter Trafton. "DECD was the responsible for recruiting both the 2009

and 2011conferences to Maine; our hard work has paid off and we're extremely pleased

to have the opportunity to showcase Maine's impressive innovation, R&D and ocean

energy potential again at next year's EnergyOcean International Conference."
paul
11/05/2010 - 9:53am
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U.S. Offshore Wind Industry Reaches Major Milestone

By Peter Asmus at Matter Network


Wed Oct 13, 2010 10:00am EDT


The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) sponsored a conference last week in Atlantic City, New Jersey, attracting roughly 1,500 attendees from around the globe, with heavy representation from European turbine manufacturers such as Vestas, Gamesa, REPower and Siemens, firms that dominate sales in today's major offshore markets such as the United Kingdom and Denmark.


Maine has a special deepwater offshore program focused on 30 MW of pioneering projects that validate new foundation and installation technologies.


To read the full article: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS90650730020101013
paul
10/14/2010 - 8:54am
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Supply Chain Entry Workshop



November 4th, 2010, 9am in Portland

‘Working with the German Wind Industry: how to enter the supply chain’ 


German companies share their experiences on how to become a supplier for the Wind Industry, including for Offshore Wind Farms and how to work with project developers, investors and installers.


Working together, Germans and Americans can be a powerful motor for transatlantic and broader global cooperation on climate and energy policies. The Transatlantic Climate Bridge Initiative works to connect all those who seek to make a difference - at the local, the state and the federal level. The aim is to support platforms and partnerships that help Americans and Germans exchange their know-how and to pave the way for joint solutions. Find more:www.transatlantic-climate-bridge.org.


This event is part of the International Trade Seminars offered by the Maine International Trade Center and as part of the Transatlantic Climate Bridge Initiative, sponsored by the German Foreign Office through its Consulate General in Boston.


9:00am-12:00pm , location: Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street, Portland.
paul
09/29/2010 - 12:54pm
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Report Recommends Redirecting Oil And Gas Subsidies To Offshore Wind Development

by NAW Staff on Tuesday 28 September 2010


A new report from the nonprofit organization Oceana indicates that oil and gas exploration should be replaced by offshore wind development on the East Coast, an area targeted for expansion of oil and gas activities.

The report, "Untapped Wealth: Offshore Wind Can Deliver Cleaner, More Affordable Energy and More Jobs Than Offshore Oil," says that offshore wind can generate nearly 30% more electricity than offshore oil and gas resources combined.


Full Story At : http://www.nawindpower.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.6613
paul
09/29/2010 - 10:22am
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CMP's parent: Wind power development hinges on Maine policies

If Maine signals that it’s no longer friendly to wind power, he said, the global energy company will expand elsewhere.



GORHAM — The parent company of Central Maine Power Co. wants to develop large wind energy projects in Maine after the $1.4 billion upgrade of CMP’s transmission grid is finished in five years.



But any investments will hinge in part on policies that continue to support wind power development, said Ignacio Galan, chairman of Iberdrola Group. Reed the full story at:


http://www.pressherald.com/news/CMPs-parent-Wind-power-development-hinges-on-Maine-policies.html
paul
09/29/2010 - 8:44am
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New Foreign Investment Attaché in Maine

September 7, 2010     

The Maine International Trade Center (MITC) is pleased to announce the contracting of Annette Bossler as the state’s new Foreign Investment Attaché and Managing Director of the Invest in Maine initiative. Ms. Bossler brings over twenty years of professional experience in Asia, U.S. and Europe, fluency in German and Japanese, and experience working for the renewable energy sector in Maine, to this role.  As the Managing Director for Invest in Maine she will head the Foreign Investment Initiative for Maine’s Advanced Materials & Renewable Energy Industries.

 

The Invest in Maine initiative is designed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) dollars to Maine by attracting capital infusions to growing Maine companies, and by increasing industrial capacity by encouraging development of new operations in Maine. This initiative is supported by Maine industry, universities, and government and is designed to connect Maine with key investment markets in Europe and Asia for Maine’s advanced materials and renewable energy industries.  The ultimate goal of this initiative is to create a self-sustaining global FDI presence for the State of Maine that can be utilized by all growing industries in Maine.

