Offshore Wind Port FAQ’s:
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Why Offshore Wind?
A critical clean energy resource: Compared to solar or land-based, offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine is stronger and more consistent, and will be necessary to produce more than two thirds of the clean energy we’ll need to power our homes and transportation, and meet our climate and clean energy goals. It’s home-grown, stable and affordable amidst increasing energy price spikes.
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Why Maine?
Building a port to launch decades of work: A specialized deep-water port is necessary to build the Maine Research Array and any subsequent commercial-scale project. Maine could build the first such port in the US and supply floating foundations for the entire east coast, anchoring thousands of quality manufacturing, fabrication, construction and maritime jobs for decades.
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What Does This Mean for Maine's Economy?
Growing our communities with good-paying, local jobs: Offshore wind projects will stimulate billions in private sector investment in Maine’s ports, businesses, and local communities. LD 1895 ensures that thousands of good-paying union jobs — from manufacturing, fabrication and construction to maritime, operations and maintenance — with commitments to hiring and training a local workforce.
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How Will This Impact Maine's Fisheries?
Protecting and investing in commercial fisheries: Offshore wind has been tested and refined for 30 years in northern Europe, and can be responsibly sited in the Gulf of Maine to protect wildlife, avoid impacts to local lobstering and fishing families, and protect this shared resource for future generations. The labor-enviro coalition that passed LD 1895 worked extensively with the fishing community, elected officials, and the federal government to ensure that offshore wind is located outside of Lobster Management Area 1, where the vast majority of fishing occurs..
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Where Will a Port Be Located?
Rigorous port planning: After thorough evaluation over the last two years by experts and public stakeholders through the Offshore Wind Port Advisory Group, two sites in Searsport — Mack Point and Sears Island— continue to be evaluated for suitability. In February 2024, Governor Mills announced that the State of Maine believes that a state-owned parcel of land on Sears Island is best suited to develop a port, however all viable alternatives will be evaluated over the course of the Federal permitting process.
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What's Next?
Maine’s clean energy future: the State of Maine recently applied for a $456 million Grant to build a port in the Midcoast. The State plans to submit Federal and State permit applications some time in 2024, with the hope of port construction breaking ground in 2026-27. Permitting for the research array has recently been given a green light, and the lease area in the Gulf of Maine where the turbines will be generating electricity will be up for auction this fall. Maine’s commitment to clean energy generation is becoming a reality!