 

“This new project is the next evolution of the Trade Center’s mission of using international connections to grow the state’s economy,” says Janine Bisaillon-Cary, president of the Trade Center. “Following on the success of last year’s trade mission to Spain and Germany, which focused heavily on renewable energy and composites, several delegations of potential investors visited and met with companies and project developers. To us, this demonstrated a strong interest in exploring Maine as a North American location for European businesses – and bringing on Annette allows us to continue that momentum and be proactive in our approach.”

 

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in 2007, there are approximately 100 foreign-owned companies in Maine. Maine affiliates of foreign entities own $6.25 billion of real and personal property, and employ 27,700 Maine people.   Top foreign investment countries include Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

 

The Invest in Maine initiative is a project of the Maine International Trade Center, with financial support from the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, the Maine Technology Institute, and the private sector. For more information, please contact Janine Bisaillon-Cary at jbcary@mitc.com or Wade Merritt at merritt@mitc.com.
paul
09/24/2010 - 10:21am
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MPUC Issues RFP For Offshore Projects

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has released a request for proposals (RFP) for offshore wind and tidal renewable energy projects. The Maine State Legislature passed a law this year based on the recommendations of the governor's Ocean Energy Task Force, which is designed to facilitate the development of such offshore wind or tidal projects. Initial proposals are to be submitted to the MPUC by May 1, 2011.

The law directs the MPUC to conduct a competitive solicitation for proposals for long-term contracts to supply installed capacity, associated renewable energy supply, and renewable energy credits from deepwater offshore wind energy pilot projects or tidal energy demonstration projects.

As specified in the new law, the MPUC may authorize one or more long-term contracts for an aggregate total of no more than 30 MW from these projects as long as no more than 5 MW of the total is supplied by tidal energy demonstration projects.

For more information, visitmaine.gov.

SOURCE: The Maine Public Utilities Commission
paul
09/08/2010 - 9:01am
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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
paul
08/24/2010 - 11:50am
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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
paul
08/23/2010 - 1:52pm
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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
paul
08/11/2010 - 5:30am
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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
paul
08/04/2010 - 11:47am
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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


 
paul
07/30/2010 - 9:53am
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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
paul
07/29/2010 - 12:28pm
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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


 
paul
07/28/2010 - 4:07pm
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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
paul
07/28/2010 - 1:35pm
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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
paul
07/26/2010 - 7:51am
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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.xmlwww.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx
paul
07/14/2010 - 9:59am
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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
paul
07/12/2010 - 9:33am
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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


 
paul
07/12/2010 - 8:21am
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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
paul
07/12/2010 - 5:41am
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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
paul
07/06/2010 - 10:51am
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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:
paul
06/29/2010 - 10:05am
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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:
paul
06/29/2010 - 10:05am
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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
paul
06/21/2010 - 10:38am
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Company wants hydropower facility in Cobscook Bay

 

6/9/10






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.
paul
06/10/2010 - 1:41pm
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Maine Joins Offshore Wind Consortium

Partnership Will Work to Streamline Development of New Energy Resource

&
 
  
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.
paul
06/09/2010 - 8:17am
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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
paul
06/04/2010 - 12:58pm
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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
paul
06/02/2010 - 10:41am
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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/
paul
06/01/2010 - 9:24am
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Wind Farms: Are All the Best Spots Taken? "The Maine Opportunity"

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



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

 
paul
06/01/2010 - 8:36am
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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 7th and 8th grades spent six weeks last fall studying wind power and building their own wind turbines, and the 11th and 12th 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/
paul
04/29/2010 - 3:12pm
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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.
paul
04/09/2010 - 2:37pm
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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)trackingBy 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
paul
04/02/2010 - 8:51am
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Nine Offshore Wind Farms Announced will Offset 40 to 80 Million Tonnes of CO2 per Year

 Offshore wind farms

 

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
paul
03/09/2010 - 8:28am
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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/
paul
03/05/2010 - 10:03am
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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


paul
03/04/2010 - 10:56pm
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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

 
paul
03/03/2010 - 11:13am
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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.
paul
02/23/2010 - 11:16pm
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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
paul
02/20/2010 - 9:16pm
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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
paul
02/19/2010 - 11:52pm
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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.” 
paul
02/19/2010 - 4:34pm
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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:



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.
paul
01/30/2010 - 5:02pm
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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.
dakers
12/09/2009 - 1:53pm
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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
dakers
12/09/2009 - 1:46pm
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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
dakers
12/09/2009 - 1:42pm